"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
The Gift of Discernment
Discernment is the ability to judge well and distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong, good and evil. In these last days, this spiritual gift is crucial for survival.
Types of discernment mentioned in Scripture:
- Discerning of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10)
- Discerning good and evil (Hebrews 5:14)
- Discerning the times (Matthew 16:3)
- Discerning the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:29)
- Discerning God's will (Romans 12:2)
Developing Spiritual Discernment
Know the Word
Study Scripture daily. You cannot recognize counterfeit without knowing the genuine.
Prayer Life
Maintain intimate communion with God. The Holy Spirit guides into all truth.
Spiritual Maturity
Exercise your senses through practice to discern both good and evil.
Testing the Spirits
The Bible commands us to test every spirit to see whether they are from God:
Questions to Ask:
- Does it confess Jesus Christ came in the flesh? (1 John 4:2)
- Does it align with Scripture? (Isaiah 8:20)
- What fruit does it produce? (Matthew 7:16)
- Does it glorify God or man? (John 16:14)
- Does it promote holiness or sin? (1 Peter 1:16)
- Does it bring freedom or bondage? (Galatians 5:1)
Common Deceptions to Watch For
Angel of Light
Satan masquerades as righteous. Not everything "spiritual" is from God.
Signs & Wonders
Miracles alone don't prove divine origin. Test the message and messenger.
Partial Truth
Most effective lies contain elements of truth mixed with error.
Emotional Manipulation
Feelings can deceive. Truth stands regardless of emotions.
Peer Pressure
Popular opinion doesn't determine truth. The majority can be wrong.
Smooth Words
Eloquence and charisma don't equal truth. Test the content.
Biblical Examples of Discernment
- Jesus: Knew the thoughts and intents of hearts (John 2:24-25)
- Paul: Discerned the spirit of divination in the slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)
- Peter: Exposed Ananias and Sapphira's deception (Acts 5:1-11)
- John: Warned about testing spirits (1 John 4:1)
- Bereans: Examined Scriptures daily to verify teaching (Acts 17:11)
Practical Steps for Discernment
- Pray for wisdom - Ask God for discernment (James 1:5)
- Study the Word - Let Scripture be your standard
- Check the fruit - Examine the results and outcomes
- Seek godly counsel - Multiple witnesses establish truth
- Wait on the Lord - Don't rush important decisions
- Trust the Holy Spirit - He will guide you into all truth
"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." - Hebrews 5:14