Holy spirit gift of discernment

HOLY SPIRIT GIFT OF DISCERNMENT
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Question: "What is the spiritual gift of discerning spirits?"
Answer: The gift of discerning spirits, or “distinguishing” spirits, is one of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit described in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Like all these gifts, the gift of discerning
spirits is given by the Holy Spirit, who disperses these gifts to believers for service in the
body of Christ. Every believer has a spiritual enablement for a specific service, but there is
no room for self-choosing. The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts according to the sovereignty
of God and in accordance with His plan to edify the body of Christ. He gives His gifts “just
as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
When it comes to the gift of discerning spirits, every born-again believer has a certain
amount of discernment, which increases as the believer matures in the Spirit. In Hebrews
5:13-14 we read that a believer who has matured beyond using the milk of the Word as a
babe in Christ is able to discern both good and evil. The maturing believer is empowered
by the Spirit of God through the Scriptures to tell the difference between good and evil,
and, beyond that, he can also distinguish between what is good and what is better. In other
words, any born-again believer who chooses to focus on the Word of God is spiritually
discerning.
There are certain believers, however, who have the spiritual gift of discerning spirits—that
is, the God-given ability to distinguish between the truth of the Word and the deceptive
doctrines propagated by demons. We are all exhorted to be spiritually discerning (Acts
17:11; 1 John 4:1), but some in the body of Christ have been given the unique ability to
spot the doctrinal “forgeries” that have plagued the church since the first century. This
discernment does not involve mystical, extra-biblical revelations or a voice from God.
Rather, the spiritually discerning are so familiar with the Word of God that they instantly
recognize what is contrary to it. They do not receive special messages from God; they use
the Word of God to “test the spirits” to see which line up with God and which are in

opposition to Him. The spiritually discerning are diligent to “rightly divide” (2 Timothy
2:15) the Word of God.
There are diversities of gifts in equipping the body of Christ, but those diversities are
meant for the edification and building of that body as a whole (Ephesians 4:12). And the
success of that body is dependent upon all parts of the body faithfully fulfilling their tasks
as God has enabled them. No spiritual gift should be used to domineer others or claim for
oneself a special anointing from God. Rather, the love of God is to guide our use of the
spiritual gifts to edify each other in the Lord.
Spiritual Gift of Discernment
The spiritual gift of discernment is also known as the gift of “discernment of spirits” or
“distinguishing between spirits.” The Greek word for the gift of discernment is Diakrisis.
The word describes being able to distinguish, discern, judge or appraise a person,
statement, situation, or environment. In the New Testament it describes the ability to
distinguish between spirits as in 1 Corinthians 12:10, and to discern good and evil as in
Hebrews 5:14.
The Holy Spirit gives the gift of discernment to enable certain Christians to clearly
recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world, and the flesh in a
given situation. The church needs those with this gift to warn believers in times of danger
or keepthem from being led astray by false teaching.
See also I Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:3-6; 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1
Discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to perceive the
source of a spiritual manifestation and determine whether it is of God (Acts 10:30-35), of
the devil (Acts 16:16-18), of man (Acts 8:18-23), or of the world. It is not mind reading,
psychic phenomena, or the ability to criticize and find fault.

Discerning of spirits must be done by the power of the Holy Spirit; He bears witness with
our spirit when something is or is not of God. The gift of discerning of spirits is the
supernatural power to detect the realm of the spirits and their activities. It implies the
power of spiritual insight - the supernatural revelation of plans and purposes of the enemy
and his forces. It is a gift which protects and guards your Christian life.
How to Test a Spirit
You can discern or test whether or not a spirit is of God by the following three ways:
1
Observing what a person does. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus explains that false prophets are
known by their fruit - by their conduct and actions.
2
Observing whether or not a person exalts Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as Lord and
Saviour (I Corinthians 12:3).
3
By listening to what a person says (I John 4:1-3). Does their confession line up with the
truth of God's Word?
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church
Course: The Gifts of the Spirit
Lesson8
LessonTitle: Discerning of spirits

LessonText ‘to another discerning of spirits;’ 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Introduction: What is the gift of the Discerning of spirits?
Discerning – Greek ‘diakrisis’ which means ‘to distinguish between’.
It is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to clearly distinguish spirits.
There is no gift called ‘the deliverance from evil spirits’.
Authority has been given to believers to cast out devils in the name of Jesus.
Discerning of spirits is sometimes necessary to know what spirit is influencing or
controlling an individual.
Satan works in the dark.
It is difficult for the powers of darkness to work evil when the works come to light.
An evil spirit seeks anonymity to work evil without hindrance.
Evil spirits are like insects that always seek to hide in the dark.
When they are brought to light they seek the darkness.
If the devil comes as an angel of light he is hiding his true identity.
Once an evil spirit is recognised it will run for the darkness.
The word spirits is the Greek word ‘pneuma’ which literally means ‘wind or breath’.
This word is used in reference to the Holy Spirit, the spirit or inner life of a person, an evil
spirit, or an angelic being.
Discerning of spirits is the gift of the Holy Spirit that will reveal the nature of a spirit.
In regard to the Holy Spirit there should be no need for a special gift to recognise Him.

The gift is necessary to recognise evil spirits and sometimes to recognise the presence of
angels who are sent as ministering spirits.
Angels are sent to help believers especially during times of difficulty or to help believers
fulfil a particular task.
The gift of discerning of spirits is given so that we will know what is happening in the
unseen spirit realm.
An insight into this world is given in Ezekiel 8:7-12.
Ezekiel chapter 8:7-12
Ezekiel was shown a secret place not far from the Temple (the place of worship).
He went into this secret place and saw ‘wicked abominations’.
It was a habitation of devils.
In this place he saw 70 elders worshipping the idols on the wall.
It was not the young men but the old men who were there.
The Lord said to Ezekiel this is what the elders are doing in the imagination of their minds.
These idols are described in Galatians 5 under the works of the flesh: immorality;
occultism; hatred and murder; revelling.
The old men were not doing this openly they were doing it in the secret place of their
minds.
Nobody could see it.
But through the imagination they were dwelling in this evil secret place.
Testimony: The danger of relaxing the guard on our thoughts.
It can be relaxing to let down the guard on our mind and enjoy the pleasure of sinful
thoughts.
Preachers and Christian leaders have fallen into sin because they went into the devil’s
secret place in the imagination of their mind.

Thoughts that begin with immorality can then be led by a wrong spirit into deeper areas of
sin and into the ream of occultism.
It is therefore essential for believers who have entered into this secret place of the devil to
run from it.
The devil always works in the dark, he hates the light.
If a Christian has become entangled in the sins of the imagination – pornography etc. then
he must first repent which means ‘change our thinking’ then ‘turn away from it’ and
finally confess it which means do not hide the sin but openly talk to other believers about it.
A good way to do it is to talk to someone about Ezekiel 8:7-12 and express your personal
problem.
When you
1) resist the temptation to sin in your mind and
2) resist the devil by not hiding your sin but
3) confessing it as you
4) fellowship with other believers
then the devil will flee from you in the same way that an insect that is revealed hiding
under a rock will flee to the darkness.
There is freedom in confession but this is not secret confession that works in the dark, but
where we confess to one another.
Confession in the light of Christian fellowship.
Main Points
1. The Gift of Discerning of Spirits in scripture
In the Old Testament

Elisha and his servant
2 Kings 6:17, ‘And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may
see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the
mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.’
Discerning of angelic beings - Elisha prayed ‘open his eyes’ and he saw a host of angels
surrounding the Syrian army.
The eyes of the servant were opened so that he saw the unseen spirit realm.
In this instance the gift enabled the young man to see angels.
In the Gospels
Woman with a spirit of infirmity
Luke 13:10-13, ‘And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And,
behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed
together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to
him, and said unto her, Woman, you art loosed from your infirmity. And he laid his hands
on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.’
Sickness is sometimes caused by a spirit of infirmity.
Discerning of spirits enables the believer to recognise a spirit of affliction.
Jesus loosedthe woman from the spirit of infirmity and immediately she could straighten
her back.
This was deliverance and the effect was immediate.
The Boy with a deaf and dumb spirit, Mark 9:16-27.
A father brought his son to Jesus.
The boy could not speak (Mark 9:17).
The father knew the boy had an evil spirit (Mark 9:18).
Jesus called the spirit a ‘deaf and dumb spirit’, so obviously the boy could not hear either
(Mark 9:25).

The spirit caused the boy to ‘foam at the mouth; gnash with his teeth; and to pine which
literally means to be like a withered branch’ (Mark 9:18). The spirit was destroying the
boy physically.
The boy was suicidal because the spirit often caused him to throw himself into a fire to be
burnt, or into water to drown (Mark 9:22).
The boy had become like this when he was a child.
The disciples were unable to deliver the boy.
The disciples at this time had a delegated authority but Jesus was the ‘anointed One’.
Jesus told the disciples this kind comes not out but by prayer and fasting.
Fasting is an aid to prayer.
Deliverance comes through the anointing and prayer.
From the time the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost in Acts 2 the disciples carried the same
anointing as Jesus and were able to do the same works.
2. Testimonies concerning the operation of the gift.
Missions: Pastor Hsi
Pastor Hsi was a Chinese Pastor in the 19th century.
On one occasion he prayed for a woman with an evil spirit.
The woman was set free but the evil spirit followed Hsi to a man who had been dying but
was recovering.
Hsi had, without thinking, given the spirit permission to follow him.
Within a short time after Hsi came into the presence of the sick man, he died.
Can a Christian come under the influence of an evil spirit?

Christians are mortal. We have weaknesses. This is why we must put on the whole armour
of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.
We must be very careful what we do with our bodies and with our minds.
Paul wrote ‘don’t you know that your bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit’
Women can become seriously ill because of the desire to be slim – anorexia is a physical
illness that is linked to a deceptive evil spirit.
Christians must avoid these things the same as anyone else.
Christians can come under the influence of an evil spirit when wrong emotions and desires
have been maximised, and these take control of the will.
This can happen by misusing or not taking care of our bodies.
In these cases ‘discerning of spirits’ works with ‘a Word of Knowledge’ to reveal the
reason the person came under the influence of an evil spirit.
Drug addiction is physical and mental. It is hard to overcome any addiction but physical
addiction is easierto overcome than mental addiction.
The mental addiction is Satan’s stronghold, ‘the realm of suggestion’.
If a Christian experiments with drugs he or she is in danger of coming under the influence
of an evil spirit.
Discerning angelic helpers:
Personal Testimony: As a very young Christian I went to speak with a lady who was dying
of cancer.
I had gone before but I was a young Christian and left without leading her to Christ.
I felt so bad because I had not told her about salvation.
But this time when I left home to visit her I discerned the presence of an angelic being.
There was an angel sent to help me, and I knew I would not fail this time.

