The Gifts: Discerning of Spirits

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

February 16, 2000

The need for the gift

Last week we looked at the gift of "prophecy", the ability to speak for God. It’s no coincidence that in 1Cor. 12:10, the very next gift listed is that of "discerning of spirits".

False prophets –

Jesus warned us that there will be people who will be claiming to speak for God, but aren’t. We need to be able to tell the difference.

(Mat 7:15 KJV) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Warnings about the unseen –

I think we have a great need for "discernment" for many different things in the church. Sometimes we make a mistake of putting certain people in certain positions. Sometimes people aren’t gifted for certain ministries. Sometimes there are hidden issues going on in a person’s life that will keep them from being effective in a certain ministry. We need discernment to help make a "good fit".

I think that sometimes I lack discernment. I am learning that I need to take advantage of those who have demonstrated a gift towards discernment. I lean on my wife (and others) heavily for this at times.

(1 Cor 12:21 KJV) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

This year I’ve learned to slow down in some of my more important decisions and learn to ask for people’s ideas. I’m listening for discernment.

Defining the gift

(1 Cor 12:10 KJV) … to another discerning of spirits …

discerning – diakrisis – a distinguishing, discerning, judging. The Greek word is only found in 3 places (one here in 1Cor. 12:10) –

(Rom 14:1 KJV) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Here the idea is that Paul is warning those who are "strong" in the faith, those who don’t have a problem eating meat sacrificed to idols, not to be looking down their noses at those who struggled with the issue.

doubtful – dialogismos – the thinking of a man deliberating with himself; a thought, inward reasoning; a deliberating, questioning about what is true

(Rom 14:1 NASB) Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

Lesson

Discernment or critical spirit?

If we’re not careful, we can fall into a trap of thinking that we must have an opinion about everything. And we let people know what our opinion is. And it’s usually negative. I am not convinced that this is discerning of spirits. It is a judgmental attitude. It seems to be usually done for the purpose of putting others down.

This is the person who finds something wrong in everything. Pastor Chuck calls it the "gift of suspicion".

On the other hand, we need to be careful that when a person has the gift of discernment, that we aren’t quick to label it a "judgmental attitude". They may indeed be pointing out some "negative" things, but it may be the Lord’s discernment.

(Heb 5:12-14 KJV) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. {13} For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. {14} But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

use – hexis – a habit whether of body or mind; a power acquired by custom, practice, use

This may not be talking as much about the "gift" of discernment as much as the natural, everyday necessity that we all have to tell good from evil.

senses – aistheterion – faculty of the mind for perceiving, understanding, judging

exercised – gumnazo – to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind

Lesson

Regular discernment can grow with practice.

The less you practice good discernment, the easier it is to be duped.

Illustration

I’m learning that I need lots of practice in this stuff. I think that in some ways I’ve led a sheltered life. A few months ago we had a gal call the church asking for financial help. We have a policy of limiting our financial help to those who attend our church. She said she came to our church. She gave us this story about needing money to buy her baby a machine to help with her asthma. I’m even familiar with these machines because we have one at home. I had Rueben talking with her and we set up a time for her to come in and get the check. It seemed pretty legitimate to me, we didn’t even make the check out to her, but supposedly to her doctor. She showed up with a little baby girl and another lady, who’s name just coincidentally happened to be the same as the doctor. I asked how the baby was doing, who was obviously a very healthy child. I asked how she slept at night and the mom looked puzzled at me like she didn’t understand how a child might have problems sleeping at night. She also seemed confused because I didn’t speak with a Spanish accent. It wasn’t until later when I called Rueben that he realized that we had been duped. She was confused about the Spanish accent because she thought the pastor had a Spanish accent from her conversation with Rueben. She had claimed to have been to our church, yet she didn’t know who the pastor was. Somehow, I just didn’t see it coming.

spirits – pneuma – spirit. The word can identify many different things.

Some have limited this to strictly whether or not something is demonic, but I’m not so sure of this. The Greek word pneuma doesn’t speak of only demonic things.

The word is plural, so it would seem to be talking of the distinguishing of one spirit from another.

1. Divine

It can speak of the "divine" spirit, as in the Holy Spirit.

(Mat 16:13-25 KJV) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? {14} And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. {15} He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? {16} And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. {17} And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. {18} And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. {19} And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. {20} Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. {21} From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. {22} Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. {23} But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. {24} Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. {25} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Peter makes back to back statements. One if from the Father, one is from Satan. Jesus was able to tell them apart and label them.

Lesson

Bring out the positive too.

I don’t think that "discernment" always has to be about picking out the negative things. I think it also might be just as much the ability to pick out the positive things as well. Don’t forget to mention the positive stuff!

2. Angelic

It can simply mean a being that is made of spirit, as either an angel or a demon.

(Acts 5:1-3 KJV) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, {2} And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles’ feet. {3} But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Peter was able to tell that something was wrong with the gift that Ananias and Sapphira had brought. They had claimed to be giving everything they had to the Lord, but instead were only giving part. Their sin wasn’t that they had withheld some, their sin was in lying and pretending to be something other than what they were.

(Acts 16:16-18 KJV) And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: {17} The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. {18} And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

This gal was possessed by a demon. Yet she was speaking the truth.

Sometimes the enemy is speaking the truth. That’s how he can lull people into his traps.

Satan will hide a point of poison in a lake of truth. Not enough to notice, but enough to kill you.

The Mormon church is beginning to sound more and more like a Christian church. That’s not to say that they are a Christian church. They still believe all the things they’ve always believed, but they’re getting more clever in hiding it. If you have a pair of missionaries at your door, they’ll agree with you that Jesus is God. They’ll agree that Jesus died for you sins. They’ll agree that we are saved by grace. What they don’t tell you is that it’s a different Jesus, a brother of Lucifer. They don’t tell you that they expect to become gods. They don’t tell you that you not only are saved by grace, but that you also have to do good works too. There’s a lot they don’t tell you.

I’m fascinated as to why it took "many days" for Paul to do something. Was it because he wasn’t sure this gal was demon possessed?

3. Human

It can have a human element, either in referring to a person’s own spirit, or in talking about the attitude that a person has (as in a "spirit of fear").

(Mat 22:18 KJV) But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

perceived – ginosko – to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel

When Philip went to Samaria, there was a guy named Simon who had been practicing sorcery who seemed to get saved. Later, when Peter and John came to pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit,

(Acts 8:18-24 KJV) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, {19} Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. {20} But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. {21} Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. {22} Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. {23} For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. {24} Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

perceive – horao – to see with the eyes; to see with the mind, to perceive, know

Peter could tell that something wasn’t right with Simon. It wasn’t a demonic problem, it was a human attitude problem.

Using Discernment

1. God’s Word

God’s Word gives us some specific things to measure truth by. There is great value in using God’s Word along with the discerning of spirits. It’s one thing for a person to say, "it just doesn’t bear witness" but it’s another thing to point to Scripture and say, "Here’s what God really says …"

Scriptures to use and questions to ask:

a. Does the person lead you to God?

Deut.13:1-3 – If someone comes with a prophecy which proves to come true, but doesn’t come in the name of the Lord, if they don’t preach Jesus, then you are to reject them, even if their words do come true.

b. Does it come to pass?

Deut.18:20-22 – God’s words on the future will always come to pass because God knows the future.

c. What does the person say about Jesus?

(1 John 4:1-3 KJV) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. {2} Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: {3} And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

d. Does the world accept the person?

(1 John 4:4-5 KJV) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. {5} They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

Does the world listen to their words? Is their message a popular one with the world? (vs.5)

e. Do they accept the scriptures?

(1 John 4:6 KJV) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

It’s not just a matter of hearing "John", John is in the process of writing Scripture. Does the person honor and pay attention to God’s Word?

f. Is money involved?

Tit.1:10-11 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach, for the sake of sordid gain.

Peter warned:

2Pet 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Their goal is to make money off of you.

All these show us the need to know the Word of God, that we might grow in discernment. You may not have the gift of discernment, but if you immerse yourself in God’s Word, you’ll be prepared.

(Psa 119:11 KJV) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

2. The witness of the Spirit

Sometimes the working of discernment is simply by a "witness of the Spirit". You just know deep inside that this is right (or wrong).

John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

1John 2:26-27 These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

You often hear people use the phrase, "It just doesn’t bear witness to me". Though this idea can be much abused and become an excuse to not listen to the truth, the Holy Spirit will often give a sense of confirmation that something is the truth.

3. Judging prophecy

(1 Cor 14:29 KJV) Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

other – allos – other, another. Generally denotes simple distinction of individuals in contrast with heteros which can carry the idea of "another of a different kind". It may carry the idea that when one prophet speaks, another prophet may "judge" the prophecy. It also may carry the idea that someone who has the gift of discerning of spirits but doesn’t have the gift of prophecy may judge as well.

Responding to a prophecy –

1. Sometimes God will show you that it is right. Sometimes when a person is speaking, God will have put something very similar or parallel on your heart as well. Speak up and share it. That helps the other person by confirming their words.

2. Sometimes God doesn’t show you anything. When God is silent, we should be silent too.

3. Sometimes God will tell you, "No, this isn’t right". I think this is the hardest to respond to. If it is something that is doctrinally incorrect, I believe something needs to be said immediately. If it’s not issue of doctrine, I guess I’m not sure that it’s necessary to speak up right away, but if you have a distinct impression that it wasn’t correct, I’m not sure you’re doing the person a favor by being silent. Perhaps you ought to go up to them later and say something like, "When you spoke, I had a distinct feeling that it wasn’t right".

How the gift may be misused:

We need to be careful that we don’t get overly skeptical of prophecy by being overly critical.

Quenching the spirit

1Thess.5:19-22 Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

We also need to be careful in our judgment. When something is in error, but it is just coming from the person’s flesh, we need to be careful to keep from falling into the trap of calling it demonic when it is fleshly. We throw out a lot of babies with the bath water when we label something demonic when it is just fleshly. We tend to ignore the person entirely.

Heresy Hunters

I’ve seen some folks be awfully quick to slap the label of "heretic" or "cult" on just about anything they don’t agree with or understand. I hate to say it, but with some of these folks I tend to not pay any attention to just about anything they say. You can only cry "wolf" so long without having people learn to not pay attention to you.