Judging Spirits

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

JUDGING SPIRITS

1 Cor 12:7-11

 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.   11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

NIV

We have come to a gift that we think we all should be seeking the Spirit to manifest within us. This gift of distinguishing between spirits is extremely beneficial to the common good if the common good is aware. This Greek word that is translated here as distinguishing, carries the meaning of making a judicial estimation or a judgment of what is right and wrong, to separate thoroughly. This would mean that when the Spirit works within us we will be able to tell whether what we hear is from the Lord or from the flesh or what a person says, especially a preacher, is being influenced by God or by Satan. False teachers, false prophets, false doctrine, will all stand out in blazing color so we will know them and reject any of their influence upon us. This is most likely also applied to the difference between God and the world. But then we are still looking at judging the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. Yes, it is true that God created the earth and it is his, but the prince of the air has been rooming around like a lion seeking who he can devour. We have to be able to see the difference, hear the difference in the truth and in falsehoods. We know even back in the time of the Acts of the Apostles a man named Simon wanted to buy the gift of God so he could do that which they were doing. He was not only rejected but judged as having a sinful heart, and told to repent of his wickedness. There are people today who have this same kind of heart,  those false preachers and teachers, looking to benefit from exhibiting the gifts of God. We know we should not judge all of those who make a big splash or put on a big show to gather many followers, broadcasting their brand of faith in such an obvious fashion. However, if we examine, having the gift of discernment being manifested within us, we would find their lifestyle is not built on humility, but on pride and abundance. This gift would allow us to see them for who they are, and not be fooled by them. We would also be able to discern the truth when we hear it. Why would we not want the gifts of the Spirit? Why would we turn our minds, or our spirits from the Spirit manifesting his gifts within us, so we might be able to apply them for the common good, for all of us believers? We need the Spirit to flow within us and through us with all his gifts so we can grow more in the knowledge of God and being transformed into the image of His Son. Jesus had the gifts of the Spirit manifested in him, so then so should we. These gifts are part of our transformation.