Discerning Starts with the Word of God we know
By Robin R Smith
Discerning of spirits always starts with the scripture. The written word we know and practice on a daily basis. We cannot rely on worldly wisdom and culture. 1 John 5:19 declares the whole world lies in wickedness.
1 John 5:1-5
Armed with God-given authority every born-again believer can expose, resist, thwart, and cast out evil spirits before they can do damage to our lives. With holy spirit we are equipped to win. Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world!
Luke 10:17-20
Jesus has declared that he has given us power over the enemy. We can discomfit and reverse his purposes, his craftiness, and the viciousness of the devil spirit realm. You have the authority to crush them and remove their influence.
Armed with holy spirit and the promises of God we can prevail in any situation. Let’s look at four examples that show spirit power in action without revelation. These men walked with power within or simply acted on a combination of these things;
- Common sense and Compassion
- Staying Vigilant and Alert
- Previous Learning, Teaching, or Experience
- Staying tapped into the Word and a believing Household.
Once we are born again of His holy spirit the equipment is already ours in Christ. In Old Testament records, God honors their walk and trust in him, who will never leave or forsake. None of these examples required a special revelation moment, just seizing the opportunity.
Genesis 14: 12-16 Abram, he is not yet Abraham! He Organized 318 pre- trained servants and neighbors. He pursues the captors and brings back his nephew and everything else that was taken. Operating with his vigilance, preparedness, a solid fellowship with God almighty and some military common-sense Abram prevails.
Exodus 17:11-13
An excellent example of Vigilant observation. They must keep Moses’ hands up. Aaron and Hur find a rock for him to sit on! Then each of them grab an arm and hold them up till the battle is won. I see vigilance, compassion, love, the household working together, and trust in Jehovah. (Ps 83:18, Isaiah 12:2) My husband would call this a step above common sense. This is critical thinking.
2 Kings 7: 3,5-9,16
We begin with four Leprous men who see an opportunity. There is a famine in Syria. The Syrians surround Samaria an starve the people. The King blames Elisha the prophet. The four Lepers discuss their 5 senses projected outcome. They find a common-sense, No fear, all or nothing solution and walk right into the promise of God given to Elisha. Their actions save the King and the city.
Mark 5:35-36, 43
Look at this record of Jesus healing the daughter of a ruler in the synagogue. Jesus addresses the nature of men, and the fear that jumps Jairus at their words. He immediately offers comfort and the word of the Lord he knows and lives. It is never God’s will that we be afraid. Fear hinders God’s work. Jesus then moves to help without delay. This my friend is love, having a mind to serve, and being given to hospitality. He would have learned this behavior as a child from his Godly Parents. Saying, “give her something to eat” just shows common compassion, and alertness to her condition. Keeping others away gave her time to recover. No revelation needed.
Acts 23: 12-22
Paul avoids an assassination attempt on his life. Look at the loving communication in the household, loving, respecting, and protecting one another by being alert, wise, and willing to move. By utilizing the wisdom given to us by that same holy spirit Paul’s nephew (who we never hear about again!) thwarts and discomfits the plan of the Adversary.
Since only God knows when and where we will need any manifestation of the spirit, our primary concern is to simply stay in fellowship with God and man. Stay in his word and will. Study to show yourself mature, and keep your thoughts stayed on him, and discerning will be your everyday walk.
God Bless!
