Practicing Spiritual Discernment

I recently saw this quote which says - Discernment is also being able to spot when your own spirit is off and needs correction.

Generally when we refer to discernment, we look at it from the perspective of being able to accurately judge a person’s character.

Again, as Christians, we should choose to see things in the spiritual so that what happens in the natural won’t phase us.

So what is Spiritual Discernment and why should we seek after it and want to practice it as we go about our daily lives.

First of all, Spiritual Discernment is a gift from God. It is the ability to distinguish between truth and lies, good and evil, or the will of God versus the influences of the world and the flesh. 

As the Holy Spirit bestows this gift  on someone, we see them being able to observe the behaviour of a particular person or the unfolding or lack thereof of a specific situation, without being briefed.

They would see and speak with such clarity and insight that others would be in awe. 

This God-given ability comes only through a deep study and understanding of the Word of God.

Spiritual discernment enables believers to understand spiritual truths that others without the Spirit cannot access.

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Hebrews 5:14  KJV “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

We see here that Spiritual Discernment also comes with or is a sign of spiritual maturity. As we grow in our faith and practice the truths in the Word of God, our discernment improves.

While Spiritual Discernment is a gift from God, it is something that believers must desire, seek after and cultivate through prayer, fasting, and studying the Bible. 

This has to be a regular, daily habit, depending on the Holy Spirit.

As we face the challenges of life, Family, we need spiritual discernment to guide us in making the right decisions and helping others along the way as well.

At any given time and if we feel we need a special anointing for a particular situation, we can call on Jesus for wisdom. But we must be sincere.

 

James 1:5 NKJV “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

As indicated earlier, the Holy Spirit is the source of all discernment. We cannot have great discernment without His guidance. We must yield to His influence to be able to discern spiritual matters.

John 16:13 NKJV “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

Family, in order to be spiritually discerning and be able to practice spiritual discernment, we must study the Bible and apply scripture in our daily living, 

The more we study, the more we understand what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to us. This way, we become sharp in the Word and we are able to see straight through the lies of people and situations. Right will be right and wrong will be wrong. No compromise.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Now, it is one thing to read the Bible from cover to cover year after year, but it is quite another to practice what we read.

The Bible is clear on how we must live. God’s guiding principles dictate that we allow our minds, our thoughts, and as a result our actions to be wrapped up in the truth of God’s Word.

 Romans 12:2 ESV “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Also very importantly, when we would have received the gift of Spiritual Discernment from the Holy Spirit, we must not abuse the gift nor just use it for our own benefit.

In addition to honouring God, we must use this gift to edify others. 

It must be used for:

1. Distinguishing between good and evil. 

1 John 4:1 AMP “Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world.”

2. Spiritual Discernment must be used to recognize God’s Will. God what are you saying to me right now? It’s in the Word. God has already spoken.

Philippians 1:9-10 AMP “And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight, so that you may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent [identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences], and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin];”

Spiritual Discernment, Family, as we receive it, let us use it for the building up of the Body of Christ.

Let’s use wisdom, Spiritual Discernment to protect and strengthen our biological families, and as a result the community, the church, our ministries. 

This way, we can identify false doctrines or divisive influences and instead encourage unity and truth.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 MSG “God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel clear understanding simple trust healing the sick miraculous acts proclamation distinguishing between spirits tongues interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.”

And finally, Spiritual Discernment helps believers avoid spiritual traps and temptations.

Proverbs 3:21-26 MSG “Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.”

Discernment - guiding us to live in alignment with God’s will.

It is obtained through prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, study of Scripture, and practice in daily life. 

aub - 16Sept24

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