The lady’s name was Babs and we had worked at the same office together. She was only
about 50 years of age but when I saw her lying in the bed she was thin, and looked like a
very old woman
Her daughter was there and I shared my testimony with her and her daughter.
Everything went well that evening and I was able to lead the dying lady to the Lord.
After I prayed for her to receive Jesus as her Lord and Saviour she held my hand and said
that her doctor could not understand why it was she had lived so long, but she said to me
‘now I know’.
Soon after this Babs went to be with the Lord.
3. Why is this gift necessary today?
The gift is needed today for the same reason as there are people who need deliverance just
as they did in Jesus’ day.
The devil still seeks ‘to kill; to steal; and to destroy’ (John 10:10).
There are spirits of infirmity that afflict people.
The gift of discerning of spirits will enable the believer to see that the person is afflicted not
because of a sickness but because of a ‘spirit of infirmity’. A person who is sick needs ‘gifts
of healings’ but a person who has a spirit of infirmity needs deliverance.
The effect will be astounding because the person will be instantaneous set free.
It will appear as though a miracle has taken place but it is not the ‘workings of miracles’
but deliverance from a ‘spirit of infirmity’.
There are spirits that cause depression and suicidal practices.
Young people who cut themselves deliberately need deliverance.
Depression is a modern day epidemic.

When depression is caused by a physical defect the person needs ‘gifts of healings’ or
‘workings of miracles’.
But when there is no physical defect then the gift of ‘discerning of spirits’ will reveal the
nature of the depression.
Even in the Church, depression is a major problem.
Christians should not accept this because it is the destructive working of Satan.
Discerning of spirits will help believers in spiritual warfare.
Elisha prayed that the Lord would open his servants eyes. (2 Kings 6:17). When the Lord
opened his eyes thenhis fear of the enemy was removed.
When our eyes are opened to the spirit realm we will see that one with God is truly a
majority.
Hebrews 13:6, ‘So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what
man shall do unto me.’
Note: When a man or a woman is delivered from an unclean spirit then it is essential for
that person to be on fire for the Lord. (Matthew 12:43-45).
The unclean spirit can return with others – making the person’s condition evenworse than
before.
The person needs to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16); fill the mind with the scriptures (
Colossians 3:16a); be filled with the Holy Spirit by speaking and singing the scriptures
(Colossians 3:16b).
Summary: The gift of discerning of spirits is given so that we will know what is happening
in the unseen spirit realm.
1) It is necessary in order to bring deliverance to those who are bound.
2) It provides awareness of angelic beings that are sent to help us.

3) It provides awareness of evil spirits that seek to bring sickness, depression and
suicidal tendencies.
4) It empowers believers in spiritual warfare.
From the Journal of John Wesley
“A Terrible Sight”
Tuesday, October 23, 1739
At elevenI preached at Bearfield to about three thousand, on the spirit of nature, of
bondage, and of adoption.
Returning in the evening, I was exceedingly pressedto go back to a young woman in
Kingswood. (The fact I nakedly relate and leave every man to his own judgment of it.) I
went.
She was nineteen or twenty years old, but, it seems, could not write or read. I found her on
the bed, two or three persons holding her. It was a terrible sight. Anguish, horror, and
despair above all description appeared in her pale face. The thousand distortions of her
whole body showed how the dogs of hell were gnawing her heart. The shrieks intermixed
were scarcely to be endured. But her stony eyes could not weep. She screamed out, as soon
as words could find their way, “I am damned, damned; lost forever! Six days ago you
might have helped me. But it is past. I am the devil’s now. I have given myself to him. His I
am. Him I must serve. With him I must go to hell. I will be his. I will serve him. I will go
with him to hell. I cannot be saved. I will not be saved. I must, I will, I will be damned!”
She then began praying to the devil. We began:
“Arm of the Lord, awake, awake!”
She immediately sank down as sleep; but, as soon as we left off, broke out again, with
inexpressible vehemence: “Stony hearts, break! I am a warning to you. Break, break, poor
stony hearts! Will you not break? What can be done more for stony hearts? I am damned
that you may be saved. Now break, now break, poor stony hearts! You need not be
damned, though I must.” She then fixed her eyes on the corner of the ceiling and said:

“There he is: ay, there he is! come, good devil, come! Take me away. You said you would
dash my brains out: come, do it quickly. I am yours. I will be yours. Come just now. Take
me away.”
We interrupted her by calling again upon God, on which she sank down as before; and
another young woman began to roar out as loud as she had done. My brother now came in,
it being about nine o’clock. We continued in prayer till past eleven, when God in a moment
spoke peace into the soul, first of the first tormented, and then of the other. And they both
joined in singing praise to Him who had “stilled the enemy and the avenger.”
“Yonder Comes Wesley, Galloping”
Saturday, October 27, 1739.
I was sent for to Kingswood again, to one of those who had been so ill before. A violent rain
began just as I set out, so that I was thoroughly wet in a few minutes. Just as that time the
woman (then three miles off) cried out, “Yonder comes Wesley, galloping as fast as he can.”
When I was come, I was quite cold and dead and fitter for sleepthan prayer. She burst out
into a horrid laughter and said, “No power, no power; no faith, no faith. She is mine; her
soul is mine. I have her and will not let her go.”
We begged of God to increase our faith. Meanwhile her pangs increased more and more so
that one would have imagined, by the violence of the throes, her body must have been
shattered to pieces. One who was clearly convinced this was no natural disorder said, “I
think Satan is let loose. I fear he will not stop here.” He added, “I command thee, in the
name of the Lord Jesus, to tell if thou hast commission to torment any other soul.” It was
immediately answered, “I have. L----y C----r and S----h J----s.” (Two who lived at some
distance, and were then in perfect health.)
We betook ourselves to prayer again and ceasednot till she began, about six o’clock, with a
clear voice and composed, cheerful look:
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”

Sunday, October 28, 1739.
I preached once more at Bradford, at one in the afternoon. The violent rains did not hinder
more, I believe, than ten thousand from earnestly attending to what I spoke on those
solemn words: “I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men. For
I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”
Returning in the evening, I called at Mrs. J----‘s, in Kingswood. S----h J---s and L----y C----
r were there. It was scarcely a quarter of an hour before L----y C----r fell into a strange
agony; and presently after, S----h J----s. The violent convulsions all over their bodies were
such as words cannot describe. Their cries and groans were too horrid to be borne, till one
of them, in a tone not to be expressed, said: “Where is your faith now? Come, go to
prayers. I will pray with you. ‘Our Father, which art in heaven.’” We took the advice,
from whomsoever it came, and poured out our souls before God, till L----y C----r’s agonies
so increased that it seemedshe was in the pangs of death. But in a moment God spoke; she
knew His voice, and both her body and soul were healed.
We continued in prayer till nearly one, when S----h J----‘s voice was also changed, and she
began strongly to call upon God. This she did for the greatest part of the night. In the
morning we renewed our prayers, while she was crying continually, “I burn! I burn! Oh,
what shall I do? I have a fire within me. I cannot bear it. Lord Jesus! Help!”—Amen, Lord
Jesus! when Thy time is come.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church.
Course: The Gifts of the Spirit (10 Lessons)
Study based upon teaching from the textbook:
The Gifts of the Spirit, Harold Horton (1934)
LessonEight
LessonTitle: Discerning of Spirits

Text: ‘...to another discerning of spirits.’ 1 Cor. 12:10.
Introduction: This Gift completes the cycle of the Revelation Gifts of the Spirit - Word of
Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, or Discerning of Spirits
Discerning of Spirits possesses a much more limited range than the other two and it differs
from the Word of Wisdom and the Word of Knowledge in that its object as well as its
operation is entirely supernatural.
· Discerning of Spirits shows in a miracle the Miracle-Source of a miracle, and
indicates inerrably its true character, whether heavenly or hellish.
· Discerning of Spirits gives supernatural insight into the secret realm of Spirits.
There is no such gift as the Gift of Discernment.
"Discernment" of things other than miracle-working Spirits is the province of the two Gifts
we have already considered.
Main Points
1. MistakenIdeas regarding the Gift of Discerning of Spirits.
(a) Discerning of Spirits is not spiritual Thought-Reading.
It is not the revelation of men's thoughts, or hearts, or "spirits" in the metaphorical sense,
as when we say a man has "a nasty spirit."
A Word of Knowledge (Discerning deceit)
Nathaniel - "An Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile."
Saul - Samuel told Saul "all that was in his heart" (1 Samuel 9:19).

The Gift we are looking at is not Discerning of character or thoughts or hearts, but of
Spirits.
Three kinds of Spirit:
· the divine,
· the satanic, and
· the human. By the human spirit is meant not figuratively a man's disposition, but
literally the third part of his tripartite being (1 Thess. 5:23.)
Only the first two of these three kinds of Spirit (the divine and the satanic) are
supernatural.
The human spirit is obviously natural.
The Gift of Discerning of Spirits is to distinguish the divine from the satanic while a
miracle is being wrought whose source is doubtful to limited human sense.
There needs no miraculous Gift to discern the work of the human spirit, for its
manifestation is never miraculous. The natural spirit is obviously not supernatural.
Example from the Old Testament
Jeremiah 28
Hananiah purports to speak by ‘the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken
the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two full years I will bring again into this place all
the vessels of the Lord's house ... and I will bring again ... Jeconiah ...’ (28:2-4)
Jeremiah says, by his human spirit, ‘Amen ... the Lord perform thy words which thou hast
prophesied, to bring again the vessels... and the captives." (28:6)
Then using his own human judgment and cautiously comparing Hananiah's prophecy with
many such that had gone before and come to nothing, Jeremiah utters as a principle:
‘When the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that
the Lord hath sent him.’ (28:9)

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah," with a supernatural revelation and a
message to the false prophet, ‘The Lord hath not sent thee, but thou makest this people to
trust in a lie ... this year thou shalt die....So Hananiah the prophet died the same year.’
(28:15-17)
There is no Discerning of Spirits in all this, but there is a mixture of false and true, natural
and supernatural. So far as Hananiah was concerned his false prophecy arose out of his
natural mind and his bad heart. It was guesswork, with a false claim to inspiration. It was
not a miracle, either false or true. So far as Jeremiah was concerned, his knowledge of
Hananiah's perfidy was a Word of Knowledge, while his prophecy of Hananiah's end was a
Word of Wisdom. Both miracles.
(b) Discerning of Spirits is not psychological insight.
It is indeed the very reverse of this.
Psychological insight is a development of human powers of judgment.
When a spiritist or a palmist or a crystal-gazer really reveals some secret in a life, that
measure of the supernatural has its source in the pit.
Remember, however, that many of these magic-mongers are pure frauds, possessing no
power of any sort.
Only the three inspirational Gifts, intended for the edification of believers in believers'
meetings, operate at the will of man - Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, and Prophecy.
The greater Gifts of the Holy Ghost operate only at the Will of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:6, 11).
Clairvoyance, psychism, hypnotism, magic, occultism, witchcraft, sorcery, spiritism--all
these are real supernatural forces producing miracles, but ah, responding as they do to the
perverted will of man, are satanic in their origin.
Discerning of Spirits is designed to strip the mask from such miraculous manifestations
and discover behind them Satan and his evil spirits at work.
(c) Discerning of Spirits is not keenmental penetration.

