GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT AND THE BODY OF CHRIST: PART THREE

If you haven't read my posts on prophecy and the gifts, please read them now.  I'll wait.

I see confusion in the Body of Christ concerning discernment.  Some of it could be a confusion of terms, but it could also be a lack of understanding.

Discernment works two different ways in a believer.  One is a gift, the other is an ability that a believer develops as they mature in Christ.

The gift (1 Cor. 12:10) is often called discerning of spirits because of the KJV.  The New American Standard uses the word "distinguishing" instead.  I like that better.

The discerning of spirits has been defined as being allowed to see a demon with one's physical eyes for a time so that it could be driven away.  I don't see where seeing a demon is necessary before dealing with it.  Especially if a believer is tasked with casting it out of a person.  The demon will show itself by its behavior.  More likely, the gift occurs when a demon is not showing itself, and the believer needs to know it is there so it can be handled.

Distinguishing of spirits would go beyond learning that a demon is present to learning what kind of demon it is, or what its intentions are.  It could also apply to determining the state of someone's spirit. This might explain Peter's response when Simon Magus offered him money for the ability to make people speak in tongues.

In Hebrews 5:13 - 14, we read, For everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for  a the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil (NASB).  No need for a gift of the Spirit here.  All that is required is to become acquainted with the word of righteousness (READ YOUR BIBLE!) and put it into practice.  Then, as you grow in Christ, you will develop discernment.

I haven't covered all the gifts mentioned in the Bible.  I haven't studied all of them in depth.  But, I can tell you this: If you wish to learn more about them, especially how they are to be used, the best place to start is the Gospels, because Jesus is our pattern.  Then, look into the Acts of the Apostles for other examples.