Discernment of Spirits: What the Bible Says About Testing the Spirits

Discernment of Spirits: What the Bible Says About Testing the Spirits

In the realm of spiritual gifts, discernment of spirits is often misunderstood or overlooked. Yet, this gift is crucial for navigating the complexities of the spiritual world and protecting the church from deception. As believers, we are called to exercise discernment in our daily lives, distinguishing between truth and error, good and evil. In this post, we’ll dive into the biblical understanding of discernment of spirits, explore its characteristics and importance, and offer practical guidance for cultivating this essential gift.

What is the Definition of Discernment?

Before we delve into the specific gift of discernment of spirits, let’s examine the broader concept of discernment. In the biblical context, discernment is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to make wise judgments in complex situations. It involves more than just accumulating knowledge; discernment requires the application of godly wisdom to navigate the nuances of life and spirituality.

The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of discernment, urging believers to seek wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:2-5). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul prays for the Philippians to grow in discernment, so that they may “approve what is excellent” (Philippians 1:9-10). Discernment, then, is a process of developing spiritual sensitivity and exercising biblical judgment to distinguish truth from error.

Discernment of Spirits Definition

Building on this foundation, let’s explore the specific gift of discernment of spirits. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists “the ability to distinguish between spirits” (NIV) as one of the spiritual gifts. This gift enables believers to discern the source and nature of spiritual activity, whether it originates from God, human motives, or demonic influences.

The discernment of spirits definition involves the supernatural ability to perceive and differentiate between the various spiritual forces at work in the world. It is not simply a matter of natural insight or intuition, but a divine empowerment to recognize and respond to the unseen realities that shape our lives and the church.

Discernment Scripture: Biblical Examples of Discernment of Spirits

The Bible provides several examples of individuals exercising the gift of discernment of spirits. These stories offer valuable insights into the nature and operation of this gift.

In Matthew 9:4, Jesus demonstrates discernment of spirits by perceiving the thoughts of the Pharisees who were questioning His authority. He confronts their unspoken accusations, revealing His ability to discern the intentions of the heart.
Acts 16:16-18 records Paul’s encounter with a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Paul discerns the true nature of the spirit and commands it to leave the girl in the name of Jesus. This example highlights the discernment of spirits in action, exposing and confronting demonic influences.
In 1 John 4:1, the apostle John warns believers to test the spirits to determine whether they are from God. He emphasizes the need for discernment in the face of false prophets and deceptive teachings. This passage underscores the importance of exercising discernment to guard against spiritual error.

These discernment scriptures demonstrate the practical outworking of this gift in various contexts, from personal interactions to public ministry and doctrinal discernment.

The Gift of Discernment Characteristics

Those who possess the gift of discernment of spirits often exhibit certain characteristics that enable them to exercise this gift effectively. These traits include:

Sensitivity to the spiritual realm: Individuals with this gift are attuned to the spiritual dimensions of life. They are quick to sense the presence of God, the activity of the Holy Spirit, or the influence of demonic forces.
Ability to recognize deception or false teaching: The gift of discernment of spirits equips believers to spot errors, half-truths, or manipulative tactics in teachings or spiritual practices. They can often perceive the subtle ways in which the enemy seeks to mislead or deceive.
Insight into the motives and intentions of others: This gift can provide a deeper understanding of people’s hearts and motivations. It allows the discerning person to see beyond surface-level appearances and discern the true nature of someone’s words or actions.
Conviction to address spiritual issues with wisdom and grace: Those with the gift of discernment of spirits are often compelled to confront and address spiritual problems or deception. However, they do so with wisdom, compassion, and a desire to see people restored to truth.

