The word 'discerning' here is 'diakrisis' in Greek, meaning 'to separate (what is, and what is not) thoroughly'. Note that some individuals have been especially gifted with this gift, but all can be enabled by the Holy Spirit to discern.
The Lord spoke these words recently:
"This is a key time to desire the gift of discerning, and a key time to receive discerning from the Holy Spirit. Teach My people to develop it, and teach My people to use it in these perilous times."
Why the gift of discerning is so important in this end-time?
Scammers, fraudsters, and con men change tactics all the time! That's why you need the Holy Spirit! Because only the Holy Spirit knows all, and is all-wise! In fact, this gift of discerning is becoming increasingly important in this end-time (perilous times), because deception will become more and more extreme.
What exactly is this gift called 'discerning of spirits'?
It is an ability enabled by the Holy Spirit that allows you to determine the source of something, whether it is from God, the devil, the flesh, or the world.
Jesus taught His disciples to be wise as serpents!
In Matthew 10:16, Jesus says, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless (innocent) as doves." The expression 'be wise as serpents' here implies 'the ability to deal with even the most extreme of trickeries and deceptions conjured up by the devil'.
The good news is you can develop this discernment, i.e. the ability to detect the hidden motives of someone, or the spirits behind the motives. In other words, what is beneath (or behind) the outward show (or sweet talk)!
Jesus warned His disciples about the coming deception!
Here's what the Scripture says in Matthew 24:3-5, 'Now as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them, "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name,... and will deceive many..."' Interestingly, when the disciples asked Jesus to reveal the sign of His return, Jesus answered first and foremost with warning of the coming deception! Only after that, He followed it up with 'wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places' (Matthew 24:6-7).
Ask for discernment, just as King Solomon asked!
In 1 Kings 3:9, King Solomon said, "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" 1 Kings 3:10 then says, 'The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing'. The wisest mortal man who ever lived asked God for discernment when he started to reign as king, and the Lord was pleased with it!
Receive discernment like a godly priest!
Here's what the Scripture says in Ezekiel 44:23-24, 'And they (the priests) shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. In (times of) controversy, they shall stand as judges, and judge it according to My judgments. They shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed meetings...'
Those days, the priests received the enabling to make a distinction between what's God and what's not!
You too are a king and a priest!
Today, as a believer in the New Covenant, you too are a king and a priest! 1 Peter 2:9 says, 'You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light'. Notice the words 'royal' and 'priesthood' here? Yes, that's who you are! A king and a priest! A king who reigns with God in the spiritual realm, and a priest who represents God in this world! And as a king and a priest, you too can ask for discernment!
The key to receiving: Spend time with the Word and the Spirit!
In John 8:31-32, Jesus says, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
In John 14:26, Jesus says, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
The more you spend time with the Word and the Spirit, the more you'll be able to differentiate between what's God and what's not; very much like a bank officer who is trained in every detail of an authentic money note, and if anything that's counterfeit, he will immediately know!
People of God, as you are reading this article, let there be an impartation from on high upon you right now. Indeed, this is your time to receive discernment from the Holy Spirit, and for some of you, even in a greater measure! Let Him fill you and enable you for such, and let His name be greatly glorified through your life and ministry. In Jesus' wonderful name. Amen!
