Spiritual Gift Discerning of Spirits | Pastor Dennis Williams
The Discerning of Spirits is one of the most needed spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ. This gift allows a Born again believer to see what spirit is operating at any given spiritual situation. This gift does not perform when a believer wills. However, this is a gift directed by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Four Spirits that are Discerned. Human Spirit, Spirit of God, Demonic Spirits and Angels
1 Corinthians 12:7-12: 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another Discerning of Spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Notice vs 11 says dividing severally as HE wills. We cannot say ” I have the gift of Discerning of Spirits” This statement indicates ownership which is contrary to the scripture.
The Discerning of Spirits allows a person to actually see into the spirit realm as the Holy Spirit wills. Additionally the Discerning of Spirits allows a Deliverance minister to operate more effectively. The Discerning of Spirits will enable any believer to know what spirit is operating when the Word of God is being preached from the pulpit. This also is highly important.
Any Gift of the Spirit works by the Spirit of Love. We are not to confuse the discerning of Spirit with a “judging spirit”. A Judging Spirit is a demonic spirit that mimics the Discerning of Spirits.
Seek the Lord Jesus Christ for this precious give. Covet earnestly the best gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:31: 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.