Definition and Biblical Context

The term "discernings of spirits" refers to a spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This gift is the ability to distinguish between different kinds of spirits, whether they are from God, human, or demonic in origin. It is a crucial gift for maintaining the purity and truth of the Christian faith, enabling believers to identify false teachings and deceptive practices.

Scriptural References

The primary scriptural reference for the discernings of spirits is found in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where the Apostle Paul lists it among the various gifts given by the Holy Spirit: "to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues" . This passage highlights the diversity of spiritual gifts and the specific role of discernment in the life of the church.

Purpose and Function

The discernings of spirits serve several purposes within the Christian community:

1. Protection from Deception: This gift helps protect the church from false prophets and teachers who may lead believers astray. In 1 John 4:1, believers are admonished to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" .

2. Guidance in Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . Discernment is essential in identifying and combating these spiritual forces.

3. Encouragement of Spiritual Growth: By discerning the spirits, believers can better understand the workings of the Holy Spirit and grow in their spiritual maturity. This gift aids in recognizing the genuine movement of the Spirit, fostering an environment where spiritual gifts can be exercised appropriately and effectively.

Examples in Scripture

Several biblical narratives illustrate the exercise of discernment:

· Paul and the Slave Girl: In Acts 16:16-18, Paul encounters a slave girl with a spirit of divination. Although she speaks truth about Paul and his companions, Paul discerns the spirit's demonic origin and commands it to leave her, demonstrating the power and necessity of discernment.

· Peter and Ananias: In Acts 5:1-11, Peter discerns the deceit in Ananias and Sapphira's hearts when they lie about the proceeds from the sale of their property. This discernment leads to a swift and severe judgment, underscoring the seriousness of sin and the need for integrity within the church.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the discernings of spirits remain vital for church leaders and members alike. It requires a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, prayer, and a thorough understanding of Scripture. Believers are encouraged to seek this gift earnestly, as it equips them to navigate the complexities of spiritual influences in the world today. The exercise of this gift should always be done in love, humility, and a commitment to the truth of the Gospel.Discernings of Spirits

DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS

di-zurn'-inz, (diakriseis pneumaton, "judicial estimation," "through judgment or separation"): Occurs in 1 Corinthians 12:10 as being one of the gifts of the Spirit. The Greek word occurs in Hebrews 5:14; and Romans 14:1: "But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples." This translation scarcely expresses the meaning, which Thayer has freely rendered, "not for the purpose of passing judgment on opinions, as to which one is to be preferred as the more correct." Taking these three passages together it is evident that the Greek term which is rendered "discerning" means a distinguishing or discriminating between things that are under consideration; hence, the one who possessed the gift of "discernings of spirits" was able to make distinction between the one who spoke by the Spirit of God and the one who was moved by a false spirit. This gift seems to have been exercised chiefly upon those who assumed the role of teachers, and it was especially important in those days, because there were many false teachers abroad (see 2 John 1:7 Acts 20:29, 30). See also SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

A. W. Fortune

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... Ver.10. "To another working of miracles; to another prophecies; to another discernings
of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... This also he says in the Epistle to the Corinthians, that on this account He gave
"the discernings of spirits." (1 Corinthians 12:10.) For the devil, of his ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; 10 and to another workings of miracles; and
to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; to another divers ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... to another gifts of healing, in the same Spirit; and to another workings of miracles;
and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; and to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

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