As someone immersed in the study of spiritual gifts, particularly through my book “The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment,” I’ve observed a fascinating trend. Many are intrigued by the idea of discernment as a spiritual gift, yet the common understanding of this gift often diverges significantly from its biblical portrayal. Frequently, “The Gift Of Discernment” is simplified to just good decision-making or knowing God’s will in everyday choices. However, Scripture reveals a far richer and more profound meaning. In this article, we will delve into what the Bible truly says about the spiritual gift of discernment, exploring its essence, identifying potential signs of this gift, and understanding how to utilize it effectively.
While a comprehensive exploration of spiritual gifts is beyond the scope of this article, it’s important to briefly touch upon the theological foundation. For a more in-depth discussion, my book (available since January 2008) offers a detailed analysis. However, we can find a concise theology in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, a theology that holds true across different Christian perspectives. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each of you the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV). Key principles emerge: the diversity of gifts, their empowerment by the Holy Spirit, their presence in all believers, their nature as manifestations of the Spirit, and their purpose for the collective benefit of the Christian community.
Defining Spiritual Discernment: More Than Just Good Judgment
The early church, as depicted in the Bible, faced a significant challenge: the presence of false prophets and teachers. These individuals falsely claimed divine authority, misleading many believers. This context underscores the urgency of scriptural exhortations for Christians to critically evaluate teachings. John urges, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1 NIV). Building on the previous verse (1 John 3:24) which speaks of the Holy Spirit as evidence of God’s presence, John clarifies that not every spiritual voice originates from holiness. We are naturally inclined to heed spiritual voices, perceiving them as coming from a realm beyond our immediate experience. However, many of these spirits are under the influence of Satan, the ultimate deceiver. Hence, the critical need to “test” or “prove” the spirits to discern their true source.
Some interpretations link the spiritual gift of prophecy directly to discerning of spirits. However, considering the broader biblical call to “test everything,” the gift of discernment likely extends beyond just prophetic utterances.
Every Christian bears the responsibility to assess teachings and prophecies. The Bereans serve as a powerful example. They received Paul and Silas’s teachings with enthusiasm, yet they also “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11 NIV). Their nobility lay in scrutinizing even apostolic teaching against the established Word of God. This embodies the duty of all believers. Ultimately, each Christian is accountable for their beliefs, regardless of whether they possess the specific spiritual gift of discernment.
The gift of discernment acts as the Spirit’s specialized defense mechanism against the deceptions propagated by deceitful spirits.
While discernment is a general Christian responsibility, it is evident that some individuals are uniquely gifted by God in this area. This gift is not merely an ability but also a profound responsibility. As New Testament commentator Lenski notes, “Certain difficult cases occur, for which more than common Christian discernment is necessary. False prophets love to use deceptive language. For the purpose of unmasking these prophets the Lord provides this gift and thus enables his church to turn from lying spirits to the one Spirit of truth.” Therefore, the gift of discernment is the Spirit’s special defense against the lies emanating from deceitful spirits.
Consequently, every pronouncement about God, or anything claiming to be from God, must undergo rigorous testing and examination in light of the Bible.
The influence of spirits can be discerned in words, actions, and even appearances. Satan’s communication often contradicts Scripture and disseminates falsehoods. We see this in his encounter with Eve, directly opposing God’s command (Genesis 3:4). Similarly, when Jesus rebuked Peter’s denial of his impending death, he declared, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23 NIV). Jesus recognized Satan’s spirit operating through Peter’s words. Thus, every word about God or claiming divine origin must be meticulously tested against the Bible.
Beyond words, Satan and his forces also manifest through deeds. Just as Jesus performed miracles, Satan and his agents are capable of producing counterfeit signs and wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 warns, “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve falsehood” (NIV). Jesus himself cautioned, “false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24 NIV). Therefore, actions, regardless of their apparent extraordinariness or benevolence, must be evaluated and compared to God’s Word.
Discernment also extends to appearances. Satan infiltrates the Christian community with deceptive teachers and leaders who mimic truth. These individuals invariably introduce teachings that deviate from Scripture. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas encountered a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Those with the gift of discernment are uniquely equipped to distinguish between genuine and false words, deeds, and appearances. For days, she followed the apostles, proclaiming, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17 NIV). While her words were factually correct, the spirit driving them was deceptive, aiming to use a veneer of truth to discredit the gospel. Paul recognized the truth in her words but discerned the insincerity of the guiding spirit through her demeanor and the situation. He was not deceived by a superficial appearance of godliness. Hence, appearances too must be carefully weighed against Scripture.
Individuals gifted with discernment possess a special ability to differentiate between truth and falsehood in words, actions, and appearances. John MacArthur, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, summarizes the significance of this gift: “It can be said that the gift of discernment is given to tell if the other gifts are of the Holy Spirit, if they are merely natural imitations, or if they are demonic counterfeits. I believe God still empowers some of His people to unmask false prophets and carnal hypocrites. He gives them insight to expose imitations and deceptions that most Christians would take as genuine.” Christians with the gift of discernment can compare ungodly words, deeds, and appearances with God’s revealed Word, exposing fraudulent leaders and teachers. They are gifted with an exceptional capacity to separate truth from error and right from wrong.
In our subsequent article, we will explore how to recognize if you possess this gift. And in the third part of this series, we will discuss the practical application of this gift, guidance for those who desire it, and advice for those who may not have it.
