Spiritual gift of discernment

[FlamingSword]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, and I guess I'll just jump in and start asking some questions I'm curious about.

 

I am now absolutely sure that I have the gift of discernment, and being a new Christian (for about 3 years now) I'm still growing spiritually, and figuring out all this stuff as I go along.

 

I knew I had this gift long before I understood there was a name for it, and that it was from God, but now that I'm a Christian, it has just taken off, actually to the point a few months ago where I just wanted to leave church and hide, it was that "in my face".

 

I feel strong impressions from people, both good and evil, have come to realize I can sense demonic attachments or oppressions (and learning to tell the difference from these and also mental illness) on people, as well as having some visual experiences. I think I saw angels in church surrounding someone I felt has a demonic attachment. Very strange.

 

I guess my main question is simply how do I develop this gift, and how can I put it to good use. To me it seems that it could be more destructive than anything if I start opening my mouth about what I sense/see, so I don't really talk about it to anyone, and my pastor is not really open to this kind of thing, even though recently he put on a small course about spiritual gifts. So,  I'm kinda on my own here.

 

The bible says to "test the spirits" to see if they are from God, but does not say specifically how to do this. What is your suggestion to "test" the spirits?

 

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[angels4u]

Question: "What does it mean to test the spirits?"

Answer:“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” (1 John 4:1).

In this verse believers are commanded to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” This same command is echoed in other parts of Scripture as well. For example, in1 Thessalonians 5:20-21we find Paul exhorting the Christians to not “despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”

These two passages are just a few of the many that warn Christians to test the message that people or spirits proclaim. This is true in all situations but most importantly when a person or spirit is claiming to speak for God. Christians are to be discerning hearers and readers of all messages. The reason for the admonition to “test the spirits” or “test all things” is that there are “many false prophets” or “wolves in sheep’s clothing” that try to lead Christians astray. Sadly, there are many people who claim to speak for God who are presenting a false gospel that is powerless to save. Such errant teaching leaves people with a false hope of salvation and, in a way, inoculates them from the true message. People who are deceived into thinking everything is fine will be more resistant to the truth.

Second Corinthians 11:13-15warns us that “such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” So the reason for testing the spirits, for testing all religious teaching, is to see if it is truly from God or if it is a lie from Satan and his servants.

The test is to compare what is being taught with the clear teaching of the Bible. The Bible alone is the Word of God; it alone is inspired and inerrant. Therefore, the way to test the spirits is to see if what is being taught is in line with the clear teaching of Scripture. InActs 17:10-11the Berean Jews were commended because, after they heard the teachings of Paul and Silas, they “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” The Bereans were called “noble” for doing so.

Testing the spirits means that one must know how to “examine the Scriptures.” Rather than accept every teaching, discerning Christians diligently study the Scriptures. Then they know what the Bible says and therefore can “test all things and hold fast to what is true.” In order to do this, a Christian must “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Word of God is to be “a lamp” and “a light” to our path (Psalm 119:105). We must let its light shine on the teachings and doctrines of the day; the Bible alone is the standard by which all truth must be judged.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/test-the-spirits.html#ixzz3XceJqI00

[angels4u]

uestion: "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 in1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Like all these gifts, the gift of discerning spirits is one of the gifts believers are given by the Holy Spirit, who disperses these gifts to individuals for service in the body of Christ. Every believer has spiritual enablement and capacity for a specific service, but there is no room for self-choosing. The Spirit distributesspiritual giftsaccording to the sovereignty of God and in accordance with His plan to edify the body of Christ.

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. InHebrews 5:13-14we 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. Not only is the maturing believer empowered by the Spirit of God through the Scriptures to tell the difference between good and evil, but also between what is good and what is better. In other words, any born-again believer who chooses to focus upon the Word of God may be enabled to be spiritually discerning.

There are certain individuals, however, who have the God-given ability to distinguish between the truth of the Scriptures and erroneous and deceptive doctrines propagated by demons. Although we are all exhorted to be spiritually discerning (Acts 17:11;1 John 4:1), some in the body of Christ have been given the unique ability to “spot” the forgeries in doctrine that have plagued the church since the first century. But this does not involve a mystical, extra-biblical revelation or a voice from God. Rather, the spiritually discerning among us 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 those who “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15) the Word of God in a thoughtful and diligent manner.

As the apostle Paul writes, there may be diversities of equipping in the body of Christ, but those diversities are meant for the edification and building of that body as a whole. And the success of that body is dependent upon all parts of the body faithfully fulfilling their place in the body as God has enabled them. No spiritual gift should be used to “lord it over” others or claim for oneself a special anointing from God. Rather, the love of God is to be the basis of how we use our spiritual gifts to edify or build up each other in the Lord.


Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/gift-discerning-spirits.html#ixzz3XceXbMEj

[missmuffet]

Discernment is related to wisdom 1 Corinthians 2:14.The Spirit then gives us discernment 

Psalm 119:125 I am Your servant;

Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.

[FlamingSword]

I'm not sure it answers my questions specifically, but it's all great info, thanks

[Guest shiloh357]

There is no  "gift of discernment."    There is the gift of discerning spirits.   Discernment is something we should all use.  Discernment is the ablity to use good judgment and being able to tell good from evil, even when the differences are subtle.

[FlamingSword]

Sorry I mis-quoted

[FlamingSword]

Let me disclose something about myself, I have a brain injury, and sometimes I do not get my words right. It is a blessing and a miracle to me that since becoming a Christian, I'm able to now read the bible, before that, I could barely read at all.

[pomegran]

Hi FlamingSword, praise the Lord for restoring your ability to read! How wonderful!

 

I can very much relate to what you describe as your experience with the gift if discerning spirits. I think that is some great information above about being very familiar with the Word of God to test the spirits.

 

(later edited to remove some advice not sure was very accurate :-\)

 

As far as putting this gift to good use, I've been wondering that myself and am also interested to see if there are any suggestions.

Edited April 18, 2015 by pomegran

[angels4u]

Let me disclose something about myself, I have a brain injury, and sometimes I do not get my words right. It is a blessing and a miracle to me that since becoming a Christian, I'm able to now read the bible, before that, I could barely read at all.

Can you share a little bit about your back ground? 

 

And maybe give us a example of what you are talking about?

 

As a Christian God will give us discernment if we ask for it.  

 

 

 

Maybe somebody can help you better if you share a little about your self?