While these characteristics are common among those with the gift of discernment of spirits, it is important to remember that this gift is not a license for judgment or criticism. It must be exercised with humility, love, and a deep reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Discernment of Spirits

The gift of discernment of spirits serves several vital functions in the life of the church and individual believers. Here are some key reasons why this gift is so important:

Protecting the church from false teachers and deception: In an age of spiritual confusion and deception, the gift of discernment of spirits is essential for safeguarding the church from false doctrines and manipulative teachings. Those with this gift can help identify and expose errors that might otherwise lead people astray.
Identifying spiritual strongholds or demonic influences: Discernment of spirits enables believers to recognize the presence and activity of demonic forces in individuals, relationships, or even entire communities. This awareness is crucial for engaging in effective spiritual warfare and ministry.
Guiding believers in making wise decisions: The gift of discernment of spirits can provide clarity and direction in complex situations. It helps individuals navigate difficult choices, relationships, or circumstances by offering a deeper understanding of the spiritual factors at play.
Interceding effectively in prayer: Discernment of spirits can greatly enhance the power and precision of our prayers. When we discern the specific spiritual battles or strongholds involved in a situation, we can pray with greater insight and authority, targeting our petitions to address the root issues.

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Ultimately, the gift of discernment of spirits is a vital tool for maintaining the spiritual health and integrity of the church. It helps us stay aligned with God’s truth, resist the schemes of the enemy, and minister effectively to those in need.

Prayer for Discernment and Wisdom

Cultivating the gift of discernment of spirits requires a deep dependence on God and a consistent practice of seeking His wisdom. Prayer is an essential component of growing in discernment, as it acknowledges our need for divine guidance and insight.

When praying for discernment and wisdom, we can ask God to:

Sharpen our spiritual senses to perceive His leading and the activity of the spiritual realm
Grant us clarity and understanding in complex situations
Protect us from deception and error
Give us the courage to confront and address spiritual issues with grace and truth
Align our hearts with His purposes and His Word

As we regularly seek God’s face in prayer, we open ourselves to receive the wisdom and discernment He promises to give generously to those who ask (James 1:5).

Cultivating Discernment of Spirits

In addition to prayer, there are several practical steps we can take to cultivate the gift of discernment of spirits in our lives:

Developing a deep knowledge of God’s Word: The Bible is our ultimate source of truth and the foundation for discernment. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we become more attuned to God’s character, will, and ways, enabling us to distinguish truth from error.
Maintaining a consistent prayer life: Regular communion with God through prayer sensitizes us to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and helps us develop a greater awareness of the spiritual realm.
Learning to listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings: The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher in the exercise of spiritual gifts. As we learn to recognize and respond to His still, small voice, we grow in our ability to discern the spirits.
Seeking wisdom from mature believers: Surrounding ourselves with godly, discerning mentors and leaders can provide valuable insight and confirmation as we navigate the complexities of the spiritual world.
Practicing discernment in daily life: Discernment of spirits is not just for “spiritual” situations, but for every aspect of life. As we apply biblical principles and seek God’s wisdom in our relationships, decisions, and interactions, we strengthen our discernment muscles.

By intentionally pursuing these practices, we position ourselves to grow in the gift of discernment of spirits and become more effective in our spiritual lives and ministry.

The Spirit of Discernment Scripture

The Bible offers rich insights into the nature and operation of discernment of spirits. Here are a few key passages that shed light on this gift:

1 Corinthians 12:10: “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” This verse lists discernment of spirits among the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church.
1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” John emphasizes the need for discernment in the face of spiritual deception, urging believers to test the spirits against the truth of God’s Word.
Hebrews 5:14: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” The author of Hebrews links discernment with spiritual maturity, highlighting the importance of continually exercising this gift to grow in wisdom and understanding.

These spirit of discernment scriptures, among others, provide a biblical foundation for understanding and applying the gift of discernment of spirits in our lives and ministries.

