The Gifts of the Spirit
Let’s firstly look at the gifts of the Spirit before delving into specific gifts. The bible teaches us that there are a diversity of gifts given out by the Holy Spirit.(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
The gifts are supernatural, divine abilities distributed by the Holy Spirit individually. This empowerment is for the edification of the Body of Christ, the Church.
These gifts are not natural talents; they are Holy Spirit-empowered manifestations bestowed upon a believer, according to his will.
1. Discernment
The Gift of discernment is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits: whether something originates from the Holy Spirit, Man’s spirit, or Evil spirits.Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:10 “to another, discerning of spirits.”
1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.”
Hebrews 4:12 The Word of God mediates the heart's motives.
Hebrews 5:14 maturity involves having “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
What Is The Purpose of Discernment?
The gift of discernment protects the Body of believers (The church) from deception. It confirms truth and clarifies misconceptions. It is a guide to intercession and spiritual warfare and it exposes hidden motives and spiritual influences contrary to God’s word.
2. Revelational Gifts and Connections
A. The Word of Knowledge
The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural revelation of factual knowledge about a situation, person, or event that could not be known naturally.Scriptural Examples Nathan’s knowledge of King David’s sin with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 12:7)
B. Word of Wisdom
The Word of wisdom is supernatural insight into the right course of action in a situation, applying God’s wisdom to solve a problem or give direction.Scriptural Example: Solomon’s judgment with the two mothers (1 Kings 3:16–28).
C. Prophecy
The Spirit of prophecy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is a declaration of God’s heart, message, or counsel to His people. (body of believers)Scriptural Example: Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Messiah and God’s ultimate plan of salvation. (Isaiah 7:14) Scripture teaches us to hold onto what is good and reject every kind of evil. (1 Thess 5: 20-22)
Prophecy is strengthened by discernment (testing the spirit behind the message).
3. Biblical Keys to Growing in Discernment
1. Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:16. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit.”There is always an inner witness, an unction, a confirmation in your heart that bypasses your natural emotions and feelings. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit promptings, enables us to recognize what God's will is and to expose falsehood. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
2. The Word of God (Plumb Line)
Hebrews 4:12. God’s Word discerns thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Acts 17:11. Bereans tested teachings by Scripture.
Everything must align with God’s Word. It needs to be tested before receiving it as coming from the Lord.
3. Counsel & Accountability
Proverbs 11:14. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”Discernment grows stronger in communities, avoiding deception, misunderstanding, and pride. Submission to Godly counsel or spiritual leaders who have proven themselves in the body of Christ over many years and have a sound biblical foundation prevents you from going off track and into deception.
4. The Spirit And Fruit .
Testing the Spirit is a biblical truth1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Matt 7:16, 20 You know them by their fruits.
True discernment sees long-term fruit: humility, truth, righteousness, and peace.
5. Peace of Christ
Colos 3:15. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Romans 16:19-20 In your obedience, be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil and God’s peace will crush Satan under your feet. Peace acts as God’s umpire, confirming or warning.
6. Prayer and Communion with God
Philippians 4:6–7. Prayer brings clarity and guards our hearts and minds against deception. John 16:13. The Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit) will lead you into all truth and glorify God. Prayer sensitizes our spirit to the Holy Spirit’s leading.7. Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 9:10. Reverence for God is the foundation of wisdom. Sin or pride clouds discernment; purity sharpens it (Matt 5:8).8. Patience And Testing
2 Tim 2:5. Handle the word of truth rightly. 1 Thess 5:21. “Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
Waiting often clarifies whether something is from God or not.
9. Practice
Hebrews 5:14. Discernment develops by “use” (practice). A practical idea is to gather together a group of friends or in a home group and practice on each other. Ensure you have some form of rules established, i.e., state clearly that this is just a practice and we may not all get things right so don't get discouraged if you get it wrong. You can also put the group at ease by stating that this is a safe environment and privacy is to be maintained relating to anything correctly discerned.Stepping out in faith, reflecting, and learning from experience sharpen discernment.
4. Safeguards
1 Corinthians 13:2 - Gifts without love are empty.1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy should edify, exhort, and comfort.
1 John 4:2 - Every true gift points to Christ as Lord.
5. Practical
Personal life: Discernment helps filter decisions, relationships, and influences.Church life: Protects against false doctrine, unhealthy spiritual manifestations, and deception.
Spiritual warfare: Reveals the true source of opposition or oppression.
Ministry: Strengthens prophecy, wisdom, and knowledge gifts by separating God’s voice from others.
Summary
The gift of discernment is the Holy Spirit given ability to separate truth from error, God’s Spirit from false spirits, and right from wrong motives.It is sharpened by the Word, inner witness, peace of Christ, prayer, godly counsel, testing the Spirits and the fruit, reverence for God, patience, maturity, and practice. It is connected to other gifts: prophecy, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom, working in harmony to bring clarity and guidance to the body of Christ.
Ultimately, all gifts flow out of love, humility, and a surrendered walk in Christ, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Angelina 09/09/2025
Last edited:
