Discerning of Spirits, What is it?

December 12, 2008 prophetess7

The definition of the gift of discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability, released by the Holy Spirit, to recognize what type of spirit is in operation in a person or a given situation.

The Greek word is diakrisis  which means a judicial estimation; it also means to separate thoroughly, discern or judge.

There are four types of discernment:

1) Natural human discernment. This is discernment that we have learned from living or life, where we use our natural abilities.  It has to do with the conscience.

2) Occult discernment

This is where they claim to discern good spirits from bad spirits.  Also, remember demonic spirits recognize Christians and could persecute or attack them, verbally or physically.

3) Godly discernment

This is where you learn the principles of Gods Word.  It is where your mental facilities of discernment are trained. Heb 5:13-14.  Note that it takes study to properly understand the Bible and to be able to determine God’s will.  II Tim 2:15

4) Lastly the gift of discerning of spirits. I Cor 12:10

The gift of discerning of spirits is the action of the Mind of Christ that is within us, alerting us to the nature of the spirit in action in a person, group or particular situation.

It allows us to know whether the Holy Spirit, a demonic spirit, or the human soul is in action.

It also gives us the ability to discern imposters, goats, wolves and counterfeits that slip into the church.  You can also discern those that are in the occult, New Age or cults.  You will also have the ability with this gift to discern the wrong motives or intentions of an individual.  If there is sin in a person’s life you will be able to see it.

Through the gift of discernment God will prevent infiltration of those with occult or demonic powers from harming the church.  It is a safe guard to prevent deception in doctrine and practices in the life of the believer.  It will also aid the church in identifying the need for deliverance, and ministering deliverance.

Through discerning of spirits we can readily recognize when the Holy Spirit is at work.   We can biblically judge prophecy.  It will tremendously aid us in counseling.  Through the gift of discerning of spirits, we are able to determine when there are angelic visitations.

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