Potential Pitfalls in Discerning Spirits

While the gift of discernment of spirits is invaluable, it is not without its potential pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when exercising this gift:

Relying on personal feelings or impressions rather than Scripture: Our feelings and impressions can be misleading, and must always be tested against the truth of God’s Word. Discernment of spirits should never contradict or supersede the clear teachings of Scripture.
Failing to consider the context or full counsel of God’s Word: It’s easy to take a single verse or passage out of context and use it to support our own opinions or agendas. True discernment requires a comprehensive understanding of biblical truth, taking into account the full scope of God’s revelation.
Judging or condemning others based on limited discernment: The gift of discernment of spirits is not a license to criticize or condemn others. It must be exercised with humility, compassion, and a desire to see people restored to truth and wholeness.
Neglecting to test the spirits and assuming all spiritual experiences are from God: Not every spiritual experience or manifestation is from God. We must diligently test the spirits, even when something appears to be good or beneficial, to ensure it aligns with God’s character and Word.

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By being aware of these potential pitfalls and seeking to exercise discernment with humility and wisdom, we can avoid the traps that can hinder the effective use of this gift.

Biblical Spirits: Understanding the Spiritual Realm

To exercise the gift of discernment of spirits effectively, it’s important to have a biblical understanding of the spiritual realm. The Bible reveals the existence of both good and evil spirits, each with their own characteristics and purposes.

On the side of good, we have God’s holy angels, who serve as His messengers and ministers (Hebrews 1:14). They play a vital role in carrying out God’s plans, protecting His people, and engaging in spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness (Daniel 10:13, Revelation 12:7-9).

On the side of evil, we have Satan and his demonic hosts, who seek to deceive, tempt, and destroy (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8). These fallen angels work to oppose God’s purposes, enslave individuals in sin and darkness, and sow discord and confusion in the world.

The gift of discernment of spirits equips us to navigate this unseen spiritual realm, recognizing the influence of both good and evil spirits and responding accordingly. With this biblical understanding, we can more effectively engage in spiritual warfare, minister to the oppressed, and advance God’s kingdom purposes.

The Role of Discernment of Spirits in Spiritual Warfare

One of the key applications of the gift of discernment of spirits is in the context of spiritual warfare. As believers, we are called to stand against the schemes of the devil and to fight the good fight of faith (Ephesians 6:11, 1 Timothy 6:12).

The gift of discernment of spirits plays a vital role in this battle by:

Recognizing the schemes of the enemy: Discernment helps us identify the specific tactics and strategies the enemy is using to attack, deceive, or discourage us. This awareness enables us to respond with targeted prayer and resistance.
Praying against spiritual strongholds: When we discern the presence of spiritual strongholds in individuals, relationships, or communities, we can pray with greater precision and authority, asking God to break the power of the enemy and set captives free.
Ministering deliverance to the oppressed: The gift of discernment of spirits can help us identify the specific demonic influences or oppressions afflicting individuals. With this knowledge, we can minister deliverance through prayer, counseling, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Standing firm in the armor of God: As we exercise discernment, we become more aware of our own spiritual vulnerabilities and the importance of daily putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). This enables us to stand firm against the enemy’s attacks and walk in victory.

By leveraging the gift of discernment of spirits in spiritual warfare, we can more effectively advance God’s kingdom, set captives free, and walk in the authority Christ has given us over the powers of darkness.

Discernment of Spirits in the Local Church

The gift of discernment of spirits is not just for individual believers, but for the body of Christ as a whole. In the context of the local church, this gift serves to protect, guide, and strengthen the community of faith.

Here are a few ways discernment of spirits can be fostered and expressed in the church:

The importance of discernment in church leadership: It is crucial for pastors, elders, and other church leaders to cultivate and exercise discernment of spirits. This enables them to guide the church with wisdom, guard against false teachings, and address spiritual issues that may arise.
Fostering a culture of discernment in the congregation: Church leaders can help create a culture of discernment by teaching on this gift, modeling it in their own lives, and encouraging members to grow in their own discernment. This can involve providing resources, hosting training sessions, and facilitating discussions on discernment-related topics.
Equipping believers to exercise discernment: The church has a responsibility to equip believers to exercise the gift of discernment of spirits in their own lives and ministries. This can include teaching on the biblical basis for discernment, providing practical tools for testing the spirits, and offering opportunities for mentoring and accountability.