Natural characteristics may be discerned by perfectly innocent natural talent.
But no natural talent can give power to discern the origin of miraculous manifestations.
(d) Discerning of Spirits is not the power to discover faults in others.
Not one of us requires the baptism in the Holy Spirit to endow us with the gift of criticism
and fault-finding.
We are all richly endowed by fallen nature with this particular "gift."
The use of such a gift is indeed forbidden in the Scriptures. "Judge not, that ye be not
judged."
One of the purposes of the Holy Ghost baptism is to destroy this gift of criticism and
replace it with the sweet "gift" of gentle forbearance.
But these things are of course not supernatural at all. This Spiritual Gift is not Discerning
of character or of faults, but of SPIRITS.
How often unguarded beginners tell us after their baptism they have received "the gift of
discernment!"
In substantiation whereof they immediately begin to point out failings in fellow believers!
There needs no spiritual gift to uncover human failings, but there needs a good deal of
Christly love to cover them.
It is significant that in the same chapter where we are forbidden to find fault with our
fellows the Lord Jesus gives us a sure way of estimating sincerity of character.
For He will not have His children helplessly deceived. "Beware of false prophets.... Ye shall
know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:15-20).
But this is not Discerning of Spirits. It is not a miracle of revelation. It is an enforced and
quite natural self-revelation of the " tree" by the "fruit" which it inevitably produces.
The Spirits which are to be discerned by this Gift are those which evidence themselves in
supernatural power over human bodies, minds or organs.

2. The present-day uses of the Gift of Discerning of Spirits.
The present day uses are the same as the Scriptural.
(a) To help in delivering the afflicted, oppressed, tormented.
Demon possessionis responsible today for more cases of mental derangement than most
people recognize.
· Minds are still wrecked and driven by "cruel, tormenting spirits" (Mark 5:5; Luke
9:39), lashing into frenzy, pressing into violent acts and urging to self-destruction.
· Dreadful asylums are filled with mental wrecks that friends and experts have ceased
evento be interested in; men and women who ought to be "loosed" by the Gifts of the
Spirit, not "bound with chains" by the helpless authorities.
· Youthful hearts are driven by "unclean spirits" (Acts 5:16) to revolting talk and
obscene behaviour and unspeakable diseases.
· The power of speechis robbed by "dumb spirits";
· the light of day is darkened by "blind spirits";
· the voices of beloved friends are muted by " deaf spirits" (Matt. 7:22; Mark 9:17, 25);
· the frames and limbs of beloved mothers and tiny children are distorted and twisted
and held by "spirits of infirmity" (Luke 13:11, 16).
Take care, modern Uzzahs, how you touch the Ark of God.
This is none of your business. It is the priests' affair (2 Samuel 6:7; Deut. 10:8; Matt. 10:8;
Mark 16:17). Look in the Book of God. You will find nothing there of your abominable
new "Philistian carts."
Take care lest in " steadying " with unholy hands God's holy things you consign to the
lethal chamber
· a flaming evangelist like the Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5:19), or
· a world-wide preacher of Jehovah's salvation like Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:31-37).

Take care lest you sterilize
· a deliverer loved of God, a sweet singer, a future parent of the world's wisest
philosopher, following a diagnosis as fatuous as the godless King of Gath's (1 Samuel 21:15-
15).
Take care lest you smother in your devil's death box
· a potential worshipper of the Lord whose alabaster box He had designed should fill
the world with fragrance (Mark 16:9).
The Lord has a purpose concerning devils and imbecility, and you, godless meddler in the
purposes of Omniscience! Hands off the holy things, lest you, too, for all your learning and
prestige, find a name more execrable and a grave more infamous than Uzzah's!
In response to faith evil spirits will declare their presence and number and names, as the
Gadarene demons before the Lord cast them into swinish bodies for destruction. But
sometimes it is impossible apart from this Gift to know whether infirmity is the result of
diseasedorgans or arrested functioning; whether sudden, total and incurable deafness, for
instance, is the result of crashed aural nerves or simply spirit-power gripping a perfectly
normal aural system.
Obviously not all impediments are the work of evil spirits, but the Scriptures quoted and
several others make it clear that many are. There is a Scripture difference, for instance,
between "lunacy" and "demon possession" (Matt. 4:24).
Modern doctors know nothing whatever of these things. Lunacy is sickness of the mind or
brain and may be healed by the Gifts of Healings. Demon possessionis the occupation by
evil spirits of a perfectly healthy body and mind, "swept and garnished" (Matt. 12:43-45),
producing all the effects of derangement. Such possessionwill never yield to human
methods. But all sickness whether of mind or body is represented in the Scriptures as
"oppression of the devil" (Acts 10:38; Luke 13:16), and as such is subject to the corrective
energy of the Gifts of the Spirit.
(b) To discover a servant of the devil.
It was when Paul, " filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on" Elymas the sorcerer that he
discerned the evil spirits actuating this "child of the devil" (Acts 13:9, 10).
This was a case of simple discovery, not deliverance.

The sin of Elymas was willing and determined subjection to demon authority; hence his
terrible punishment of blindness by the hand of the Lord.
(c) To aid in checking the plans of the adversary.
At Philippi a poor young Roman "possessedwith a spirit of divination" ("python,"
serpent, Acts 16:16) was employed by " that old serpent" to hinder the work of the Lord.
After many days enduring the buffets of this "messengerof Satan" Paul discerned the evil
spirit and cast it out in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Thus a wicked master was deprived of his gains, a wretched woman was delivered from the
enemy and the servants of the Lord were ridded of a demon voice that had most subtly
endeavoured to subvert the purposes of the Almighty.
Unlike wicked Elymas this poor woman was an unwilling agent of the evil one, who had
stolen her voice for his evil ends.
(d) To expose plausible error.
"Seducing spirits," "lying spirits," are responsible for "doctrines of devils" and "
damnable heresies " (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1).
There is many a foul demon under a clerical cloak today preaching with pleasing voice and
specious illogic lies instead of truth; denying the divinity, the virgin birth, the miracles, the
saving blood of the Lord; denying the reality of sin, the devil, divine wrath, coming
judgment and eternal hell.
And when these devilish doctrines are accompanied as they are in many forms of spiritism
with devilish signs and wonders there needs this blessedGift to discern the evil talon in the
soft wool.
For the rest the impudent demons are so secure in the appalling general ignorance of the
Word of God that they can undisguised and undeterred "deny the Lord that bought" us.
(e) To unmask demon miracle-workers.
Wherever there is the true there must of necessity be the false. Satanic "signs and lying
wonders" (2 Thess. 2:9) are the most substantial proof of the existence of the divine, real
signs and wonders. The success of the counterfeit is in its likeness to the real. Apart from

the Gifts of the Spirit the very saints would be deceived by the "spirits of devils, working
miracles" (Rev. 16:14). Especially is there need in these tremulous days before blessed
Advent that the Church seek the full equipment of the Spirit's supernatural power that we
may be enlightened and protected in the face of the increasing frequency and power of
Satan's supernatural signs.
3. Test the spirits
Challenge the spirits – ‘Is Jesus Christ come in the flesh?’
For those not possessing these Gifts God gives a sure way of testing the spirits by making
them speak and reveal themselves (1 John 4:1-6).
But notice what is nearly always overlooked, that it is the "spirits" themselves, not the
persons, that are to be challenged.
That means that when the person is actually speaking or acting under supernatural power,
as a medium in a seance, the operating spirit must be questioned.
It would be useless challenging the same person when not under satanic inspiration, for he
would as like as not agree that "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," especially if he suspected
he were under test.
But the evil spirit itself would never agree to that foundation truth; hence the blessed
certainty of the test.
Casting out spirits
And Satan does not cast out Satan (Mark 3:25); that is, evil spirits will not yield to other
evil spirits; they will only yield to the servants of God filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts
19:13-17), and eventhese must be living in close communion with God (Matt. 17:16, 21).
Satan, however, may simulate exorcism for his own nefarious ends.
The source may be demonic eventhough the testimony may be true.

Often the testimony of evil spirits is so much like that of the Spirit of God that the true can
only be distinguished from the counterfeit by the use of this supernatural Gift. "I know
thee, who thou art, the Holy One of God." "These men are the servants of the most high
God, which show unto us the way of salvation." True enough testimony - Yet the voices of
demons (Mark 1, 24; Acts 16:17, 18).
It is unwise to cast out spirits without the gift of ‘discerning of spirits’.
Some are oppressed of the devil, or operated occasionally by spirits from without, "taken
with divers torments" (Matt. 4:24).
This oppression or obsessionmust be distinguished from possession.
No suggestion of demon possessionshould everbe made without the utterest assurance by
the voice of the Spirit.
And no Christian of course need fear because of the prevalance of these malign agents.
Are there not myriads of angelic spirits sent forth to minister for those who are the heirs of
salvation, to keepthem in all their ways and to deliver them from all evil? Hallelujah!
Then this Gift does not necessarily carry with it the power to exorcise evil spirits evenwhen
they are discerned.
Jesus "cast out spirits with His Word."
There is no instance of "laying on of hands" for exorcism in the Scripture.
We shall do well to follow the pattern in detail.
The very existence of this Gift proves the present reality of evil spirits.
They are wrecking and torturing human beings as cruelly as in the Lord's day.
At the very foot of the mountain of the Lord's glory they are still throwing men into the
water and into the fire and over bridges and under trains and into gas-filled rooms.

Dare we come down from the peaks of selfish blessing and spiritual exaltation and seek
earnestly such Gifts as will liberate the enslaved from the devil's malign power?
The tormented for whom Christ died?
Is it fear, or unbelief, or desire for ease in Zion that holds Christendom in the comfortable
shelter of its hilltop tabernacles?
From the Textbook: The Gifts of the Spirit, Harold Horton (1934)
Discerning of Spirits By: Michael Bradley
This is supernatural revelation, or insight into the realm of spirits to detect them and their plans an
d to read the minds of men.
Matthew 9:3‐4 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth
. And Jesus knowingtheir thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evilin your hearts?
Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo
, these eighteen years, be loosed fromthis bond on the sabbath day?
John 2:24‐25 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And need
ed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Acts 13:9‐10 Then Saul, (whoalso is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
And said, Ofull of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou
enemy of all righteousness, wiltthou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Acts 16:16‐18 And it came to pass, as wewent to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit
of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed
Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, whichshew unto
us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul,being grieved, turned and said to th

e spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the sam
e hour.
1 Timothy 4:1‐4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart fro
m the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy;ha
ving their conscienceseared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain fr
om meats, which God hath created to be received withthanksgiving of them which believe and k
now the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received wit
h thanksgiving:
1 John 4:1‐6
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false
prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confess
eth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesu
s Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have hear
d that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and
have overcomethem: because greater is he that is in you,than he that is in the world. They are
of the world:therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he t
hat knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know wethe spirit of tru
th, and the spirit of error.
Acts 16:16‐18 And it came to pass, as wewent to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit
of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed
Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, whichshew unto
us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul,being grieved, turned and said to th
e spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the sam
e hour. B. Gifts of Inspiration – Vocal Gifts
The Gifts (Acts) of the Holy Spirit – (3) Discerning of Spirits
February 11, 2019 by Share Life Ministries, posted in The Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In this letter let’s look at the third Gift, Discerning of Spirits within the first Classification: The Gifts
of Revelation, or the Mind-Gifts. (3)

