1 Corinthians 12:10c
To another discerning of spirits…
The gift of Discerning of Spirits is the third of three Gifts of Revelation. You’ll recall that the other two are the Word of Wisdom and the Word of Knowledge, which all reveal something. The gift of our concern here is the supernatural ability to determine whether the Holy Spirit, evil spirits or the unaided human spirit is in operation in given situations, teachings or ministry.
Given that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Tim 4:1), the ability to judge correctly is crucial. Moreover, the Bible instructs us not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirits whether they are of God, since many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).
Beloved, the widespread availability of books, orators, gimmicks, the internet, smart phones, films, television and all sorts of technologies and media, has made it easy for false teachings to bombard our lives day in day out. Young and older believers alike are more vulnerable to demonically inspired ideas nowadays than ever before.
Therefore, the necessity of the gift of the Discerning of Spirits today cannot be overemphasised. None of us is safe without it! Let us trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to see through the deceptive doctrines, charisma, gimmicks and wiles of the evil one in our churches, media and society.
Pastor Josh