Spiritual gift of discernment

[OakWood]

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.

 

I'm not trying to contradict you here, but depending on how you look at it, there is a gift of discernment and we're all born with it. All it takes is some years of life experience for it to develop.

It's called Common Sense and God gave it to us. As you have pointed out it's the ability to use good judgement.

However, due to many years of turning away from God, I believe that some people have all but lost this gift. Political propaganda, decadence, selfishness and Media brainwashing has stripped some people of this gift.

I'm surprised at how many people are being deceived. Despite plenty of examples, they can't even acknowledge the evidence of their own eyes and their own ears.

They believe in man-made Global Warming, that Islam is a religion of peace, that there is no God, that aliens exist, that homosexuality is congenital and that two plus two really does make five.

It's one of the reasons that the World is in such a mess at the moment because these people no longer have the sense that God gave them.

[kwikphilly]

Blessings Flaming Sword....

    Of course I don't have to tell you yet another time to "try the spirits" but what I believe is of the utmost importance,as with any of the many spiritual gifts AND I WILL REPEAT....

 

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.                                                     posted by angels4u from :http://www.gotquesti...l#ixzz3XceXbMEj

Many times it is not necessary to share with others what you "see" or "hear" or have laid upon your heart but can be used to Minister to others,so the Holy Spirit can convict ones heart through you and so on,,,,,,,,,you must use discretion how,when,where ,to whom & what this gift is used for.........in everything we must give God Glory ,we are merely vessels that He uses for His Purpose...........                                          With love-in Christ,Kwik

[missmuffet]

 

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.

 

I'm not trying to contradict you here, but depending on how you look at it, there is a gift of discernment and we're all born with it. All it takes is some years of life experience for it to develop.

It's called Common Sense and God gave it to us. As you have pointed out it's the ability to use good judgement.

However, due to many years of turning away from God, I believe that some people have all but lost this gift. Political propaganda, decadence, selfishness and Media brainwashing has stripped some people of this gift.

I'm surprised at how many people are being deceived. Despite plenty of examples, they can't even acknowledge the evidence of their own eyes and their own ears.

They believe in man-made Global Warming, that Islam is a religion of peace, that there is no God, that aliens exist, that homosexuality is congenital and that two plus two really does make five.

It's one of the reasons that the World is in such a mess at the moment because these people no longer have the sense that God gave them.

 

I believe this Scripture comes into play for many now that are deceived.

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

[OakWood]

 

 

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.

 

I'm not trying to contradict you here, but depending on how you look at it, there is a gift of discernment and we're all born with it. All it takes is some years of life experience for it to develop.

It's called Common Sense and God gave it to us. As you have pointed out it's the ability to use good judgement.

However, due to many years of turning away from God, I believe that some people have all but lost this gift. Political propaganda, decadence, selfishness and Media brainwashing has stripped some people of this gift.

I'm surprised at how many people are being deceived. Despite plenty of examples, they can't even acknowledge the evidence of their own eyes and their own ears.

They believe in man-made Global Warming, that Islam is a religion of peace, that there is no God, that aliens exist, that homosexuality is congenital and that two plus two really does make five.

It's one of the reasons that the World is in such a mess at the moment because these people no longer have the sense that God gave them.

 

I believe this Scripture comes into play for many now that are deceived.

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

 

 

I agree, and there are two other verses that also apply:

 

1st Corinthians 1:18-20

 

and

 

2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12

[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.

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?

 

Well, not sure where to start.

I became a Christian about 3 years ago, and I am definitely "born again". I am not the same guy inside that I used to be.

I've always had "gifts", but not like this, and I don't think they were form God if you know what I mean.

I have an occult background, but since being saved I've removed all of that from my soul, been delivered and baptized.

 

As for what I'm talking about, mostly I get impressions of people, and sense if there is a "being" attached to them or not. Sometimes I cannot be close to a person as they feel so evil or perverse to me. I am not judging anyone, it comes from inside (from God), not my eyes.

 

I ask God for discernment, but it only manifests in feelings, and once and awhile in something visual, or in very lucid dreams.

 

I guess what I'm wondering is if the "discerning" of the spirits will only ever manifest in a feeling, or in some other way.

 

Do I always have to ask, or will I just receive. Will it always be correct?

 

If it's from God, it should always be correct, right?

[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?

 

Well, not sure where to start.

I became a Christian about 3 years ago, and I am definitely "born again". I am not the same guy inside that I used to be.

I've always had "gifts", but not like this, and I don't think they were form God if you know what I mean.

I have an occult background, but since being saved I've removed all of that from my soul, been delivered and baptized.