DISCERNINGOF THE SPIRITS.This gift completes the gifts of revelation in the realm of knowledge.
The gift of discernment is limited in scope to a single class of objects – spirits. That is in the spiritual
realm only.
This is supernatural revelation, or insight into the realm of spirits to detect them and read even the
thoughts of the mind. Its purpose is to give an insight into the spirit realm and reveal the kind of
spirit working in and through a person, and to make knownthoughts and motives.
Discernment of things outside the spirit realm is the workof wisdom and knowledge.
The power to discover the faults of others is not a work of true discernment, forno supernatural
power is necessary to do this…as stated in the scriptures,
Matthew 7:1, 15-20 judging others is not to be part of the Christian life. We are not to condone
sin…pointing out sin is not judging as long as we do not do it in a condemning way…lovehas to be
in everything we do.
The use of the gift of discerning of spirits is:
to help deliver from demons (Mark 5:5; Luke 9:39; Acts 5:16; 8:1-8; Matt 12:22.),
to revel the servants of Satan (Acts 13:9-10),
to defeat the workof demons (Acts 16:16),
to expose error (1 Tim. 4; 1 John4:1-6);
to unmask demon-inspired miracle-workers(Acts 8:9-22;2 Thess. 2:8-12;Rev. 16:13-16). This gift
merely discerns, does not cast out, hence other gifts become necessary.
The gift of discerning of spirits is a supernatural enablement, permitting identification of the nature
and character of spirits, seen and unseen. These include:
1. Angel spirits
2. Demon or satanic spirits
3. Human spirits
4. The Spirit of God
What discerning of the Spirits…IS NOT:
Discerning of the spirits IS NOT ability to see faults in others but of SPIRITS. There need be no
spiritual gift to uncoverhuman failings, but there needs to be a good deal of Christian (Christ like)
love to coverthem.

Discerning of spirits IS NOTmind reading. The gifts of God are never to provide cheap
entertainment fora public merely looking fora new sensation. Neither are they included in a
magician or a mind readers collection.
Discerning of spirits has nothing to do with spiritualist phenomena. Mediums are patent frauds, for
they yield themselves to the control of familiar spirits. These unclean spirits have access to
information of whichthe medium oftenis ignorant. These spirits have power to impersonate the
dead, deceiving loved ones…able to stage demonstrations which amaze and convincethe unwary.
These mediums and unfamiliar spirits are spoken about in the Bible and exposes themselves as
satanic in character…1 Sam. 28:7-12).
Discerning of spirits IS NOTrelated to psychiatry.Counselors are much needed in the church, but
the theory of psychiatry is that the probing of the mind of these disturbed persons formental
blocks releases hidden hostilities. Psychiatry has nothing to do with the giftof discerning of the
spirits for these Doctorsand Teachers in this science ordinarily deny the existence of demon spirits.
The Purpose of the Gift: With this gift, God’s people can discern good spirits as well as bad spirits.
In Acts 9:7 Apostle Paul saw a vision of the Lord…yetthose whowere with him saw nothing…He
was able to see what others could not.
To see within the spirit world.This gift enable one (as God permits) to see into the spiritual realms,
and perceive spirit beings…(Kings 6:16)
To discern evil spirits.
(1 John 4:1-3) Sometimes evil spirits will present themselves to be the Spirit of God and will
deceive Christians. When Christ was on earth He would alwaysunmask these demon spirits and
cast them out of their victims. In the beginning Eve’s failure to recognize Satan in the serpent’s lie,
an actwhich led to a great calamity for her as well as for the human race. The gift of discerning of
spirits enables one to instantly detect the presence of an evil or seducing spirit.. Paul gives us an
example in Acts 16:16-19.
To discern evil and hypocrisy among God’s people. As stated earlier, the tricks of magicians,
palmists, fortune tellers, etc., and their demonstrations of reading the mind, real or faked, have
nothing in common with the gift. However, there are times when men of God need to know what
evil men are planning, if left unchecked, might workgreat harm. Examples of this gift in operation
in the Scriptures where hypocrisy and lying were detected and dealt with such as the cases of
Achan, Gehazi, Ananias, and others. It is evident that such a gift as this, is much needed in the
church today.
To bring forthrepentance… The previous gifts discussed; the Word of Wisdom, the Word of
Knowledge and today’s letter on Discerning of Spirits are gifts that worktogether in many cases to
bring forthrepentance. An example of this in the Scriptures was with the Samaritan woman at the
well withJesus. (John 4)
In the Scriptures there exists two distinct worlds…the natural and the spiritual.

1.) The natural…our physicalsenses in whichwe can perceive the natural creation, there is no
contactwith the spiritual world.It is only through some supernatural enablement, such as the gift
whichwe are considering, makes it possible to pierce the veilthat divides the two,and see things
whichcannot be perceived with the natural eye. Originally, man was created to be a citizen of both
worlds.
As stated in Genesis, God provided him a home in the Garden of Eden, where man was given the
lordship of the natural creation. In the evening, or coolof the day God would come down and walk
with him, until sin caused man to hide from God…forno more couldthe natural eye lookupon its
Creator, nor was it possible for the spirit of man to enter into the abode (or abiding place) where
the almighty dwelt.
This is where a veil, or wall came between the twoworlds. Through Christ’s redemption this broken
communion has been restored…yes the veil has been torn allowing man to onceagain commune
with God, although man’s contactwith the spiritual world has not yet been fully restored. For it is
this gift, the gift of discerning of spirits that once again gives man the ability, at least on occasion,to
have a glimpse into these realms.
2.) The spiritual…It has been customary to limit this gift to the discerning of evil spirits.
As stated in Rev. 12:4, actually, there are more good spirits than evil spirits in the universe.
As wesee in Hebrews 1:14, these good spirits usually called angels, have a special responsibility to
the redeemed. “But angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from God to care for those who
will receivesalvation.” These celestial beings, weare told, are constantly in attendance of the
righteous.
Psalm 34:7 For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him, and he rescues them. Jesus said that
even God’s little ones have guardian angels.
Matthew 18:10 “Bewarethat youdon’t despise a single one of these little ones. For I tell youthat in
heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.
Genesis 3:24 After banishing them from the garden, the LORD God stationed mighty angelic beings
to the east of Eden. And a flaming swordflashed back and forth, guarding the way to the tree of life.
Now through Christ, man is given a new access to this Tree of Life,which willbecome in it’s fullness
at the end of the times. Because of the Fallen state of man, God placed angels to guard man and
protect him until that day when he actually partakes of its fruit as stated in:
Revelation 2:7 “Anyonewho is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the
Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyonewhois victorious willeat from the tree of life in the
paradise of God.
Ordinarily these guardian spirits are invisible to human eyes…Yet,there are times when
communication between angels and humans is desirable and they must either take on physical

form or the person with whom they wish to communicate must receive a special gift of spiritual
perception as seen throughout the Bible.
As an example, from my own personal experience…Several years ago, I was delivering mail to a
restaurant on my route and I had stopped to eat lunch. I sat down at the counter and had ordered a
cup of coffee,sandwich and soup. I struck up a conversation with a gentleman, on my right, next to
me, about God’s Word.Another gentleman came in wearing long hair and a (London fog trench
coat) and took a seat at the counter on my left, 2 seats over. The waitress asked this gentleman
what He would like, as I looked overto Him He said, ” I wouldlike whatHe has” as He pointed to
me. There was an indescribable presence about his mannerism and his presence. She proceeded to
get get Him a cup of coffee.
When she came back, the gentleman was gone. The waitress asked us if we had seen him leave and
we both acknowledged that we did not see him leave. She said she couldnot understand; for if He
had left,she would have saw him leave because, he wouldhave to had gone by her where she was
getting the coffee.She and the both of us thought it very strange. She then asked us what we were
talking about and I proceeded to continue talking to the man on my right and her about the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. Later my wife and I concluded it must have been an Angel…letting them know that
what I had was forthem. The waitress that I was speaking to was moving the very next day out of
state and was very much interested in what I was discussing with her about the Gospel.
Such powers are closely related with the discerning of spirits. When these visitations occurredin
the Bible it was always in connection with some important event in the unfolding of the divine plan.
These occurrencesbrought a tremendous impact upon the individual.
Out of desperation and a hunger for God, God’s divine willunfolds for man’s life. I am convinced
that when you die out to sin and cry out to God…it is the beginning of a new life. I believe God has a
specific ministry foreach person…for youand me…It’s time fora deeper walk…anew life in the
extraordinary/ supernatural.
Hebrews 13:2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, forsome whohave done this have
entertained angels withoutrealizing it!
In this Scripture it is apparent that angels resemble human beings in appearance. Their solemn
manner and conversation usually caused them to be recognized as men of God. Let’s lookinto the
Scriptures at some of these occurrences that the Bible records with Angelic Beings. These
visitations changed their life fromthat moment on;
Visitation withAbraham – One of the three visitors howeverwas the Lord, and He revealed to
Abraham not only His identity, but also the purpose of His mission.
Genesis 18:17 “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the LORD asked. This was a life-changing
event for Abraham…from that time on, He became a great intercessor. (Genesis 18:23-33 – Lot and
the city of Sodom.)

Moses – became a man of two worlds…this outstanding experience took place on the Mount of God
where he hid himself away from human companionship, and interceded for a people that had
jeopardized their existence as a nation…God not only accepted Moses’ intercession, but also granted
him the privilege reserved for few men…for He was permitted to see God’s form and glory froma
hidden place in a rock
(Exodus 33:11-23). When Moses went down fromthe mountain his face shone withdivine glory.He
was now a man of two worlds.
Joshua and the Messenger –He became Moses’ successor…
Deuteronomy 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his
hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did everything just as the LORDhad
commanded Moses. At the death of Moses, Joshua led the children of Israel across Jordan…this was
a most criticalhour of his life…there was no turning back…Joshua stood alone and it was at this
moment that Joshua caught a glimpse of a messenger from another world.
Joshua 5:13-15 As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him
with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are youfriend or foe?” “Neither one,” he
replied. “Iam commander of the LORD’S army.” At this, Joshua fell with his faceto the ground in
reverence. “I am at yourcommand,” Joshua said. “What do youwant your servant to do?” The
commander of the LORD’S army replied, “Takeoff your sandals, for this is holy ground.” And Joshua
did as he was told.
Gideon and the Angel –
Judges 6:15, 22; 7:10,11…The Lord granted him special signs…it was through these visitations of
the angels that Gideon was changed from a fearfulman into one that could and did perform heroic
deeds!
Manoah and His Wifeand the Angel –thebirth of their son Samson.
Judges 13:6 -7 The woman ran and told her husband, “A man of God appeared tome! He was like
one of God’s angels, terrifying to lookat. I didn’t ask where he was from,and he didn’t tell me his
name. But he told me, ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine
or any other alcoholic drink or eat any forbidden food.For your son will be dedicated to God as a
Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.”
Daniel and the Unseen World –fornearly three-quarters of a century, the prophet was a confidant
of kings and princes, alwaysready with the wordof wisdom necessary for the time and place. On
one occasion, the archangel Gabriel appeared to him –
Daniel 9:2-23 As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at
the time of the evening sacrifice.He explained to me, “Daniel, I have comehere to give you insight
and understanding. The moment youbegan praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you
what it was, for God loves youvery much. Now listen, so you can understand the meaning of your
vision. Another time while he and others were in prayer and fasting a mighty angel visited him and

