ELOISA MARPIGA
BSBA HRDM4
Discernment of Spirit
As i sit down and listened to the Pastor right in front of the church that is teaching the
importance of discernment and prophecy, I've come to realize their profound significance in
strengthening and preserving the church. Referencing various biblical passages, the emphasis
on recognizing, discriminating, distinguishing, judging, and appraising spiritual matters has left a
lasting impression on me.
The multifaceted concept of discernment, as rooted in 1 Corinthians 12 and Hebrews
5:14, extends beyond recognizing spirits. It involves discerning between teachings influenced by
the Holy Spirit and those driven by worldly motives. I emphasize the importance of mature
understanding, acquired through experience, in distinguishing good from evil. The application
of discernment in resolving disputes, highlighted in Corinthians 1:65, resonates with me.
Wisdom is portrayed as crucial in navigating conflicts among believers, underscoring the value
of seeking guidance from those spiritually mature. Viewing prophecy as a divine gift essential
for the church, the reflection stresses the need to discern its origin—whether from God or the
flesh. The call to avoid contradicting God and His messengers is a humbling reminder,
acknowledging the challenges of expressing prophecies that may not always be clear or
comprehensible. Practical steps outlined to develop the gift of discernment, including regular
prayer, studying the Word of God, and obediently following His teachings, offer a tangible
roadmap. The discussions I've had though this has a two-way nature of communication with
God and underscores the importance of sincerity in seeking this gift.
I find the concept of spiritual gifts intriguing and profound. It reminds me that everyone
possesses unique talents, bestowed upon us by God as believers. The idea of discerning spirits,
as mentioned in Timothy 4:1, holds particular significance in understanding the challenges of
the last days. The distinction between teachings inspired by demons and those aligned with
God's will is a crucial aspect of spiritual discernment. Matthew 2:4 warns about the prevalence
of false prophets and false teachers in the last days, emphasizing the need to discern between
the demonic and divine. Galatians 1:7 adds another layer, cautioning against distortions that
may appear similar to the true Gospel. It urges us to be vigilant and reject teachings that
deviate from the authentic message of Christ. It also touches myself on the gift of prophecy,
acknowledging its diverse manifestations among believers. It reminds me not to underestimate
the importance of prophetic insights within the body of Christ. The injunction not to despise
prophecy aligns with the recognition that these gifts contribute to the edification of the church.
The reminder that not everyone can accurately predict future events through prophecy
emphasizes the humility required in interpreting these revelations. It encourages a balanced
approach of prayer, studying the Word of God, and obedience to discern God's will and
purpose.
The memory verses from Thessalonians 5:19-20 serve as a personal reminder not to
grieve the Holy Spirit and to value and respect the gift of prophecy. Overall, this encourages me
to cultivate discernment as a means to strengthen the church and align with God's will in my
spiritual journey. Also with regards on discernment and prophecy, it prompt me to reflect on
my own spiritual journey. They underscore the importance of prayer, continuous learning, and
obedience to God's teachings as essential elements in recognizing and glorifying the diverse
spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers.