 

As for what I'm talking about, mostly I get impressions of people, and sense if there is a "being" attached to them or not. Sometimes I cannot be close to a person as they feel so evil or perverse to me. I am not judging anyone, it comes from inside (from God), not my eyes.

 

I ask God for discernment, but it only manifests in feelings, and once and awhile in something visual, or in very lucid dreams.

 

I guess what I'm wondering is if the "discerning" of the spirits will only ever manifest in a feeling, or in some other way.

 

Do I always have to ask, or will I just receive. Will it always be correct?

 

If it's from God, it should always be correct, right?

 

When you became born again ,how did you know you were born again?

 

Sorry for all those questions but that will help in helping you,can it be that those occult spirits still are trying to oppress you by times? I'm not talking about being possesed  which is not possible if you are a child of God.

 

Did you renounce all the stuff from the past?

 

I believe that the discernment of spirits is the knowledge without the shadow  of a doubt that something or somebody has a evil spirit,you can pray for that person or whatever it is.

 

I do not believe in feelings but it would make you uncomfortable to know somebody would be able to look at you with eyes possessed by the a evil spirit.

 

I'm not a person which will go deep in those things,I know there is more then the eye can see. If you notice some of those things,I believe the Lord wants you to pray for that situation and you don't have to let that people know,just incase you are wrong.

 

Maybe God wants you to pray for people or situations?

[kwikphilly]

Blessings Flaming Sword....

      There is too many things to consider,it is pretty difficult to give any kind of advice pertaining to your questions as they are very involved & how much can you know in a few minutes in a few posts..........focusing on your relationship with the Lord ,praying , praising,worshipping & studying the Word is what is important ,,,,,,,ball I would be able to offer you is a little tidbit from my own experience & from living for Christ

       I was not always the person I am today,this new creature you talk with here on Worthy,this born again woman of God,,,,,,,I was once a filthy wretched practicing witch deep in the occult,deceived & lost,,,,,,yet willfully in rebellion,,,,,,a mess! Well,I will tell you this,when the Lord delivers you from that type of bondage,that sort of stronghold,,,,then you are delivered ,washed clean,those demons are gone,you are free in Jesus & I cannot imagine that what you are calling "gifts" have suddenly been turned from evil to good,this is deception,,,,,there are not "beings",they are demons and they are insidious,,,,,,,just because a person gets delivered does not mean that they stay away,God delivers completely ,we re-open doors,invitations,,,,,especially those of us that have had that type of "old man ",,,,,,,,,

         Spiritual discernment  or "the gift of discerning spirits" ,if in fact it is a God given Gift is given at the time the believer is born again,it is a NEW thing,not a changed old thing,,,,that is not the way it works,be careful my Brother,,,,,set your sights on Jesus ,anything of God is always accompanied by confirmation of 2 or 3,always lines up perfectly with the Word of God & rarely(if ever) has to do with "feelings"........Although Gifts of the Spirit are given immediately the person who has received these Gifts is not always aware of them & usually they are hindered because the believer must yet grow ,mature,forsake the flesh,the carnal mind,,,,,they must yet receive Wisdom & Understanding by the Power of the Holy Spirit,,,,,,,,,,,there is Gods Purpose in our individual  Calling........there is so much to talk about & not something that can be explained on a Forum in half an hour,,,,,,look at Pauls ministry,knocked off his horse & then he disappears to learn for many years before he began his Blessed Assignment,,,,,,,,but our focus should be on God,Father ,Son,Holy Spirit and strive towards perfection,walking in Spirit & in Truth,leaving ,our flesh upon the cross..............not on the "gifts"  h& as Paul says,,,,"What are these without love?'.......    

      Jesus will truly make a new creature out of us but we must renew our minds,take captive our thoughts,seek the Lord diligently,pray without ceasing...........We are so Blessed to have Bibles,to have access to the Written Word of God,the Holy Scriptures at our fingertips,,,,,,we should hunger & thirst for the Living Word and ask God to reveal Himself,,,,,,,,,,,I think you would do well to test these spirits very seriously.........remember,the devil can appear as an Angel of Light,he knows the Word frontwards & backwards,he has been to heaven & never tires,,,,to seek,kill & destroy,the father of lies.........tread carefully my Brother but my words should not put fear in your heart,for he is a defeated enemy ,,,instead I hope these words make you very aware & test EVERY spirit ,,,,,,I don't know anything about you,your lifestyle,your personal walk,I know nothing,,,,but I do know the enemy,,,,,& if God is for us who could be against us,to God be the Glory                                                         With love-in Christ,Kwik

[FlamingSword]

Blessings Flaming Sword....

      There is too many things to consider,it is pretty difficult to give any kind of advice pertaining to your questions as they are very involved & how much can you know in a few minutes in a few posts..........focusing on your relationship with the Lord ,praying , praising,worshipping & studying the Word is what is important ,,,,,,,ball I would be able to offer you is a little tidbit from my own experience & from living for Christ

       I was not always the person I am today,this new creature you talk with here on Worthy,this born again woman of God,,,,,,,I was once a filthy wretched practicing witch deep in the occult,deceived & lost,,,,,,yet willfully in rebellion,,,,,,a mess! Well,I will tell you this,when the Lord delivers you from that type of bondage,that sort of stronghold,,,,then you are delivered ,washed clean,those demons are gone,you are free in Jesus & I cannot imagine that what you are calling "gifts" have suddenly been turned from evil to good,this is deception,,,,,there are not "beings",they are demons and they are insidious,,,,,,,just because a person gets delivered does not mean that they stay away,God delivers completely ,we re-open doors,invitations,,,,,especially those of us that have had that type of "old man ",,,,,,,,,

         Spiritual discernment  or "the gift of discerning spirits" ,if in fact it is a God given Gift is given at the time the believer is born again,it is a NEW thing,not a changed old thing,,,,that is not the way it works,be careful my Brother,,,,,set your sights on Jesus ,anything of God is always accompanied by confirmation of 2 or 3,always lines up perfectly with the Word of God & rarely(if ever) has to do with "feelings"........Although Gifts of the Spirit are given immediately the person who has received these Gifts is not always aware of them & usually they are hindered because the believer must yet grow ,mature,forsake the flesh,the carnal mind,,,,,they must yet receive Wisdom & Understanding by the Power of the Holy Spirit,,,,,,,,,,,there is Gods Purpose in our individual  Calling........there is so much to talk about & not something that can be explained on a Forum in half an hour,,,,,,look at Pauls ministry,knocked off his horse & then he disappears to learn for many years before he began his Blessed Assignment,,,,,,,,but our focus should be on God,Father ,Son,Holy Spirit and strive towards perfection,walking in Spirit & in Truth,leaving ,our flesh upon the cross..............not on the "gifts"  h& as Paul says,,,,"What are these without love?'.......    

      Jesus will truly make a new creature out of us but we must renew our minds,take captive our thoughts,seek the Lord diligently,pray without ceasing...........We are so Blessed to have Bibles,to have access to the Written Word of God,the Holy Scriptures at our fingertips,,,,,,we should hunger & thirst for the Living Word and ask God to reveal Himself,,,,,,,,,,,I think you would do well to test these spirits very seriously.........remember,the devil can appear as an Angel of Light,he knows the Word frontwards & backwards,he has been to heaven & never tires,,,,to seek,kill & destroy,the father of lies.........tread carefully my Brother but my words should not put fear in your heart,for he is a defeated enemy ,,,instead I hope these words make you very aware & test EVERY spirit ,,,,,,I don't know anything about you,your lifestyle,your personal walk,I know nothing,,,,but I do know the enemy,,,,,& if God is for us who could be against us,to God be the Glory                                                         With love-in Christ,Kwik

 

That is great info, thanks for posting that.

 

Maybe I didn't explain well, I'm good at that...lol. I wasn't really saying I had a "changed" gift, I just know that at one time I thought I had "phsychic powers", and did have some insight, but that is nothing like what I'm experiencing now. I don't even know if I can put it into words, it's inside of me.

 

I can tell you that I do not feel like I'm being deceived, but am always weary of being manipulated by the devil, so I do question everything constantly, and there have been times that I have discerned that something was not of God.

 

All I know is that whenever I question anything, I pray, and ask God what to do, it's all I can do, trust in God, and turn my life over to him.

 

I am also a new creation, I also cannot explain that or put it into words, I'm still the same guy on the outside, but inside is changed. My heart is no longer hardened, and I love the light. I do not love the world anymore, and I do not love the darkness, but I used to.

 

I do focus on God, and turn away from the devil, and hope that he will flee from me, and stay away, but I know that since I am now one of Gods children, my name is on the list for attack. I do not believe satan attacks those who are of no threat to him, they are already corrupt, he goes after people who have turned to God, trying to turn them back to him.

 

Your words are very wise, and I respect them, thank you.