it is very interesting to note that whileothers heard the sound of his coming, and the quaking…only
Daniel had “discerning of spirits”
Daniel 10:6-7 His body looked like a dazzling gem. From his facecame flashes like lightning, and his
eyes were like flaming torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voicewas like
the roaring of a vast multitude of people. I, Daniel, am the only one whosaw this vision. The men
with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide.Yes, it is clear that
Daniel had a gift that others did not possess .
Angelic Ministry in the New Testament:
The angel of the Lord appeared unto Zacharias to inform him of the birth of John the Baptist…(Luke
1:11-22)
Gabriel appeared to Mary, the mother of Jesus…(Luke 1:26-38) informing her that she was to
become the mother of the Son of the Highest!
A band of angels appeared to the shepherds…(Luke 2:9-20)
An angel of the Lord appeared to the apostles while they were in prison and released them…(Acts
5:20).
An angel appeared to Cornelius while he was praying (Acts 10:6).
An angel came into prison where Paul was kept in custody,bidding him rise and dress, then taking
him through the gates of the prison which opened of their ownaccord, setting him free so he could
continue his ministry.
An angel of God stood before Paul when he was on board a ship, driven in the storm (Acts 27:24).
There are many evil spirits in the loose in the spiritual world.The Apostle John warns us that we
must be ever alert to them. 1 John 4:1-4 Dear friends, do not believe everyone whoclaims to speak
by the Spirit. Youmust test them to see if the spirit they have comes fromGod. For there are many
false prophets in the world. This is the way to find out if they have the Spirit of God: If a prophet
acknowledges that Jesus Christ became a human being, that person has the Spirit of God. If a
prophet does not acknowledge Jesus, that person is not fromGod. Such a person has the spirit of the
Antichrist. Youhave heard that he is going to come into the world,and he is already here.
The conclusion of the matter is that the gift of discerning of spirits is associated withboth spirits
and the ministry of angels. With this gift many men of God in both the Old and New Testament
times were able to perceive beings of the unseen worldand thereby receive strength,
encouragement and guidance to accomplish the tasks entrusted to them.
Lovein Christ Jesus,
Paul Lundmark

RON OVITT
Do YouHave The Spiritual Giftof Discernment?
April 14, 2007 Ronald 69 Comments
Please read the following Spiritual Gift of Discernment description and then rate yourself on a scale
of 1 through 5 both in passion and experience. This is to help youfrom ignoring a gift God may have
for you.For example, you may be high in passion in the gift of “healing” but as of yet God has not
manifested Himself in that way to you.If all yourated was experience you may skip over this very
important passion God has given you. Likewise, if you are deeply involvedin “service” but are more
pragmatic and less passionate about it youmay be tempted to ignore developing the gift of service
in the way God wants you to.
Rate YourPassion For This Gift
The first rating has to do with yourpassion forthe gift. Are you really motivated to act this way? 1
means that youhave no interest in or passion to use the gift. 5 means that the definition describes
you very accurately,or that you do have a strong interest/passion in the ability.
Next Rate Your Experience With or EvidenceFor This Gift
The second rating has to do with your experience/evidence of the gift. Rate your experience withor
evidence of the gift.
1 means that you have no experience withor evidence of the gift. 5 means that you have a lot of
experience with or evidence of the gift.
DISCERNMENT
In I Corinthians 12:10 it says, “and to another distinguishing between spirits” (NIV) Discernment
means to be able to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil.It is having a logical,
judicial ability to think through issues. It is the ability to “discern” whether a saying, teaching,
doctrine, written word, or event is good or evil; true or false; and if the source, meaning or
intentions are of God, the person or Satanic deception. There is an ability to “read between the
lines” and get to the truth of an issue. The“gut” tells them when something doesn’t seem to be right.
There is an urgency to pray and ask forwisdom.
Benefits
Spiritual battle, whether in a small group or the church,is a serious concern and discernment is a
valuable asset to have. This gift can help guide the churchboth in more ordinary decisions or
deeper spiritual issues.

Pitfalls
There is a temptation to always be “right”; not admit when there has been a mistake. Pride could
prevent a humble spirit in the use of the gift. It could be tempting to misuse the trust that someone
places in your judgment and use the gift forpersonal gain or to hurt someone. Finally,it is easy to
trust in personal judgment and not consult God, thus being deceived yourself.
Ministry Opportunities
This gift could be used in helping; settle disputes; counseling; spiritual warfare; or assisting church
leadership withdecisions. This gift can be used in counseling with addictions and low self-esteem
where deception is sometimes used as a coping mechanism.
Further Training
This is a spiritual skill so good Biblical training is key. Prayerand spiritual warfare are two
excellent subjects to study. Listening skills are very important. If possible, intern under someone
with the gift.
RATE YOURSELFONTHE GIFT OFDISCERNMENT
Passion
Using a scale of 1 – 5, rate whether you have a passion for using discernment
(1 = Not at all, 5 = Very much so)
Passion Score ______
Experience/Evidence
Using a scale of 1 – 5, rate whether you have had significant experience in or evidence of
discernment.
(1 = Not at all, 5 = Very much so)
Experience/EvidenceScore __
How to Rate Your Score
To be more accurate on the Spiritual Gift you need to look both at your passion with the gift and
the experience with or evidence of the gift. If your passion is 3 – 5 then it is high. If yourpassion is 1
– 2 then it is low. It is the same with the experience where you rate evidence of the gift in yourlife.
Is the experience/evidence high (3 – 5) or is it low (1 – 2)?
Plotyour scores on the grid

Notice that Experience/Evidence is on the vertical axis and Passion is on the horizontal axis. So an
Experience/Evidencescore of 3 and a Passion score of 2 and wouldbe in the number 2 quadrant.
Quadrants
Quadrant 1 = High Passion and High Experience/Evidence
A Spiritual Gift that is in this quadrant seems to be one that God has given you. Youare passionate
about the gift and have experience and evidence in yourlife that seems to confirmthis. Continue to
grow in this gift and use it forHis glory.
Quadrant 2 = Low Passion and High Experience/Evidence
A Spiritual Gift in this quadrant may indicate that circumstances have called upon you to exhibit
this skill or ministry in your life. For example youdon’t have to have a high Passion to be merciful to
those that are hungry around you.However,your church may have a large feeding program. Just
because youare recruited and spend a lotof time doesn’t mean that youhave the Gift of Mercy.
Rather it simply could mean that youwere obedient to God by helping witha need.
Quadrant 3 = High Passion and Low Experience/Evidence
Scoring in this quadrant is common among the Supernatural gifts. Healing, faith, miracles – youmay
feel really burdened in situations to pray forGod’s intervention in mighty ways. Youpray believing
and trusting that God can and will act. If this is true then youmust rate yourself high on Passion.
However,though youare passionate in your praying for healing yourexperience may not be
successful. Youwould rate yourexperience/evidence score low.However, this does not mean give
up. Itis just an indicator of yourpersonal experience up to this moment in time. If God moves in
your heart you deeply to pray for the supernatural let Him take care of the results. It is better to
pray believing and not see the results youanticipated than to be disobedient and not pray. God has
given you the gift, He willuse it according to His will. Be faithfulto the passion He has given you.
Quadrant 4 = Low Passion and Low Experience/Evidence
A score in this quadrant is usually a good indicator that God, up to this point in time, has not birthed
in you this Spiritual Gift.This does not mean that in time God may call upon youto workin this
area. God can give any gift at any time. He is sovereign.
Now that youhave finished this self-assessment, how do you feel about your discovery?Were you
surprised or did you find the answer that you expected? Are you intimidated by the significance of
the gift and what God may expect from you or are you confidentthat God has and willcontinue to
use youin this way?
One way to confirm yourfindings is to ask those Godly people that know youwell. Ask them to read
the definitions of the gifts that youselected and confirmwhether they see this same gift in your life

or not. Ask them what they think you need to improve on. Ask them to pray foryou that you may
have understanding and wisdom in using these gifts.
Another way to grow in your gift is to report to the member of yourpastoral staff at churchthat
would be in charge of volunteers in the church.Share with them yourdiscovery and ask them for
materials to study and opportunities for service. Perhaps there is someone that they know that
could mentor you in this gift.
Finally, seek out others in yourchurch that have the same gift(s). Meet regularly as a group to learn,
share stories and pray foreach other. As a church,you functionas a body of believers. Youwere
given these gifts to help each other. There is no limit to what God could do as youand the others in
your churchare Spirit-led in the use of these gifts.
BILL TURNER
The giftof discerningsof spirits."diakriseispneumaton"
Thisis the thirdof the three giftsof revelation,thoughitisseventhinthe listin1Cor.12v8-10..It is
spokenof inthe plural,“diakriseis,”means“discernings;”probablybecauseitsoperationusuallyreveals
the activitiesof bothgoodandevil spirits.
WHAT THE DISCERNINGOFSPIRITSIS NOT.
It isnot a critical spirit,or the abilitytofindfaultinothers.
Thisgiftdiscernsspiritual beings,nothumanfaults,forthe Scripturescondemnderogatoryfaultfinding.
Mt.7v1. Rom.2v1-4.
It isnot Christiandiscernment,ornatural discernment.
ThoughChristwarnedus againsthavinga critical spirit,He alsotoldus to use a lovingChristian
discernment;we are notto believe orswallow everythingwe are toldor taught;Jesustoldusto test
people bythe fruitof theirlives.Mt.7v5-23.10v16. 1Thes.5v21. Mature Christiansmaypossessgreat
abilitytowiselydiscernthe charactersof humanbeings;however,thisisnotthe giftof discerningof
spirits,whichisconcernedwiththe revelationof the activitiesof spiritualbeings.The giftof discerning
of spiritshasalsonothingtodo withpsychology,orpsychiatry;itisthe discerningof spirits,notminds.
Discerningsof spiritsisnotthe discernmentthateveryChristianhasasa resultof havinga born again
spirit.John.3v3-7.Eph.2v1.1Cor.2v9-16. Asour spiritgrowsstronger,we are more andmore able to
discernspiritual things,andtoreceive the revelationsof the HolySpirit.Lk.1v80.2v42,52. Heb.5v13,14.
The newbirthenableseveryChristiantopossess,insome measure,the abilitytodiscernSatanic

