Gift of Discernment of Spirits

The third revelation gift is the gift of discernment where God allows the believer to be able to differentiate between which spirit in operation is of the Holy Spirit, of an evil spirit, or of the human spirit (the flesh). This gift can be underused or overused when the detection of spirits are incorrect. For example, mistakes can be made when a person who is operating out of their human spirit (flesh) is being accused or treated like someone who is possessed with demons. Another error is passively allowing someone who is truly possessed with an evil spirit to be welcomed and treated as though they are operating in the Holy Spirit because others like the rush or energy that is coming from the person. The Holy Spirit helps the believer rightly divide between spirits and make the proper judgment call and lead them how to deal with the situation. If it's the Holy Spirit in operation, then the fruits of the Spirit will follow and the fruits are found in Galatians 5:22-23. The gift of discernment is not for the believer who has the gift to find fault in others and judge them to condemnation, but it is to show where the person is spiritually and provide the necessary tools for warfare. Whatever spirit is in operation, the fruits will manifest without a doubt. If it is an evil spirit, then evil will be the result of the actions taken and the words spoken by the person. Evil spirits must be cast out and the individual's spirit must be salvaged and led to the way of following Christ, but they have to make that choice because God gives everyone a free will. If it is the flesh or human spirit in operation, then the individual has a window of grace for repentance if something is said or done that is out of the will of God. Furthermore, the gift of discernment allows the believer to discern or tell the difference between true and false prophets by testing the words of their teachings. True prophets and teachers provide God's truth, speaks by God's authority, and the words line up with God's word. False prophets and teachers speak with deceptive language and enticing words (usually in the field to con people out of their money or for sexual favors or both), and do not speak with God's authority, and their words do not totally line up with God's word but a false teacher/prophet may talk in circles with things that are mixed with both good and evil (just like at the beginning in the garden of Eden). A believer who has the gift of discernment might not have his or her bible right there in front of them, but when a false prophet/teacher begins to talk, the Holy Spirit prompts him or her when to put the brakes on and not listen any further to what's being said because the false prophet/teacher is operating in another spirit that is contrary to the Holy Spirit. There are many many many many teachings out there and people are entitled to believe whatever they want to believe, but only those who are seeking truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth will guard themselves from lying spirits, false doctrines, and carnality in the world. The gift of discernment carries a lot of weight that can help Spirit-filled believers steer clear of many pitfalls and spiritual dangers.