What is the gift of discernment? There seems to be a great deal of curiosity and confusion about the gift of ‘discerning of spirits.’
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]
Looking at the Gift in the Biblical Context
For leaders in church life, it can be difficult to know how to respond to or lead those with the ability—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 this gift in the context of the Apostle Paul’s instruction about spiritual gifts to the Corinthian church.
‘Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.’ (1 Cor 12:1)
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 this gift 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.
We do not base it upon:
- 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)
This spiritual gift is a revelatory gift. In other words, the Holy Spirit is making known something that we cannot perceive 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. It 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 a true insight that an individual is not using in a Biblical manner; a way of grace that honors 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. We should develop and use it 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 a 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 this ability can bring.
God’s gifts are good in nature, just as He is. (James 1:17) This spiritual gift can benefit 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 this topic, 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] See the following article:
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 Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
Hi Tracey, thank you for leaving the question.
There are many points of view about the gift of tongues. I agree with your pastor and personally believe that every Christian who is filled with the Spirit has the gift of a prayer language resident within them, whether or not it has been fully released yet.
If you read 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul discusses tongues as a form of private prayer.
See http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+cor+14&version=NIV
I also believe that Jude is making reference to the prayer language of tongues when he says, ‘But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.’ (Jude 1:20).
The prayer language brings great benefits in our personal relationship with God.
So I encourage you to continue to be open to this gift, and the ministry of Holy Spirit within and through you, but not to feel stressed or condemned if it hasn’t yet been released. Enjoy His Presence with you and His grace. Allow the life and Presence of the Spirit to rise up within you, and let a heart of thanksgiving overflow. He is a wonderful God.
Thanks for clarifying, Helen,
I just wish that Scripture would read “praying in tongues” then it wouldn’t confuse me. I have been and continue to be open to this gift of private prayer in the Spirit but it still hasn’t manifested. Now, it’s something that the Spirit alone does through me, right? Or am I supposed to “kick start” it somehow? Thanks.
Hi Tracey, yes I understand, and I know many others feel the same way.
I believe there are two ways the gift of prophecy, for example, manifests in the NT. You have the spontaneous utterances (of both tongues and prophecy) recorded when believers were baptised in the Holy Spirit in Acts. But the Apostle Paul also encourages Christians to ‘earnestly desire’ the gift of prophecy, (1 Cor 14:1) so he is encouraging something further which requires faith and stepping out. I believe it is the same with your prayer language – that it is OK to ‘earnestly desire’ and step out, like a little child expecting to receive. So I think the ‘kick-starting’ (you mention being encouraged to step out, in the context of receiving prayer at churches) is ok provided it is done with child-like trust in Father God who gives ‘good gifts’ to His children – and the fruit of this faith-response to God is that the gift really does begin to flow.
However I also know that this can be done in a negative and hurtful way, and lead to a type of performance, and that is wrong.
The main thing is to have a sense of God’s love and grace in this area and not to allow any condemnation, but to enjoy His Presence within you. Hope this helps
:-)
Thanks! That makes sense. I just get frustrated when I’m around people that tell me I have this gift but they don’t offer an explanation as to why it’s not manifested. Thanks for offering an explanation – that helps. I never feel condemned, just frustrated. Thanks.
Hi Tracey, I’m glad you found the article helpful. May you continue to grow and find clarity in your gift and ministry.
Hi Mrs. Helen, thank you very much for the articles on discernment. I believe I do have the gift but I need help on how to use it. A lady who is called into ministry as a Prophetesses told me I’m a seer and sensor last summer. This past summer two women told me I have a strong gift of discernment. I’m going to try and get your book as soon as possible. Can you tell me what a seer is? Thank you. Have a blessed weekend. Please keep me in prayer. God bless. Brittany Reed from Columbus, Ohio.
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for leaving the comment, greetings from Australia! Yes, a seer is someone with a prophetic gift who operates primarily through spiritual sight, either through visions, pictures or visual impressions of what is taking place in the spiritual realm.
Hi Helen
Thank you for your articles may the good Lord bless you.Im a child spiritually, before i was Born Again i had weird dreams where i had a dark spirit would try to enter in my belly ,i could swear i was awakei would feel it and see it with my eyes id even convince my self not to look at it due to fear…also i experienced a man dressed in white enter in my body as i was asleep he never depatured.then prior to my year of salvation a man of God told me in a dream that God says He will send someone to teach me about Christ..now i know what the dream meant cause its happened though .i avoided it then as i was told in my church to not pay attention to dreams…now m born again i dream of things and they actually happen.at night sometimes i become so afraid as though theres a bad spirit i loose my breath.im afraid to be alone in a room ,one night i was asleep spirits were attacking me i was fighting wearing an Armor not the spiritual one ,as i was fighting i kept saying Lord cover me with your spiritual armor only to find out i was actually saying this outloud as i woke up i cdnt stop my self from praying iv never felt like that bfr…i also dream about heaven and the voice of God coming out from a huge light…im so sensitive lately and i dnt like it these dreams are confusing i see things i shouldnt be seeing…my mom took me to the doctor the nurse said i suffer from enxiety….i cant tell all these dreams with any1 else i dont like ppl to tell me im reading too much of all this…smtimes i feel things r to happen and God says do this to prevent it and then when i dont do it thinking no its my thoughts the thing happens then i feel guilty… could i have a gift of some sort?…i love the Lord too much more than life its self i im just so sensitive to certain envoronments like my room where these things occur its taken over my life…Sorry for the essay and thanks hope to hear from you
Hi Leo, thanks for the note, yes I do understand that it is difficult when you are experiencing things spiritually and many people do not relate to what is going on. I’ve thought about the questions you ask and the following articles may be able to help you start to explore the answers:
https://www.enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2014/11/11/discernment-9-ways-to-banish-fear-of-evil/
https://www.enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2013/08/20/discernment-of-spirits-ability-or-spiritual-gift/
Helen i would be very grateful if you could email me concerning this gift as i have been misunderstood almost everywhere i go and i believe i have this gift in its early stages.
I thank God for being part of this family and I see my self growing in understanding…