CONCERNING THE SPIRITUAL: DISCERNING SPIRITS

09/08/2023

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant..." (1 Corinthians 12:1)

There are only two sides in this life. What do I mean? I mean, everyone on this planet belongs on one side of the spiritual divide. One side is the default side. Everyone who comes into this world starts off there. The other side, however, is based on the grace of God, and by the grace of God, I mean a perfect combination of events, words, and actions that moved you from the default side to God's side. Colossians 1:12-13 presents these two sides clearly. It says, "...giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love..." 

One side is called the "power of darkness," and the other is the kingdom of God's love-Son. On the surface, though, it is hard to tell who is who. The people who belong to the "power of darkness" look like those who belong to God's love-Son, Jesus. In some instances, Satan, who oversees the power of darkness along with his servants, can alter their appearance to take on a form of godliness in a bid to deceive and afflict Christians. 2 Corinthians 11: 14-15 says, "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." The implication of this scripture is that appearance is not a reliable way to discern who is who. If you use appearances to decide who's on God's side or not, you will most certainly be mistaken. 

In 1 Corinthians 12:3, we are ushered into the chief tool for discerning spirits. Paul writes, "Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." In essence, words are the paramount way for discerning spirits. The moment any word, phrase, or statement maligns, contradicts, or subverts the Person of Jesus and or His Holy written Word, that's a devil in manifestation. And it's time to cast out devils. 

Someone might say, "But Pastor, I know someone who is the nicest person but sometimes swears or utters profanities with the Name of Jesus." The Bible is clear. There's a devil present. Kick it out. 

As a second witness, 1 John 4:1-3 says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this, you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming and is now already in the world." This takes discernment to the next level. Any word, phrase, or statement that does not accord with the death, burial, resurrection, and, by extension, testament of Jesus Christ proves that its origin or originator is from our enemy, the devil. To clarify further, Satan, the devil, the spirit of the Antichrist are one and the same. 

As a third witness, this is specific to someone reading today's devotional. The use of the appearance of godliness has seduced your heart, but then, the words and propositions of this person or people don't line up with scripture. They say, “I have peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows.." (Proverbs 7:14) to present themselves as godly. And then they say, "So I came out to meet you, Diligently to seek your face, And I have found you..." (Proverbs 7:15) to pose as though they are approved by God. But then they continue the con by saying, "I have spread my bed with tapestry, Coloured coverings of Egyptian linen..." (Proverbs 7:16). And here, their words no longer line up with scripture. Saint, stop rationalizing. Just run because only loss will come out of it. It doesn't matter if there is an offer of profit, promotion, marriage, or position. Child of God, run. 

Let the Word of God bring you comfort today in Jesus' name. Amen.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am kept from the snares that evildoers have laid for me and from the traps of the workers of iniquity. I am discerning because I have the Word of God as my standard for discernment. Therefore, deceptions are exposed plainly before me, and I triumph, testifying to the glory of God. Hallelujah!

Prayer Point

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

1. Begin with thanksgiving and praise to God for promotion and favor.

Habakkuk 2:14 – For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

2. Pray and Declare that signs and wonders will be a common phenomenon in our lives, and through us, the message of salvation will continue to spread until the knowledge of the Glory of our God covers the earth as the water covers the sea.

3. Pray and declare that the limitations or men and devils that are set on our way are crushed, dismantled, and ineffective.

ONE YEAR READING PLAN: Proverbs 13-14; 1 Corinthians 16