[kwikphilly]

Blessings Flaming Sword,,,,,,

   Of course & it is my pleasure to talk with you and share whatever experiences I may have had that could benefit you,,,,,,I remember my parents always saying 'learn from my mistakes"........I can only hope that someone can be spared  by own,,,,,,,

     I do understand what you are saying & I do not know if you are being deceived ,I can only encourage you ,as a young Christian to be alert,on guard,,,,,,,,,,,put on that Full Armor of God and keep the Sword of the Spirit at your side,yes,I agree,,,,,,,the enemy must not be too happy about losing souls to Jesus & he knew what worked before & the 1st chance he gets ,,,he tries to get a grip........as once we were deceived to believe we had some "Psychic Powers" he will come in another guise ,not too far from the old one ,those same familiar spirits(demons)if you know what I mean.........

    Anyway,always seek confirmation & test every spirit,,,,,,,,,,,God is not a God of confusion & He always with us to lead us & direct our footsteps,,,,,,,,all we need do is ask..You & I have discussed things like "unforgiveness" in another thread,,,,,,,,these are the things that can hinder our ability to "receive",,,,our flesh is what gets in the way,we block our Blessings.......we need the Heart & Mind of Jesus to be effective ,to access the Power of the Holy Spirit & all the Glory belongs to God,,,,,,,,it may seem cliche but we truly need to decrease that Jesus may increase ,,,,,,, I never forget that my very own heart & mind is unreliable,  .........You are in my prayers,God Bless you Brother

                                                                                                                        With love-in Christ,Kwik   

[Starsman]

Hey F.S.,

 

I've been down the same road you're on right now, and it can be quite a struggle to be faithful with such a gifting. Not many Christians have any clue anymore about matters of the spirit. But, you are blessed, and this gift is something the church desperately needs! Now, you just have to survive long enough to become wise in using it (c=

 

There are some really simple answers to your questions:

 

1) How do I grow in this gift?

 

If you want to grow in this gift, you use it. It's like a muscle, the more exercise you do with it the better it will become. You don't even need a bible verse to understand this, spiritual gifts are like any other ability. You just gotta go out there and use it. Practice, practice, practice!!

But if you want bible verses to support this, there is:

 

Hebrews 5:14 - "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
 

Also, there is Jesus' parable of the talents. If you want your talent to grow, you don't bury it in the ground - you go out and put it to use.

 

Another big help in this is if you find someone to mentor you. Jesus mentored a bunch of fisherman, and they changed the world. Ask God for someone who will pour their life into yours. They will accelerate your growth exponentially.

Furthermore, pray and ask God about this. Earnestly seek Him to help you grow and understand.

 

2) How do I test the spirits?

The answer to this is not quite as clear, but it is still straightforward. One biblical test is to question the spirit: "Do you testify Jesus is Lord and Messiah? Did He come in the flesh?" If the spirit answers no, toss it out.

 

But, a big part of this, is back in the answer to your first question. As you grow in discernment through practice, you will learn more in how to test the spirits. There are a few key things you can pay attention to that will help you:

 

You can judge it by the fruit of the spirit: Is it one that brings peace, or fear? Do you sense love, or anger? Get to know the list the St. Paul wrote in Galatians! If the spirit has bad fruit, toss it out.

 

And another key point in this from Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

If that isn't discernment, I don't know what is!! So, get to know the word of God. Both the written word and the Living Word (Jesus).

As you get to know the written word, the Holy Spirit can use it to quicken your spirit to tell you what is up with the spirits you are sensing. As you get to know the Living Word (Jesus), you will come to know Him and His ways. This is the best way, because by knowing the True One you will have a much easier time being able to spot the false ones. Jesus said, "my sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me." The better you know the voice of the shepherd, the better you will know when it is His voice vs another. You'll be able to eventually tell, "this just doesn't seem like Jesus.... there's something off about this"

 

Also, you absolutely must be able to tell the difference between the soul and the spirit. Right now, a bunch of it is probably muddled up and may affect your discernment. How do you improve this? Well, your flesh and soulish desires must be crucified. God must deal with your fallen nature, and in time He will do this work in you. You must yield to His hand as He purges you. Once this is done, you will be able to tell the difference between a thought from the soul and one from the spirit - both in yourself and others. Early on it is very easy to get it mixed up. Another point in this is that the word of God will help accomplish this work in you. Study the word, and draw near to God.

Futhermore:

 

You will mess up a lot as you practice and put to this gift to use. If you are not in a safe place to do so, be careful. Perhaps find a place where you will have the freedom to practice and wise elders to oversee you. But, by all means, follow Jesus in this. Just be obedient to His voice, wether or not you have it 100%, and He will take care of the rest.

And, I could be wrong in this, but it actually sounds more like you have a prophetic gift than the gift of discernment. The prophetic gift can "see and sense" while the gift of discernment goes "okay, I know EXACTLY what that is. That's a spirit of accusation." Perhaps you have both

Blessings on you!
Starsman

Edited April 19, 2015 by Starsman