The Gift of Discernment (Spirit of Truth Part 9)
The Gift of Discernment and Learning to Judge Rightly
Superhero stories captivate us for a reason. These tales of ordinary people discovering extraordinary power reflect a deeper spiritual hunger—the longing to know that there is something powerful and purposeful within us. In the kingdom of God, this is not just fiction—it’s reality. The Holy Spirit lives within every believer, equipping us with supernatural gifts to impact the world for God’s glory.
One of these gifts, often overlooked but absolutely essential in today’s world, is the gift of discerning spirits—or as some translations say, distinguishing between spirits. This spiritual gift helps us judge rightly between what is from God and what is not, what is good and what is evil.
Why the Holy Spirit's Presence and Power Matter
The early church was not built by powerful or polished people. It was built by ordinary individuals filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17), and He promised that this Spirit would live within us—not just among us. This truth changes everything. No longer are we left to our own strength. The Spirit empowers us to walk in the power of God.
Paul reminded the church in Corinth:
“My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
—1 Corinthians 2:4–5, ESV
The presence of the Holy Spirit is not optional for a church that desires to share Jesus with a world in need—it is essential.
Discerning Spirits: A Sign of Maturity
Among the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 is the ability to distinguish between spirits. This is not simply about spiritual intuition—it is a supernatural gift. It enables believers to clearly recognize what pleases God and what does not. In Hebrews 5, the author links this gift directly to spiritual maturity:
“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
This ability to discern rightly is what marks a believer as spiritually mature. It is what helps us not only avoid deception, but also to live lives that honor the Lord.
In contrast, Isaiah 5:20 describes what happens when discernment is absent:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…”
—Isaiah 5:20, ESV
This is biblical foolishness: to reverse the definitions of righteousness and sin. But God has not left His people without help. He equips us with discernment, rooted in His righteousness.
God's Unchanging Standard of Righteousness
God's character defines what is good. Psalm 11:7 reminds us:
“For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”
—Psalm 11:7, ESV
His throne is founded not on shifting emotions or modern opinions, but on righteousness and justice (Psalm 97:2). Even in the New Testament, God's call for righteousness stands. 1 John 1:5 declares:
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
—1 John 1:5, ESV
Grace does not erase the need for righteousness. It makes it possible. Through Jesus, we are made blameless at the cross—and sanctification is the process by which we actually become what God has declared us to be.
Training for Discernment
So how do we grow in the gift of discernment? Scripture gives us two key practices:
Become Skilled in the Word
Hebrews 5 tells us that spiritual immaturity is marked by being unskilled in the word of righteousness. The Word of God is described as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” that helps us discern “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The more familiar we become with God’s word, the more we learn to recognize what He loves and what He hates.Test the Spirits
1 John 4 gives us two clear tests for evaluating whether something is from God:Does it confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?
Is it embraced by the world, or is it aligned with God's truth?
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.”
—1 John 4:2, ESV
If something draws our trust away from Jesus or contradicts His word, it is not of God—even if the world celebrates it.
An Urgent Call for Discernment
We live in a time when the line between good and evil is being blurred more every day. What God calls sin is often applauded by culture, and what He calls righteous is labeled intolerant. But the gift of discernment helps us stand firm. It helps us live lives that are holy, set apart, and filled with the Spirit’s power.
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:19–22, ESV
The Church must be both bold and humble—full of grace, but unwavering in truth. God disciplines those He loves, and it is His kindness that leads us to repentance. As we grow in discernment, we become more equipped to walk in holiness and lead others in love and truth.
Reflection Questions:
Are there areas of your life where God is calling you to grow in discernment between good and evil?
How might a deeper engagement with Scripture sharpen your ability to judge rightly?
Are you regularly asking God to sanctify you completely and grow your love for Him through discernment?