‘Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.’ (1 Cor 12:1)
Understanding the Gift of Discernment
There seems to be a great deal of curiosity and confusion about the spiritual gift of discernment.
And this is not surprising. For those of us who have the gift, it can be a complex and lonely journey as we work out what we are sensing, why God has given us this ability, and what to do with it. [1]
For leaders in church life, it can be difficult to know how to respond to or lead those with the gift of discernment—not to mention the question of what we should do (if anything) with the insights that discerners share with us. [2]
Discernment is a gift that, due to lack of information and guidance, has been vulnerable to error. It is vital that we establish a Biblical basis for the spiritual gift of discernment and how to exercise it.
Today I am going to look at the gift of discernment in the context of the Apostle Paul’s instruction about spiritual gifts to the Corinthian church.
5 Things Paul Teaches About the Gift of Discernment
‘But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit… to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits’ (1 Cor 12:7-10)
1. It is the Ability to Distinguish Between Spirits
‘…to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits…’(1 Cor 12:7-10)
The spiritual gift of discernment (or discerning of spirits) is the ability—given and empowered by the Holy Spirit—to distinguish the spiritual source of something. This can include, but is not limited to:
- an atmosphere
- a person’s action
- something seen or perceived
- a circumstance
- something spoken
The Greek word translated discerning is ‘diakrisis’ [Strongs G1253], from ‘diakrino’ [Strongs G1252], which means to separate thoroughly.
A Christian believer using the spiritual gift of discernment can perceive whether the source of something is God, or whether it is of human or demonic origin.
There is a misconception that discernment has to do primarily with perceiving what the enemy is doing.
The highest and best use of the gift of discernment is to perceive the anointing of the Holy Spirit—to see what God is doing.
2. The Gift of Discernment is from the Holy Spirit
The source of the spiritual gift of discernment is the Holy Spirit—God Himself.
The Holy Spirit is both the giver and enabler of this spiritual gift.
It is not based in
- our minds or personal intuition
- a suspicion or opinion
- a personal ability or history of being able to sense what is happening in the spiritual realm
3. Discernment is a Revelatory Gift
‘But the manifestation of the Spirit is given’ (1 Cor 12:7)
The spiritual gift of discernment is a revelatory gift. In other words, the Holy Spirit is making known something that cannot be perceived by natural means.
The Greek word translated ‘manifestation’, phanerosis [Strongs G5321], means to make visible, and it comes from a root word meaning to uncover, lay bare and reveal. [3]
‘For we know in part and we prophesy in part.’ (1 Cor 13:9) In the wider context of Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts, discernment, like prophecy, is subject to being weighed up. (1 Cor 14)
4. The Gift of Discernment is for the Benefit of the Church
‘But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all’ (1 Cor 12:7)
The purpose of the spiritual gift of discernment, as empowered by the Holy Spirit, is to benefit the church.
The Greek words translated ‘for the profit of all’—pros sumpheron—[Strongs G4851] mean ‘towards the profiting’, or as modern translations put it, ‘for the common good.’
When we understand this, ‘benefiting the church’ becomes our standard for the operation of the gift.
If something purporting to be discernment does not profit the church, i.e., if it results in confusion, or fear, or division—either of two things may be out of order:
1. The discernment may not be from the Holy Spirit. Or—
2. It may be true discernment that is not being used in a Biblical manner; a way of grace that honours God, the church and its leadership.
In order to be of benefit, the spiritual gift of discernment requires the operation of other gifts alongside it, such as leadership and wisdom. It should be developed and used in the context of the church community. (see 1 Cor 14) [2]
5. Discernment is a Good Gift from God
‘Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.’ (1 Cor 12:4)
The word used for gift is charisma [Strongs G5486], meaning a gift of grace.
The spiritual gift of discernment is a good, helpful and strategic gift, and it is given for a purpose—to benefit the church.
We sometimes need to be reminded of this, because of the challenges that discernment can bring.
God’s gifts are good in nature, just as He is. (James 1:17) The spiritual gift of discernment has the ability to bless the church, set individuals free, protect the integrity of what God is doing, and assist in times of spiritual warfare.
May we embrace the spiritual gift of discernment with gratitude and use it in the way God intended.
Notes:
[1] For further insights about the gift of discernment, see the following:
8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift of Discernment
8 Ways to Grow Your Gift Of Discernment
Does Seeing Demons Mean That I Have A Spiritual Gift of Discernment?
[2] I have written an article about exercising discernment in the life of the church here:
6 Tips for Exercising The Gift of Discernment In Church Life
[3] References: VINE, M.A. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. 1985. Virginia: MacDonald. STRONG, J. Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996.
UNLOCKING THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT E-BOOK
Are you sensitive to what is taking place in the spiritual realm? Have you ever been adversely affected by a negative atmosphere?
You may have the spiritual gift of discernment.
The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare, and can be of great assistance when ministering freedom to individuals.
And yet many who have the gift of discernment have difficulty knowing what to do with what they are feeling or sensing.
‘Unlocking The Gift Of Discernment’ incorporates and enlarges upon material in Enliven Blog. The e-book includes additional valuable material on how to be protected as a discerner in times of spiritual warfare.
