In the world of precious stones and metals, appearances can be very deceptive. That is why experts in this business use various devices to test for purity and authenticity. These devices can help to identify if a nugget of gold is real or fake. Similarly, not all supernatural activities are of God, and you need to walk in discernment.
Discernment of spirits is one of the nine charismatic gifts mentioned by Apostle Paul in (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).From today’s anchor text, we see that the Spirit inspires words spoken by prophets. Still, not all spirits are of God. In the same way, God has Apostles out there, the devil also sends his servants because he is the master of deception (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
Regardless, you can learn to test all spirits and live a life free from the devil’s deception. You can avoid relationships and encounters that have been set up to trap you. You can identify spirits at work, uncover deceptions, and expel demons by the operation of the gift of discernment.
In Acts 16:16-18, there was a familiar spirit at work in a girl who followed Apostle Paul and his team in the city of Thyatira, announcing them as preachers of salvation. To the ordinary man, her words were good, but through discernment, Apostle Paul knew with much clarity that she was not of God. And he expelled that spirit from her.
Discernment opens your eyes to see supernaturally so you can take steps by the Spirit of God.Furthermore, the operation of discernment by the Spirit is replicable. As we see in Acts 16:13 and 16, there was a strong pattern of prayer in Apostle Paul’s life. Arguably, he was able to discern the spirit in that girl because he had a consistent prayer culture. Prayer sharpens your spiritual senses and opens you up to see things with the eyes of the Spirit of God.
Dear friends, God’s Spirit dwells in you, and you have the supernatural ability to walk in discernment. The more you pray, the more your spiritual senses are activated to discern things by the Spirit. Go for it!
Bible Reading Plan: Joshua 16-18; Acts 26:24-27:12