ALSO READ: What is Prophecy? Understanding the Gift of Prophecy in the Bible

By prioritizing discernment of spirits in the local church, we create a spiritually healthy and mature community that is better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of ministry in a fallen world.

When to Seek Help in Discerning Spirits

While the gift of discernment of spirits is a valuable tool, there may be times when we need to seek additional help or guidance in exercising this gift. Here are a few situations where it may be wise to reach out for support:

Persistent struggles with spiritual oppression or attack: If you find yourself consistently battling spiritual oppression or attack, it may be helpful to seek prayer and counsel from mature believers who can help you discern the root issues and walk in freedom.
Confusion or uncertainty about the source of spiritual experiences: If you are unsure whether a spiritual experience or manifestation is from God, it can be beneficial to seek the discernment of trusted leaders or mentors who can help you test the spirits and provide guidance.
The need for confirmation or accountability in exercising discernment: Exercising the gift of discernment of spirits can be a weighty responsibility. Having a trusted community of believers to offer confirmation, accountability, and support can help ensure that we are using this gift in a way that honors God and benefits others.

Seeking help in discerning spirits is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom and humility. We are not meant to navigate the complexities of the spiritual world alone, but in the context of the body of Christ, where we can support, encourage, and sharpen one another.

Conclusion

The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful tool that God has given to His church to navigate the spiritual battles and challenges we face. By understanding the biblical basis for this gift, cultivating its characteristics, and exercising it with wisdom and humility, we can become more effective in advancing God’s kingdom and ministering to those in need.

As we grow in our discernment of spirits, we will be better equipped to stand against the schemes of the enemy, to guide others into truth, and to walk in the fullness of God’s purposes for our lives. May we embrace this gift as a vital part of our spiritual arsenal, and may we use it to bring glory to God and to build up His church.

Let us commit ourselves to the lifelong pursuit of discernment, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance every step of the way. As we do, we will experience the joy and freedom that comes from walking in the light of His truth and the power of His Spirit.

May the words of the apostle Paul be our prayer and our goal as we cultivate the gift of discernment of spirits:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11, ESV)

With this vision before us, let us press on in the journey of discernment, trusting in the One who has called us, equipped us, and promised to lead us into all truth. May we be found faithful stewards of the gift of discernment of spirits, using it to advance His kingdom and bring hope and healing to a world in need.

If you have been blessed by this teaching and desire to go deeper in your understanding of the prophetic, I invite you to check out some of my other resources:

“How to Prophesy Accurately: 13 Keys to receive and release a prophetic word” is a practical handbook to help you grow in your prophetic gifting, full of biblical insight and personal stories from my decades of ministry.

How to Prophesy Accurately: 13 Keys to receive and release a prophetic word

“Mind Fasting: Unlock Your Spiritual Vision and See Clearly in the Spirit Realm” explores the vital but often neglected role of spiritual disciplines like fasting in sharpening our spiritual senses and tuning our hearts to hear God’s voice more clearly.

Mind Fasting: Unlock Your Spiritual Vision and See Clearly in the Spirit Realm

My Prophetic Masterclass, available at PropheticBibleSchool.com, offers in-depth video teachings, interactive exercises, and a vibrant online community to accelerate your growth as a prophet.

My prayer is that as you dive deep into the Scriptures, you will encounter afresh the beauty and power of God’s prophetic Word. May you hear His voice with greater clarity, walk in the fullness of your prophetic calling, and bear witness to the unfolding of His marvelous purposes in the earth.

Hungry for more of the prophetic? Visit PropheticBibleSchool.com to enroll in my Prophetic Masterclass today!

Gratefully yours,

Prophet Kum Eric Tso