To view ‘Unlocking The Gift Of Discernment’ in our e-Store, click here
© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
Hi Helen, Love your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, this is such a Powerful and Anointed Teaching. Thank you for Writing with such Clarity and sharing Wisdom with us in “Unlocking the Gift of Discernment” E-Book. I have recently finished reading through this very insightful and Powerful Book for the second time now. Speaks to me personally about the gift of Discernment and Intercession Prayer going together, and the importance of using wisdom with discernment. Discernment, Prayer and Wisdom are very powerful tools when used together, discernment reminds me of a type of laser beam, it can either bring Healing and Restoration and draw people closer to GOD, or it can burn, hurt and cause much confusion. Therefore I believe WISDOM, must ALWAYS be exercised with the Gift of Discernment, and that every spiritual gift from GOD is always to be used with the motivation of LOVE, to draw people closer to JESUS. Thank you so much Helen, You really help to bring clarity, open up and demystify this subject of discernment, Your Ministry is such a Wonderful Blessing to all the Body of CHRIST.
I think this Book cover is filled with inspiration, door, key, light, bright, inspires me to write another poem….Keys of the Kingdom
The LORD has the Key
For you and for me
That will Open the Door to Eternity
JESUS, HE is the Door, HE is the KEY
To Eternity, our Destiny
Where the LORD is the Light
Where ALL is Bright
And Transparent in HIS Sight
Holy Spirit Breathe on Me
Open up my Eyes to See
Open up my Ears to Hear
Illuminate, Instruct and Inspire
Raise me up on Eagles Wings and take me Higher
Keys of the Kingdom
Kingdom Authority
WORD of GOD speak to me
Use the Sacred Seal
Open Your WORD and Reveal
The Keys of the Kingdom
The Keys of the KING
Revealing the FATHER
Exalting the SON
Bringing us UNITY
Making us ONE
Poem by Irene Kyriacou
Dear Irene, you are such a blessing, thank you for the words about discernment and the powerful poem. I’m so glad you have found the book helpful and can see the relationship between discernment and intercessory prayer. May you continue to be enriched on the journey.
I will need to have this expering book.
Hi Helen
I have been very lazy in my walk with God & like right now as I type this message I feel like God is very displeased with me for slackening and being behind my calling…I even had a Pastor tell me twice that I am behind time in God’s schedule for my work…I do have most signs you pointed out that I have the Spirit of Discernment but I feel like i am not good enough such that Im panicking and in fear that maybe God will punish me, maybe even by shortening my life because I am being disobedient. Please help, I dont know what to do. Nowadays, i often get the urge to read the Word or even pray just for a few minutes but i always procrastinate…Im beginning to think I am not cut out for this gift, I feel like i don’t deserve it because I am sitting around twiddling my thumbs.
Strangely enough, last I asked the Apostle of our church to pray for me for God to bestow His gift of Discernment on me even though im going through all this emotional turmoil. Why cant I get myself to do the right thing and just give fellowship time with God, it seems I lack discipline, maybe a person who lacks discipline is not suitable for this kind of gifting, I don’t know…please help, im very frightened by the consequences of not obeying God further…would God really end my life for not following through what I feel He is telling me to do.
Hi Anita, sorry it’s taken me a few days to reply, I do hope you get this message. Don’t ever feel that God is displeased with you. He is a loving Father to His children, not a harsh disciplinarian. You are His beloved daughter and His desire is to support and carry you. Success in your Christian life and being pleasing to God is not about you being perfect, it is about God accepting the sacrifice of Jesus’ perfection, HIS righteousness and you can count on that.
‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.'(1 John 4:18)
Here are some thoughts that may help in regard to your devotional life: http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2011/04/27/how-to-fall-in-love-with-your-devotional-life-again/
I truly enjoyed your site and wanted to express my appreciation in writing. May God continue to cover you and your family in Jesus Name Amen. I have been walking in the gift of discernment (led by the Holy Spirit) for several years and the world is clueless as to what God is getting ready to do in this season. Darkness understand the unveiling of the sons of God in this season. However, there is nothing that can be done to stop sin and death from being swallowed up and cast into the lake of fire….. The time has come to set the captives Free. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND.
GOD
BLESS
Sometimes it felll so real I can almost see it with my eyes but it’s is still in my image of my mind but it fill so real that it there I just can’t see it with my eyes but at the same time I see it with my hart my spiritual eyes
I hope I have the gift of discernment .
I see the image with my spiritual eyes but it fill so fill real that I cam almost see it with my real eyes but it still in the my mind.
Does any one have any things to say
Yes, I experience that too. I know when there are things watching or are on people even if I can’t see it physically or even if I can’t feel it, I still feel there’s something about a spot in the room or person or object. I think in my theory that the gift of creativity might possibly also pick up on spiritual senses. I think that’s why we see things in our heads. Maybe it’s our imagination being triggered.
Hi Helen,
My question is not about the gift of discernment but the gift of tongues. I am definitely baptized in the Holy Spirit and with Fire yet I have yet to experience the Holy Spirit speaking through me in tongues. My pastor explains that there’s two types of tongues i.e. for public assembly w/ the Church and only if there’s an interpreter and the second kind, they say, is given to every believer for private prayer w/ God. I went to churches where they encouraged me to start “babbling” and yes I felt the Holy Spirit moving inside me but I never experienced Him using my vocal cords. What do you know/find in Scripture about this “private prayer language” that every believer is evidently “supposed” to have?