The Importance of Gifts Part VI
We have nearly reached the end of the gifts of the spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12, and today we are going to discuss another gift that I believe every Christian should have. This next gift in not unlike the gift of faith, it presents itself when the born-again believer most needs it. While it is a gift that is bestowed by the Holy Spirit, it does require a little effort from the born-again believer. Today’s gift is the gift of discerning of spirits.
First, we need to break down the definition of this gift. For that we are going to begin with the definition of discerning which states “to separate thoroughly that is (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from or (by implication) oppose; figuratively to discriminate (by implication decide) or (reflexively) hesitate:-contend make (to) differ (-ence) discern doubt judge be partial stagger waver.” G12522. In short, the word discerning here means to separate, but to separate what? That is where we need to look at the definition of spirit. This definition is “a current of air that is breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit that is (human) the rational soul (by implication) vital principle mental disposition etc or (superhuman) an angel daemon or (divine) God Christ’s spirit the Holy Spirit” G4151. With these two definitions in mind, we can see that the gift of discerning of spirits is to separate human and/or demonic ideals from what the Holy Spirit states.
This is where the effort from born-again Christians must come into play. In order for this gift to be presented, we must be able to separate the true and false doctrines that are out there. That can only take place when we are actively studying God’s Word. The more time we spend in scripture, the more we will be able to recall the truth when presented with lies. I can think of no greater example of this taking place than in Matthew 4:1-11.
“4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil *took Him along into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and he *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written: ‘He will give His angels orders concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will lift You up, So that You do not strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil *took Him along to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” 11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.”
In this passage, we see that Satan is before Christ and is presenting ideas to Christ. However, He is able to bring down the devil’s argument by quoting Scripture. It is not just because He is the Son of God that He was able to present these answers, but we see in other scriptures where He studied His Father’s Word. “46 After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.” Luke 2:46-47. Even as a human child, the Son of God studied His Word. This is to say that this is how we as believers should be.
Now John helps us articulate this even more, examine 1 John 3:24 “Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” Here John describes the characteristics of those who would come in God’s name and how we would know if they are truly believers. Their characteristics, this goes back to discerning. Yet, John is not done here and continues to add, 1 John 4:1-3 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the [spirit] of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.“ Examine every false religion, all of them that claim they have the truth of Jesus will deny His equality as part of the Trinity and fully human. Thus if a born again believer is confronted by the devil, a religious representative, or a spirit, all we need is God’s Word and to recognize that God provides the necessary gift to overcome. This is why we need to be active in our time with God studying His Word, so that when, not if, the time comes we are prepared to present the truth when faced with lies.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex