The Gift of Discerning of Spirits

1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1, 39. Pastor Syd told how Socrates taught a man how to be a great success. Do I desire the things of God? Be honest and not deceived by how you answer that question. We are to earnestly desire spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are for you [to minister to others]. Jesus said, “Come,” to all the disciples in the boat, but only Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and His word. The gifts of the Spirit are for all believers who desire them. They are: speaking, power, and revelation gifts. Discerning of spirits is not the same as discernment, but is a supernatural ability to see spirits, such as angels or demons. (See December 18^th‘s sermon notes for the definition of discerning.) Discerning of spirits enables the person to perceive the source of what is seen. It is about the spirit realm. Revelation 1:9-18 tells about what John saw (discerned) in the spirit realm. That gift was in operation when Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:54). It was working when Philip ministered to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40). The gifts of the Spirit of discerning of spirits, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and working of miracles were in operation when Saul was converted and Ananias was dispatched to minister to him (Acts 9). Cornelius’s life was changed by various gifts of the Spirit working in him and Peter (Acts 10). Peter was freed from prison through the gifts of the Spirit (Acts 12:5-19). Other examples of discerning of spirits in action are found in Acts 13, 16, and 27. The gifts of the Spirit, including the discerning of spirits, can operate through any believer who desires to minister to unbelievers and to saints. They can be used effectively in the marketplace. (Leadership Training School graduation; testimonies of God’s provision – Pastor Syd and Mike Frede.)