inspiration.However,the spiritualcapacitytoreceive the giftof discerningof spirits,isnotthe giftitself,
it isnot the exercise of ourownspirit,itisa revelationof the HolySpirit.The apostle Johntellsusthat
we can discerntruth fromerror bythe innerwitnessof the HolySpirit,andmostChristianscan,if they
are spirituallymature enough,sense the presence of goodorevil powers.1Jn.2v26,27.However,the
discerningsof Spiritsisafar more enlighteningrevelationthanordinaryChristiandiscernment,andhasa
far widersphere of operation.A Christianmaysee the activitiesof goodorevil powersinopen,pictorial,
or mental vision,inthe past,presentandfuture.Exod.24v9-18.OurLord saw all the detailsof Satan's
future siftingof Peter.Lk.22v31-34.Both Christiandiscernmentandthe giftof discerningof spiritshave
an importantplace inthe protectionof ChristiansfromSatan'swiles.We shouldexercise Christian
discernmentall the time,andexpectthe HolySpiritmanifestHisgiftof discerningof spirits,whenHe
feelsthatitisnecessary.
It isnot to take the place of Scriptural testsof character or inspiration.
We are to test people bythe fruitof theirlives,theirlove forpeople andGod,theirdoctrine;particularly
aboutChrist,and by theirlove of prayerandGod's word.Mt.7v15-23. 1Cor.12v3. Is.8v19.20. 1Jn.4v1-5.
Jn.13v34,35. Ps.24v6. 1v1-6. Lk.24v53. All Christianscan,andshould,testpeople'sdoctrineandfruit,but
not all Christianshave the giftof discerningof spirits.
It isnot communicationwithspiritsasinSpiritualism, etc..
The visitof Moses andElijahat the glorioustransfigurationof JesusinLk.9v28-36.,mustnot be confused
withSpiritualismandsimilarevil occultmanifestations,suchasdivination,astral projection,sorcery,
blackmagic, fortune telling,astrology,andwitchcraft,whichare repeatedlycondemnedinthe
Scriptures.Lev.19v31.20v6,27. Deut.18v8-20. 2King.21v2,6.Ex.22v18. with1Sam.28v6,7. Is.8v18-20.
1Chron.10v13,14. Is.19v3. 47v13. Mal.3v.5. Acts.13v1-11. 16v16-18. 19v19. 1Cor.10v20,21. Gal.5v19,21.
1Jn.4v1-5. Rev.21v8. 22v15. (We mustrememberthatElijahhadneverdied,and,fromJude.v9,it
appearsthat Moses had a special resurrectiontoappearin“The HolyMount. 2Pet.1v16-21.) When
supposedcommunicationswiththe deadoccur,theyare reallyfamiliarspiritswhoimpersonate the
dead.God doesnotallowthe livingtocontactdead relatives.2Sam.12v22,23. Eccles.9v5-10.Job.7v7-
10,21. 20v5-9. Lk.16v19-31. Evil spiritsare familiarwiththe livesof the peopletheyimitate;theygive
correct informationandacleverimitationof people whoare dead.BysuchdeceptionsSatanattempts
to destroythe soulsof men, He is a masterof illusion,liesanddeception.The deadcannotbe contacted,
for if theyhave beenwicked,theyare inHades;andif righteous,inHeaven.Jesushasthe keysof death
and Hades,andthe soulsof the deadare inHis care. Rev.1v18.Spiritualistsandotherfalse cultsdeny
Christ’sdeity,atonementandresurrection,andHisdoctrine aboutHeaven,Hell,andeternal judgement,
as well asothervital truths;we can have no part withthem.AsChristians,we canseekandreceive the
genuine giftof discerningof spirits,fromChristourLamb,andthe HolySpiritourcomfortinggentle
dove.
It isnot to be confusedwiththe wordof knowledge.
The revelationsof people'sheartsandmindsisinthe province of the wordof knowledge,the visionof
the influence of goodorevil spiritsuponaperson'smindisinthe province of the discerningof spirits.

A DEFINITION OFTHE DISCERNINGSOFSPIRITS.
It isa supernatural abilitygivenbythe HolySpirittotemporarilysee intothe spiritworld.Itcanreveal a
fragment,ora wide range of activityinthe spiritworld,inthe past,present,orfuture.Itbringsthe
revelationof eithergoodorevil spirits.
SOME EXAMPLES AND USES OF THE GIFT OFDISCERNINGOF SPIRITS.
Thisgiftcan reveal if demonpoweristhe cause of sickness.
The Scripturesinformusthat the primarycause of sicknessissin,whichresultedinthe takingawayof
the tree of life throughAdam'ssin.Gen.2v9-17.3v1-24. Ez.47v7-12. Rom.5v12-14. Rev.2v7.22v7. The
Bible alsotellsusthatsome sicknessiscausedbydemons.Mt.4v23,24. 8v28-34. 9v32-34. 12v22-24.
15v21-28. 17v14-21. withMk.9v23. Christcame to delivermankindfromSatan'spowerandmalice,and
destroyhisevil works.Acts.10v38.Jn.8v36. 1Jn.3v8. Lk.4v17-21. 13v10-17. Heb.13v8. However,all
sicknessshouldnotbe attributedtoSatan.Sicknesscanalsobe due to natural causes,such as ageing,
neglectof the body,heredity,accident,war,poisoning,infection,virusandgerms,etc..The Scriptures
clearlydistinguishbetweenordinarysicknessandlunacyandepilepsythroughnatural causes,and
lunacyand sicknessdue todemonpossession.Mt.4v23,24.17v15-18. Thisgiftcan reveal if sicknessis
due to demonoppressionordemonpossession.
N.B.No Christiancanbe possessedbydemons.
Evengodlychildrenof Godhave beenill asa resultof Satan's attacks, butthere isno record of them
beingsickas a resultof demonpossession.Indeed,JesuspromisedthatChristianscannotbe possessed
by Satan.Lk.11v9-13. 1Jn.5v18. A Christianmayfail God,and say,or do,somethingwrong;butthis
shouldneverbe confusedwithdemonpossession.Mt.16v13-27. 26v69-75. OnlyChristianswhohave
apostatisedfromJesusgetpossessed.Mt.12v22-32,43-45. Mk.3v22-30. Do notsufferfrom“demonitis,”
and blame everythingondemons.Itisfoolishandharmful topretendthatwe have thisgiftandpretend
to cast out demonsfromeverybody,includinggoodChristians.Those whohurtpeople bysayingthat
theyhave a demon,whentheyhave not,will experience severe discipline fromGod.
If a Christianhasthe giftsof the Holy Spirit,theywill be able todeal withademonwhoisoppressinga
person,withoutanybodyknowingaboutit.The revelationof ademon'sinfluence,bydiscerningof
spirits,andthe removal of that influence bythe giftof faith,cantake place by the operationof the
powerof God, throughsilentprayeranda commandin the mindandspiritof the Christianprayingfor
the person,withoutanyotherpersonknowingit,oranyone beinghurtordisturbed.Demonpossession
occurs rarely,andthenonlyamongpeople whoare not Christians.Sometimesdemonswillopenly
manifestthemselvesinpublicinunbelievers;andsotheyhave to be openlydealtwith.Todeal with
some powerful evil spiritsneedsreal faithandmuchprayer.Mk.9v14-18. Jesusneverdemandedfaith
froma personwhowasmentallysick,oroutof theirmindsbecause of the oppressionorpossessionof
demons,the onusisuponthe personprayingforthem.Jesuscast outdemonswithHisword,not bythe
layingonof hands,thiswasperhapsbecause demonscanbe veryviolent..

It can safeguardthe spiritual lifeof aChristianora church.
It can reveal a Satanicoppressionof the mind.
EvenJesuswasviciouslyattackedbySataninHis thoughts,SatannaggedandderidedHim, andtriedto
destroyHisfaithand character,and divertHimfromHis mission.Mt.4v1-11.Lk.4v1-14. Satanattacks us
inthe same way,and triestodiscourage anddivertus.ThisgiftexposeshisattacksonChristiansandset
themfree fromfearand stress.2Cor.10v4,5.
b. It can reveal aservantof Satanand the powerbehindSatanicmiracles.
As we have seen,false prophetscanbe testedbytheirlivesanddoctrine,Mt.7v15-23.1Jn.4v1-9., but
we may needtoknowthe spiritmovinga personbefore we canknow theirlivesordoctrine.False
prophetscraftilyhide theirtrue doctrine,butGodcan reveal the evil spiritthatiswiththem, andso
protectus fromthem.Acts.8v9-23. 13v6-12. 16v16-18. 19v17-20.
c. It can reveal Satan'sattemptsto corrupt andhinderGod's work.
Satan triestocorrupt, seduce,divide,andinfiltrate churches.1Cor.1v10-17.3v1-7. Acts.5v3,4.
2Cor.11v3,4,13-15. Eph.6v11. We needtotake great care inthese lastdays.1Tim.4v1-7. 2Pet.2v1-4.This
giftcan reveal the spiritmovingfanatics,occultists,Spiritualists,andfalse prophets,orevencarnal
Christiansouttooppose the Pentecostal experience.Satanputscarnal people incontrol of churchesto
hinderGod’swork.We needto knowwhenandhow Satan istryingto seduce Christians,thisknowledge
can deliverthemfromevil,temptationandtrial.PeterhadarevelationfromGod,then,shortlyafterhe
had one fromSatan; Jesusperceivedthe source of both.Mt.16v22,23.
It can reveal the powerbehindpersecution,blasphemyandslander.
Paul'sthornwas an angel of Satan whostirredup persecutionwhereverhe went.Gal.6v17.2Cor.11v23
to 12v12. People stirredupbySatanpersecutedChrist.Mk.3v22-30. Jn.8v44.
It can stop usfrom failingtodiscernagenuine move of the Holy Spirit.
Revivalshave oftenbeengreatlyhinderedbyministersandothers,whohave stronglyobjectedtothe
emotional effectsof the movingsof the HolySpirit,theyhave criticisedferventpraise andworshipas
“emotionalism”and“hysteria.”JohnWesley writesinhisjournal onDec.24th 1739: “Towards morning,
one of themwasoverwhelmedwithjoyandlove,andcouldnothelpshowingitbystrongcriesand
tears.At this,anotherwasmuch displeased,saying,'Itwasonlynature,imagination,andanimal spirits.'
O thoujealousGod,laynot thissinto hercharge; and letusnot be wise above whatiswritten.”
Those whoare critical of a Pentecostal revival mustnotonlybe preparedtogive afull Scriptural reason
for theirunbelief,butalsotoshowus theirpersonal spiritualcredentialsformakingthatjudgement.We
have to be verycareful lestwe resistthe HolySpiritbyour unscriptural traditions,prejudice,unbelief,
fearof the supernatural,anda determinationtorunto time,orthe planor order that we have
arranged.We needabove all thingstodiscernthe plansandmovingsof the HolySpirit.

