Discerning of Spirits


Definition

Discover

Function & Impact

Discover

Biblical Example

Discover

How to Grow

Discover

Matching Orientations

Discover


You scored high on “discerning of spirits” or “distinguishing of spirits;” it’s one of your primary supernatural orientations (S.O.). The supernatural orientations are based on the list of spiritual gifts or “graces” (charisma) found in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10. This survey may describe what you already know, or it may help you understand a gift you operate in but weren’t aware it was a spiritual gift or supernatural orientation. For example, you might function in the gift of discerning of spirits but didn’t realize it until now.

Discerning of Spirits figure

Definition

This spiritual gift “discerning of spirits” is found in 1 Cor. 12:10 and is translated from the Greek word: diakrisis pneuma. It is a supernatural capacity to judge whether the motivating factor in a person is human, divine, or demonic.

Function and Impact

Discerning of spirits is given to enable the person operating it to discern demonic activity in order to combat it with healing and deliverance; protect oneself or others from spiritual attack or influence; to warn others of impending attack; and to bring clarity when there is confusion as to what is really going on in a situation.

People with this gifting are also known to be able to tell truth from lie, as well as see God's power in people and places. When Jesus rebuked Peter in Matt. 16, he discerned a demonic influence. The same happened when Peter discerned the lie of Ananias and Sapphira. This gift is especially important for knowing how to pray accurately for a person’s healing. An example is Jesus discerning a demonic cause behind a paralysis (Luke 13:10-16). This gift may include the ability to sense or even see demons and evil powers.

Biblical Example

Paul discerned the core motivation of Elymas and declared his spiritual state would become a reality in blindness. This caused people to turn from his lies and believe the truth of Paul’s message. “But Saul,... filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil...” (Acts13:6:12)

Paul listened to Holy Spirit in him provoking him to take action. He spoke directly to the demonic spirit in the girl and commanded it to come out of her. “...Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her...” (Acts 16:16-18)

The writer of Hebrews encourages us to grow in the gift of discernment and listen to what God is speaking so that we will grow up into maturity. “...you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen...Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:11-14)

How to Grow in This Gift

Work with people with the gift of prophecy to help you. Work on hearing God’s voice. Especially study in the Bible and books about spiritual warfare. Study about the attributes of God and attributes of the enemy to sharpen your awareness of both.

Commonly Matching Destiny Orientations


Recruiter/EvangelisticRevealer/Prophetic