But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil -(Hebrews 5:14).
What Is Discernment?
Discernment is defined, in the modern secular sense, as “the faculty of discerning; discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding” by dictionary.com. Fundamentally, discernment is the ability to judge well. Whether its choices we make or the people we interact with, discernment is the gift of recognizing the moral and practical consequences of our decisions.
Discernment has historically been praised as a valuable trait, allowing those who possess it to avoid costly mistakes or misfortune. Furthermore, discernment was primarily a biblical doctrine occurring in the collection of Gifts of the Holy Spirit as the “Gift of Discerning Spirits, the gift to recognize whether or not something is truly from God or in accordance with righteousness.”
This spiritual discernment extends beyond judging moral choices—it involves spiritual sensitivity that helps believers navigate false teachings, deceptive spirits, and temptations. The Apostle John encourages believers in 1 John 4:1 to "test the spirits" to ensure they are aligned with God, knowing that not every spirit or influence originates from Him. Similarly, discernment allows believers to recognize when the Holy Spirit is prompting them to act or when a decision is driven by self-interest or external pressures.
Did you know that there are three Greek root words used in Scripture for the concept of discernment? Each word offers a unique aspect of how discernment functions spiritually and practically.
The first word is “anakrino,” which refers to spiritual discernment—the ability to carefully examine or investigate matters (Acts 17:11). It involves searching for deeper truths and understanding things from a spiritual perspective.
The second word is “dokimazo,” which means to test or prove. This type of discernment involves evaluating whether something is authentic or aligns with God’s truth. 1 John 4:1 uses this term, instructing believers to “test the spirits” to see if they are from God. Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 urges believers to test prophecies to determine whether they are trustworthy.
The third word is “krino,” which means to judge or condemn (Matthew 7:1-2). This word represents a type of discernment we are warned against using—one based on human judgment that condemns others unfairly. Instead of judging through our own understanding, we are called to see situations and people through the lens of the Holy Spirit, with grace and truth.
Do All Christians Have Discernment?
Because of the Holy Spirit's work in us at the time of salvation, basic discernment is something all Christians are called to develop. Hebrews 5:14 teaches that mature believers, through practice, learn to distinguish good from evil. This means that while not everyone will possess the supernatural gift of discerning spirits, every believer can grow in wisdom by deepening their relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and listening to the Holy Spirit. James 1:5 reminds us that God gives wisdom generously to anyone who asks, which includes discernment for everyday life.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, including a discerning spirit, are unique skills and abilities given by the Holy Spirit to faithful followers of Christ to serve God for the common benefit of his people, the church. A listing of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 mentions wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Paul instructed that "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us... let [us] use [them] in proportion to [our] faith," Romans 12:6. The gifts of the Spirit are simply God enabling believers to do what He has called us to do. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
What is Discernment of Spirits?
Now, let’s explore how “the discerning of spirits” is used in 1 Corinthians 12:10. The Greek word here is “diakrisis,” which refers to distinguishing or judicially estimating. This spiritual gift enables believers to go beyond recognizing good versus evil—it gives insight into different classes of spirits, allowing someone to discern whether an influence is from God, human nature, or demonic forces. This gift plays a critical role in spiritual protection and guidance within the church, helping believers stay aligned with God’s truth in all circumstances.Hebrews 5:14 further emphasizes that discernment comes with spiritual maturity, equipping believers to differentiate good from evil through experience and dependence on God.
The gift of discernment plays a vital role within the church, functioning as a safeguard against false teaching and spiritual deception.Those who possess this gift play a vital role in the church by warning believers of potential dangers and helping to guard the community against false teachings or spiritual deception. It allows them to sense God’s truth and protect others from influences that could lead them astray. They act as a spiritual compass, helping the community remain rooted in God’s truth. This discernment is not about being critical but about sensing what aligns with God’s character and intentions. This ability can protect the church from subtle errors and temptations that might appear genuine but are contrary to Scripture (1 John 4:1).
John of Damascus describes discernment as "greater than any other virtue; and is the queen and crown of all the virtues." This highlights the importance of discernment not only as a gift but also as a vital spiritual virtue. It helps believers grow in wisdom and faithfulness by staying attuned to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This gift is essential for navigating life’s spiritual challenges, ensuring believers can live in alignment with God’s truth and righteousness.
What Types of Spirits are Mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible describes various types of spirits, each playing a distinct role in the spiritual realm. These spirits include both those aligned with God’s purposes and evil spirits that work against Him. Here is an overview of the main types of spirits mentioned in Scripture:
The Holy Spirit
- Role: The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is God’s presence within believers, guiding, empowering, and convicting them (John 14:26; Acts 1:8).
- Purpose: To lead believers in truth, provide spiritual gifts, and produce fruits such as love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23).
Angels
- Role: Angels are ministering spirits sent by God to protect, deliver messages, and execute His will (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 91:11).
- Types: Scripture mentions different classes, including archangels (e.g., Michael in Jude 1:9) and seraphim (Isaiah 6:2-3).
Evil Spirits / Demons
- Role: These are fallen angels or demonic forces that oppose God’s kingdom, working to deceive, tempt, and harm (Ephesians 6:12; Mark 5:2-13).
- Purpose: To draw people away from God, promote sin, and cause spiritual or physical harm (1 Peter 5:8).
Human Spirit
- Role: The human spirit is the immaterial part of a person that connects with God (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Proverbs 20:27). It can either align with God’s Spirit or rebel against Him (Romans 8:16).
- Spiritual Discernment: Believers are encouraged to test whether the human spirit or influence is in line with God's truth (1 John 4:1).
Spirit of the World
- Role: This term describes worldly values and systems opposed to God’s ways (1 Corinthians 2:12). It represents influences rooted in materialism, pride, and sin, leading people away from God’s truth.
- Contrast with the Holy Spirit: Believers are called to reject the spirit of the world and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Romans 12:2).
Unclean Spirits
- Role: Often used interchangeably with demons, unclean spirits are mentioned in connection with possession and opposition to Christ’s ministry (Mark 1:23-27).
- Effect: They cause spiritual and physical affliction, and Christ’s ministry often involved casting them out.
Bible Verses About Discernment
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 (1 John 4:1, 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 (Romans 12:2, ESV).
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14, ESV).
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:9-10, ESV).
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12, ESV).
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10, ESV).
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people? (1 Kings 3:9, ESV).
But test everything; hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV).
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