It can deliverfromdeadlypersecution,andbringpeople toChrist.
Paul was convertedbya visionof Jesus,thisachievedwhatevenmiraclescouldnotdo. Thisisan
unusual wayforpeople tobe converted,butitiscertainlythe mostpowerful waythatGod can speakto
men.Acts.10v1-8. Compare Rev.19v11-21.
The discerningof spiritscanbe the ultimate encouragementtothe Christian.
God can give us visionsof Himself,the LordJesus,andgoodangels,thatcan transformus,indeed,itwas
these visionsthatmade the prophetsandapostleswhattheywere,andgave themthe strengthtofulfil
theirmissions.Exod.3v1-6.Numb.22v22-32.Judges.13v3,8-21.1Kings.22v19. 2Kings.6v17. Is.6v1-13.
Ezek.1v1-28. Lk.1v10-8. Mt.28v2-7. 2Pet.1v16-21. Rev.1v1-20. Acts.12v7-10. etc. Visionslike theseare
absolutelyindispensable indifficultcircumstances,andmurderouspersecution,suchavisionupheldthe
martyr Stephenathisdeath.Acts.7v55. Paul hadseveral visionsof Christandangels,andof the gloryof
Heaven,these gave himthe strengthtoperformhismission.Acts.9v3-6.22v17-21 18v9-11. 2Cor.12v1-4.
Acts.17v23-25. Jesusneededthishelp,because of the pressure of hisministryandhishumanity;the
Fathergave Him a gloriousrevelationinthe HolyMountat His transfiguration.Lk.9v28-36.22v23-26.
2Pet.1v16-18. “But we see Jesus,whowasmade a little lowerthanthe angelsforthe sufferingsof
death,crownedwithgloryandhonour:that He by the grace of God shouldtaste deathforeveryman.”
Heb.2v9.The giftof discerningof spiritsvariesfromasimple revelationof ademon,tothe ultimate
beatificvisionof God.We needthe manifestationof thisgifttoday; itisone of God's greatgiftsto His
Church."
What isthe giftof discernment? Howdoyouknow that you have it?How doesthisgifthelpthe church?
A Valuable Gift
Do youdiscernthingswhenothersmissthem? Are youable tosee,hear,or readsomethingthatjust
doesn’tseemright? Canyouspot a phonyteachingorchurch leadera mile away? The spiritual giftof
discernmentisessentialinthe Bodyof the Christ. For one thing,noteveryone hasthisgift. Most of the
church may notbe able tosee the tinybit of error or falsehoodbecauseitmightbe mixedinwithalarge
portionof the truth so I ask,“What is the biblical standardforspiritual discernment?”
Bible VersesonDiscernment
Hebrews5:14 “But solidfoodisforthe mature,for those whohave theirpowersof discernmenttrained
by constantpractice to distinguishgoodfromevil.”

Someone withdiscernmentmustbe able “distinguishgoodfromevil”but“theirpowersof discernment”
come throughdiligenttrainingandthattraininginthe Wordof God. The more someone knowsthe
Bible,the more theywill be able todiscerntruthfromerrorand goodfrom evil.ThisiswhatPaul
essentiallywrote aboutinPhilippians1:9-10 “Andit ismy prayerthat your love mayaboundmore and
more,withknowledgeandall discernment,sothatyoumay approve whatisexcellent,andsobe pure
and blamelessforthe dayof Christ.”It is easiertoapprove of whatis excellentortruthful andfree from
error if youhave discernmentbutthisdiscernmentcomesfromexperience andfrombiblical knowledge,
but ultimatelyitisa giftof the Spirit. Evenso, the betteryouknow the Word the more you’ll be able to
“testthe spiritstosee whethertheyare fromGod,for manyfalse prophetshave gone outintothe
world”(1 John4:1). If a personisconsistentlyinthe Wordof God theycan acquire discernmentsskills
since “the wordof God islivingandactive,sharperthanany two-edgedsword,piercingtothe divisionof
soul and of spirit,of jointsandof marrow, and discerningthe thoughtsandintentionsof the heart”(Heb
4:12).
The Source of Discernment
Solomonwasone of the wisestmentohave everlivedandhe knew where true discernmentcame from
and so he askedGod “Give yourservanttherefore anunderstandingmindtogovernyourpeople,thatI
may discernbetweengoodandevil,forwhoisable togovernthisyourgreat people”(1Kings2:9) and
God answeredSolomon’sreplyingsince “[you] askedforyourself understandingtodiscernwhatisright”
(1 Kings3:11) God saidthat He wouldgive ittohim. The Psalmistalsoknowswhere discernmentcomes
fromas he prayedto God “I am yourservant;give me discernmentthatImay understandyourstatute”
(Psalm119:125). Anynationthatignoresthe Word of God cannot have discernmentbecauseasMoses
wrote aboutone such nation,“For theyare a nationvoidof counsel,andthere isnounderstandingin
them. If theywere wise,theywouldunderstandthis;theywoulddiscerntheirlatterend”(Duet32:28-
29).
Who NeedsDiscernment?
It goeswithoutsayingthata pastor needsdiscernment,notonlyforhisownsake but forthe sake of the
church. The more the pastorstudiesthe Wordof God, the betterhe can discernteachingsthatare
contrary to God’sWord. Also,Sundayschool teacherswhoare lookingforfuture Sundayschool lessons
musttake greatcare in examininganynew andprospective lessons. These lessonsmustbe placed
againstthe Bible tosee if there isanythingcontraryto what the writtenWordsays. Church leaders,
pastors,elders,deacons,teachers,andinfactall church membersmusttake greatcare to discerntruth
fromerror but some people have thisspiritual giftgivensupernaturallybyGodandGod givesthisgift
for the goodof the church. Rememberthat’sthe mainpurpose forspiritual gifts…theyare notforthe
individualbutforthe edificationorbuildingupof the church. We have alreadyreadthat discernment
comesfromGod and the Holy Spirit,soif we are sensitive tothe Spiritandwe are well versedand
skilledinthe Word,we canknowwhensomethingisn’tquiteright. Itsometimesstandsoutclearly
while atothertimesitmay be more difficulttodiscernbutdiscernyoumust. Those whohave the giftof
discernmentare valuabletothe church because theycanhelpsteerthe churchthroughthe minefields
of false teachingmaterialsandfalse ministersthatare increasinginnumbersthese days. These wolves

are tryingto andsuccessfullyinfiltratingthe churchestoday. Itis soimportantbecause we know that
Satan has hisownministersandtheycanfool manyas theycan appear as an “angel of light”(2 Cor
11:4).
DiscerningBetweenSpirits
In 1 Corinthians12:10c says that some have “the abilitytodistinguishbetweenspirits”orhave
discernmentbetweenthe spirits. Whatdoesthismean? It likelymeansthata personwiththe spiritual
giftof discernmentcandistinguishworks,writings,teachers,orteachingsinfluencedbythe HolySpirit
and those froman evil spirit. Where itsays“todistinguishbetweenspirits”we see thatitisplural so we
knowthat there’smore thanone spiritinvolved. We alsoknow that there are wickedspiritsoutthere
because “we donot wrestle againstfleshandblood,butagainstthe rulers,againstthe authorities,
againstthe cosmic powersoverthispresentdarkness,againstthe spiritual forcesof evil inthe heavenly
places”(Eph6:12).
Conclusion
Do youhave an unusual abilitytoreadbetweenthe lines? Doyouhave an uncannyabilitytosense
somethingisn’tright? Are youable touncoverfalse teachingsfairlyeasily? Doyouhave a great hunger
for biblical knowledge andteachings? Are youable todiscernthe truthfrom a lie? Jesuswarnsusto
“Beware of false prophets,whocome toyouin sheep’sclothingbutinwardlyare ravenouswolves”
(Matt 7:15). Can youspot a wolf insheep’sclothingwithnoproblem? The factisthat “many false
prophetswill appearanddeceivemanypeople”(Matt24:11) and infact, theyalreadyhave appeared
and have alreadydeceivedmanypeople. Peter’spredictionhascome topass as he wrote “false
prophetsalsoarose amongthe people,justasthere will be false teachersamongyou,whowill secretly
bringin destructive heresies,evendenyingthe Masterwhoboughtthem, bringinguponthemselves
swiftdestruction”(2Pet2:1) and Paul adds“For such menare false apostles,deceitfulworkmen,
disguisingthemselvesasapostlesof Christ”(2Cor 11:13). That time has come and todaythe wolvesare
out there,manybehindthe pulpitsandthatiswhy the spiritual giftof discernmentmaybe one of the
mostimportantof the giftsof the Spiritthat there is.
JOHN MACARTHUR ON THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT
By KenSilvapastor-teacheronFeb14, 2012 inAMMissives,CurrentIssues,Features
discerningof spirits(v.10)—Satanisthe greatdeceiver(John8:44) and hisdemonscounterfeitGod’s
message andwork.Christianswiththe giftof discernmenthave the God-givenabilitytorecognizelying
spiritsandto identifydeceptive anderroneousdoctrine(see Acts17:11; 1 John4:1).

Paul illustratedthe use of thisgiftinActs16:16-18, as PeterhadexerciseditinActs5:3. Whenit was not
beingexercisedinthe Corinthianchurch,grave distortionof the truthoccurred(see v.3; 14:29).
Thoughits operationhaschangedsince apostolictimes(because of the completionof Scripture)it isstill
essential tohave peopleinthe churchwhoare discerning. Theyare the guardians,the watchmenwho
protectthe church from demoniclies,false doctrines,pervertedcults,andfleshlyelements.Asit
requiresdiligentstudyof the Wordto exercise giftsof knowledge,wisdom, preaching,andteaching,so
it doeswithdiscernment.[1]
An importantgiftforthe protectionof the church isthat of discernment,the distinguishingof spirits.
The basic meaningof distinguishinghastodo withseparating outforexaminationandjudginginorder
to determine whatisgenuine andwhatisspurious.Satanisthe greatdeceiver,“the fatherof lies”(John
8:44), andeversince the Fall he and hisdemonshave counterfeitedGod’smessage andGod’swork.All
Christiansshouldjudge carefullywhattheyhearandreadand “not believe everyspirit,buttestthe
spiritstosee whethertheyare fromGod” (1 John4:1).
That is whatthe God-fearingand“noble-minded”Jewsof Bereadidwhentheyfirstheardthe gospel
fromPaul (Acts17:11). TheytestedPaul’swordagainstwhattheyknew of God’sWord,and because the
twowords matchedtheybelievedthatwhathe preachedwasfromGod and not fromdemons.Thatis
whateverybelievershoulddowitheverymessagethatclaimstobe from God.No preacheror teacher
of the gospel shouldresenthavingwhathe saysjudgedagainstScripture.
Those to whomGod has giventhe giftof discernmenthave aspecial abilitytorecognize lyingspirits,and
thisgiftisthe Spirit’swatchdog.Some ideasthatare givenasscriptural andthat on the surface seem
scriptural actuallyare clevercounterfeitsthatwoulddeceivemostbelievers.Those withthe giftof
discernmentare the HolySprit’sinspectors,HiscounterfeitexpertstowhomHe gives special insightand
understanding.The giftwasespeciallyvaluableinthe earlychurchbecause the New Testamenthadnot
beencompleted.Because of the difficultyandexpense of copying,formanyyearsafteritscompletion
the Bible wasnot widelyavailable.The HolySpirit’sdiscernerswerethe church’sprotectors.
The giftof discernmentisalsoespeciallyvaluable whenthe churchandthe gospel are considered
acceptable insociety.WhenChristianityispersecuted,counterfeitteachersusuallyare scarce,because
the price for beingidentifiedwiththe gospel istoohigh.Theyare muchmore likelytoappearintimes
and inplaceswhere Christianityisconsideredrespectable oratleastistolerated.Inpartsof the world
today,evangelicalismispopularandoftenprofitable.All sortsof teachers,preachers,writers,and
counselorsclaimtobe evangelical andbiblical.
Althoughanythinkingpersonrealizesthatall the ideascannotbe biblical,simplybecause manyof them
are so contradictoryof eachother,it isnot alwayseasytoknow whichare true and whichare not.Most
oftentheyare a mixture.CounterfeitteachersusedbySatanusuallyhave some truthinwhattheysay.
Unfortunately,manybasicallysoundteacherssometimesundiscerninglypickupideasfrompsychology,
philosophy,orpopularthinkingthatseembiblical butare not.Itis the ministryof those withthe giftof
discernmenttohelpseparate the wheatfromthe chaff.

The Corinthianbelieverswhohadthatgifteitherwere notusingitor were beingignored.Otherwise the
pervertedideasandpracticesthatPaul dealswithinthislettercouldnothave flourishedastheydid.
Discernmentisthe gift,alongwithprophecy,thatthe Apostleurgesthe Corinthianstouse inrelationto
judgingthe use andinterpretationof tongues.Those withdiscernmentare tojudge eventhose who
prophesy(1Cor. 14:29).
Obviously,the giftof discernmentisvaluabletothe church inassistingChristianstosettledisputes
amongthemselvesratherthangoingto court.That seemstobe the giftneededbythe personPaul
speaksof in1 Corinthians6,the “wise man whowill be able todecide betweenhisbrethren”(v.5).
Evenpraise of the gospel can be deceitful andmisleading.WhenPaul andSilasbegantoministerin
Philippi,Luke reportsthat“a certainslave-girl havingaspiritof divinationmetus,whowasbringingher
mastersmuch profitbyfortunetelling.FollowingafterPaul andus,she keptcryingout,saying,‘These
menare bond-servantsof the MostHighGod, whoare proclaimingtoyouthe wayof salvation’”(Acts
16:16-17). What the girl saidnot onlywastrue but seemedtobe favorable tothe gospel andtothose
whowere proclaimingit.
But the purpose andmotivationof whatshe saidwas exactlythe opposite.The demonswhocontrolled
hermeantto attract the people and,gainingtheirtrust,thenridicule andundercutGod’sWordandthe
workof Hisministers.Inthatcase Paul couldnotjudge bywhat was said,because the girl’swordswere
true.He knewshe wasa demonicinstrumentonlybecause the HolySpiritrevealedthe false spiritthat
controlledher.
False teachingcanbe judgedbycomparingitwithScripture,butfalse spiritscanbe judgedonlybythe
true Spirit’sgiftof discernment.Thatgiftmay be calledthe Spirit’sgiftongifts,because Godusesitto
reveal toHis church whetherornota manifestationof the othergiftsisof Him.All imitationof the gifts
isnot demonic.Muchof itis simplythe workof the flesh,carnal Christianstryingtoserve the Lordin
theirownpowerandfor theirownbenefitandglory.Summarizing,itcanbe saidthat the giftof
discernmentisgiventotell if the othergiftsare of the HolySpirit,if theyare merelynatural imitations,
or if theyare demoniccounterfeits.
I believeGodstill empowerssome of Hispeopletounmaskfalse prophetsandcarnal hypocrites.He
givestheminsighttoexpose imitationsanddeceptionsthatmostChristianswouldtake asgenuine.The
giftof discernment,however,caneasilydeteriorate intoacritical,proud,andself-righteousspirit.Itcan
be judgmental insteadof correctivewhenitisimitatedinthe flesh.Butrightlyuseditisagreat
protectiontoGod’speople.[2]
JohnMacArthur

I was readingsome of Probe’sresponsestoe-mailsandcame acrossa message whichtouchedon
discernmentasa spiritual gift(“DoYouKnow WhyMy DreamsCome True?”).Overthe yearsI have
noticedthatI oftengetwhat I classifyasa “gut reaction”to people,particularlyinChristiansettings.I
seemtodetect,almostimmediately,whetherapersonissincere ora phony.Amazingly,Iamalmost
alwayscorrect inmy initial reaction,thoughitsometimestakesyearsbefore thatreactionisconfirmed.
However,ratherthanattribute suchfeelingstothe HolySpirit,Ihave alwaysseenthemasa prideful or
fleshlyresponse tosome subconsciouscue Igetfromthe otherperson’sbehavior.Couldyouelaborate
on discernmentasaspiritual gift?Whatexactlyisit, how doesitwork andwhat isits purpose?And,
mostimportantly,howcanone determine whetherthey,infact,have sucha gift?Scripture references
wouldbe helpful.
I’mdelightedtohearfromyou!I thankthe Lord everytime Iheara believerrecognizes theyhave the
giftof discernmentbecause the bodyof Christdesperatelyneedsthis“earlywarningsystem.”
Unfortunately,it’sbeenmyexperience thatmanypeople dismissanyspiritual giftstheycan’t
understandorgrasp naturalistically–inotherwords, thatare so supernatural inoriginandmanifestation
theycan’t be explainedanyotherway.Sowe lose outBIG whentheyare notencouragedor exercised.
The giftof discernment(1Cor.12:10) is a supernatural abilitytodistinguishbetweenthe spiritof truth
and the spiritof error,betweenholinessandevil.
Justas counterfeitmoneyexpertscanquicklydistinguishphonymoneyfromthe real thing,those with
the giftof discernmentcandistinguishholyandunholyspiritsanddiscerntruthfromlies.A personwith
thisgiftcan spot a phonybefore othersdo.It’sbeenmyexperiencethattheycan alsotell when
someone islying.Whenyouaskthem,“Buthow do youKNOW?” theyjustshrugand say,“I just know.I
don’tknowhowI know,it’sjustthere inmy spirit.”Proof thatit’sthe HolySpirit’sempoweringisgiven
whentheyare continuouslyvalidatedintheirassessment.
Thisis NOTthe same thingas a “psychicability.”Deut.18:10-14 sternlyforbidsanyinvolvementwith
spiritism.OnlybelieversinJesusChristhave thissupernatural abilityfromthe HolySpirit.
1 Tim.4:1 says thatin latterdays,deceitful spiritsanddoctrinesof demonswillcome,sothe important
role of the giftof discernmentistoidentifythose spiritsanddoctrines.
A discerningspiritteststhe spiritswiththisrule of scripture:
“By thisyou knowthe Spiritof God: everyspiritthatconfessesthatJesusChristhascome inthe fleshis
fromGod; and everyspiritthatdoesnotconfessJesusisnotfromGod.” (1 John4:2,3)
Leslie B.Flynnwritesinhisbook19 Giftsof the Spirit,“Anyrelegatingof JesusChristtoaninferiorspot
lessthanthe incarnate Son of God, the crucifiedandresurrectedSavior,meansthatspiritisnotof God.”
Thisis helpful toknowwhenwe are analyzingandevaluatingthingswe hearandsee inthe spiritual
domain(forexample,whenwatchingOprah’sNew Age friendsonhershow).Butjustas important,
though,isthe exercise of thisgiftinoureverydaylives.Those whohave the giftof discernment have
toldme it’slike aninternal alarmbell goingoff.Some examples:

• Ourchurch usedto be locatedona busystreetwhere panhandlersoftencame bywithasob story
aboutneedingcashfortheirbabiesinthe hospital orsome otherpretense.One of the peoplewho
workedinthe office hadthe giftof discernmentand,afterspendingjustacouple of momentstalkingto
these people,she couldtell whichonesreallyneededhelpandwhichoneswere lookingformoneyfor
booze.(If theywere trulyinneed,there reallywouldbe ababyin the hospital,forexample.)
• A friendtookher4-year-oldsontosee an art exhibitadjacenttoart museuminCorpusChristi,Texas.
The momenttheyenteredthe exhibitstent,hersonstoppeddeadinhistracks.“Mommy,we can’t go in
there.Thisplace isbad.” Teri sensedthe exactsame presence of evil.Theyneversaw asingle piece of
art before turningaroundandleaving.Itturnedoutto be sponsoredbya cult.Both motherandson
laterrealizedtheyhave the giftof discernment.
• My husbandRay meta popularevangelical preacherata dinner,buthada profoundlyuncomfortable
reactionto the man.(The word “slimeball”keptcomingtomind.) There wasnoapparentreason,butit
was a gut response.Tobe honest,thiswasbefore Irealizedhe hadthe giftof discernment,andI
dismissedhisreactionasacritical spirit.The manwas laterremovedfromhispulpitforhisunrepentant
adulterouslifestyle.
We have foundthese questionshelpful indeterminingif one hasthisgift:
• Do youhave an internal alarmthatgoesoff whenyouencountersomethingphonyorevil?
• Evenwhenyou’re the onlyone whosensessomethingwrong,isyour“intuition”eventuallyvalidated?
• Do you(andothers) consideryourself agoodjudge of character?
I hope thishelps!
Sue Bohlin
© 2001 Probe Ministries
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Sue Bohlin
Sue Bohlinisan associate speaker/writerandwebmistressforProbe Ministries.She attendedthe
Universityof Illinois,andhasbeena Bible teacherandconference speakerforover40 years.She isa
frequentspeakerforMOPS(Mothersof Pre-Schoolers) andStonecroftMinistries(ChristianWomen's
Connections),andservesonthe boardof LivingHope Ministries,aChrist-centeredoutreachtothose
dealingwithunwantedhomosexuality.Sue isonthe Bible.orgWomen'sLeadershipTeamandisa
regularcontributortoBible.org'sEngage Blog.Inadditiontobeingaprofessional calligrapher,she isthe
wife of Probe'sDr.Ray Bohlinandthe motherof theirtwogrownsons.Her personal websiteis
suebohlin.com.
What isProbe?
Probe Ministriesisanon-profitministrywhosemissionistoassistthe church inrenewingthe mindsof
believerswithaChristianworldviewandtoequipthe churchto engage the worldforChrist.Probe
fulfillsthismissionthroughourMindGamesconferencesforyouthandadults,our3-minute dailyradio
program,and our extensive Website atwww.probe.org.
FurtherinformationaboutProbe'smaterialsandministrymaybe obtainedbycontactingusat:

Probe Ministries
2001 W. PlanoParkway,Suite 2000
PlanoTX 75075
(972) 941-4565
info@probe.org
www.probe.org
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Permissionisgrantedtouse indigital orprintedformsolongas it iscirculatedwithoutcharge,andinits
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The Gift of Spiritual Discernment
August29, 2007 #discernment
Share
As youwell knowif youare a regularreaderof thissite,I’ve writtenabookcalledThe Discipline of
Spiritual Discernmentandthatbookwasthe resultof spendingalmostayearstudyingthe topicof
spiritual discernment.AsIhunteddownall the referencesIcouldtodiscernmentandas I studiedwhat
the Bible hasto say aboutthe topic,I was struck byhow manypeople show interestindiscernmentasa
spiritual gift,butalsohowthe descriptionof thisgiftrarelymatcheswhatthe Bible tellsusaboutit.Far
too oftenthe giftof discernmentissaidtobe little more thana giftformakinggooddecisions–for
knowingGod’swill whenwe needtoturnto the leftor the right.Yet the Bible tellsusthatitis more.For
that reasonI wrote a whole chapterinteractingwithgiftingingeneralandthisgiftinparticular.Injusta

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