2020 12 27 Word of Discernment

1 Samuel 10:6 The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.

the Spirit brings a power that this world does not know

you will be a different person

let us embrace this transformation

allow the Spirit to come powerfully upon you

1 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

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.

Distinguishing Between Spirits

between good and evil

between faith and works

recognizing evil spirits

Hebrews 5:14

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Solid Food of Scripture

this is for everyone

measure of maturity is getting into the knowledge of scripture

it is always assumed that knowing scripture leads to doing scripture

in all things scripture is our benchmark

Holy Spirit will be consistent with scripture and the person of Jesus

Constant Use

must be consistent and must be fearless

know scripture and do it

using God’s principles trains us to know good

when we know good we can identify good and evil

Holy Spirit inspiration is essential

Faith and Works

let us make a distinction between works by faith (good works) and works by the flesh

Galatians 3:5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?

Romans 8:7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

works coming from the flesh or the sinful nature cannot please God

we need discernment because good works on the surface seem very right

the works must come out of the Spirit’s leading

the works need to line up with God’s word

the works need to be done in faith -

Marks of Good Works

they have to benefit the Kingdom first and foremost

they should not bring direct benefit to self - let the praise of God be sufficient reward

there is often a perceived benefit - being paid to do ministry, the prize of office, the exertion of power

we do right for it is the right thing to do

love, joy, peace are the outcomes

Discernment of Evil Spirits

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

* evil spirits, demons are part of our reality just as much as Jesus Christ

we do not respond in the first instance to the dark powers - we respond to Jesus and his Holy Spirit

we put into place God;s word rather than looking under a rock for a demon

we make ourselves as holy and righteous as we can in the power of the Holy Spirit

we do the right things in Christ

Yes Done All That

secret shameful things will be revealed

this includes evil spirits and their influence over humans

often it takes a spiritual reveal - that is not from human reasoning or insight

it takes great skill and knowledge in Christ to deal with these situations

not to be feared but respected, on a foundation of holiness and righteousness