December 10, 2015 by Glory2Him
Comments (8)
Discernment of spirits is a spiritual gift God gives us to determine if what someone is proclaiming is from God and not of the flesh or from Satan.
But how do you know if what someone is proclaiming is from God? You test the spirits. "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1
How do we test the spirits?
1) Study The Word. If what the person is saying is against what the bible says, it is false doctrine or false teachings. True teachers will teach the truth that is based on scripture. "This is what the Lord Almighty says; Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord."
2) Look at their fruit. Are they exhibiting the fruit of the spirit mentioned in The Word? Galatians 5:22-23 tells us "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Jesus warned his followers in Matthew 7:15-16 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?"
3) The person will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the son of God and Lord. "Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus be cursed,' and one can say, 'Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit." Corinthians 12:3
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those of us who want the spiritual gift of discernment. I pray that we are able to recognize the spiritual things that can only come from you. Amen
Thanks for you insight and wisdom, Cherie!
Glory2Him Dec 12, 2015 at 12:18 pm Flag as inappropriate
You were definitely led by the Spirit to post this. So many that need prayer on the board, would be well served to look into this dynamic of the Word and study. Thanks again Dear Sister...
Cherie Dec 12, 2015 at 2:29 pm Flag as inappropriate
Amen..
Keri Dec 15, 2015 at 4:01 pm Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much for this encouragement. It is a responsibility we need to take seriously. Many doctrines that come from the pulpit have some truth but are not totally true. Teaching that is taken out of context is false teaching. Much end time teaching goes away from the truth in Matthew 24. We will be here until the end when Jesus our Lord sends His angels for us from the four winds. God will help us to endure but we must keep our focus on Him.
Neil Osborn Dec 16, 2015 at 9:57 pm Flag as inappropriate
So true, Neil. We must take the responsibility of discernment seriously. If only everyone would study His Word and focus on Him. Unfortunately, many are led astray. Matthew 24:11
Glory2Him Dec 17, 2015 at 2:46 pm Flag as inappropriate
Amen Amen. And amen to what you wrote Neil Osborn. God bless all of you in Jesus' Holy Name.
Amanda Dec 31, 2015 at 6:51 am Flag as inappropriate
God bless you, dear sister in Christ!
Glory2Him Dec 31, 2015 at 9:59 am Flag as inappropriate
Cherie
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Kim
Probably the most underutilized gift of the Spirit in the professing churches, and we have suffered for it. First John 4:1 declares: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 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 in the world." vs. 1,2,3. KJV. Additionally 2 John verses 7-11 speaks a warning about deceivers: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.." Interestingly the Lord bookends both of these portions of scriptures with statements on love.
Thanks for the post.
Cherie
Cherie Dec 12, 2015 at 11:43 am Flag as inappropriate