Discerning of Spirits

► OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson the student will be able to: - Explain the purpose of identifying an evil spirit - State the assignment of seducing spirits - Explain how to deal with seducing spirits

► STUDY GUIDE LESSON

1 Corinthians 12:10

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Keeping our definition before us, the gift of discerning of spirits is the ability to regard or perceive. To look at closely with the intent of identifying good and evil, truth or lie, Spirit or flesh, motive or intent. But when we refer to the gift, what is the purpose of identifying an evil spirit? If we study the gospels of Christ more closely, we would see that He was quick to discern spirits.

Luke 13:11-13

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

We must consider that Jesus acknowledged that it was a spirit that had the woman bowed over for eighteen years. It was not that she was simply fallen sick, but that a devil had attacked her and caused the infirmity. He makes this very clear in the 16th verse. And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? (Luke 13:16)

Satan is the offender here. He is the power of her infirmity. Her sickness was more than the malfunction of the human body. Satan sent a demon or spirit to afflict her body. St.

Matthew 9:32-33

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Once again a devil is accounted as the power of infirmity. In this case the spirit would not allow the man to speak. Jesus had to identify the fact that a devil or evil spirit was involved here before He could bring forth the deliverance. The following scriptures further illustrate my point.

Matthew 8:16

16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Matthew 10:1

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

The most important thing we must note here is that the discerning of spirits was not without purpose. In every case we have sited, Jesus and/or the disciples cast out that which they discerned to be the source of infirmity and human degradation. This leads us to another principle the apostle Paul taught Timothy.

I Timothy 5:23

23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Apparently Timothy was often sick in the stomach. But I am sure that we will agree that Timothy had no demon or evil spirit living in his belly. However, I want to further iterate that occasionally saints will get sick without the devil’s help.

II Timothy 4:20

20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

It is certain that Satan cannot live in the body of the saints of God. It is impossible for Satan and God to share the same vessel. But saints get sick as well as those who are in the world. Oftentimes, it is sickness that causes the death of the people of God. How is it possible for demons, devils and evil spirits to cause sickness and disease in the world but not be the source of the sickness of the saints? The answer is simple. In the days of Christ there were many who were sick but there were also those whose sickness was caused by the possession of an evil spirit. Note that this was not true in all cases. There are some diseases and sicknesses that are caused by the environment in which we live.

For instance, you may contract the measles from a neighbor or friend, does that mean the measles devil lives in you? Diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to produce the insulin it needs. Is that a devil of diabetes? High blood pressure oftentimes results from stress or simply eating the wrong foods. Is there a high blood pressure spirit? I think not. My point is . . . every sickness or disease is not caused by a spirit. As Sons of God, the Lord’s testimony concerning us is that our bodies belong to the Lord. They are the temples of the Holy Ghost. It is impossible for the devil to inhabit what God dwells in. The lunatic young boy, Mary Magdalene and the man in the tombs were all possessed by devils that caused them to break the laws of God, do bodily harm to oneself, and to become a madman with superhuman strength. Another prime example of the discerning of spirits is Judas. St.

John 6:70

70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

It was discerning of spirits that allowed Jesus to be able to administer healing and deliverance to the captives of Satan. This gift of discerning of spirits is one of the workings of the Holy Ghost that are divided and dispensed to the Body. With the discerning of spirits, comes the ability to cast them out. SEDUCING SPIRITS Those who have the gift of discerning of spirits must focus on Satan’s place of residency in the church. He can no longer live in the saints, though his strategy is to create an environment they will live, work and worship under his control. Satan has sent spirits into the church to preach another gospel, and to give the church an erroneous perception of what church really is. These seducing spirits are on assignment in the church to install false doctrines as well as seduce the men and women of God into sexual and spiritual perversions.

I Timothy 4:1

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

The only way to fight these spirits is with the truth and church discipline. It is for this cause that apostolic order is essential. It is the responsibility of the apostolic bishopric to contend for the faith and expose that which is not of God or the faith. Consider the reference scriptures for more on this matter.

REFERENCES:

Luke 8:2

2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

Leviticus 19:31

31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Matthew 12:43-45

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Mark 1:27

27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Mark 3:11-12

11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

Luke 7:21

21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Luke 10:17-20

17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

► LESSON ASSIGNMENT

Below you will find questions that pertain to each of the lesson objectives. You are asked to thoroughly answer each of them in your own words. Once you have done so, compare your answers to those in the section of the lesson entitled “Objectives and Suggested Questions for Class Discussion”.

1.What is the purpose of identifying an evil spirit in an individual?

2. Using scriptural support, answer the following question: Can Satan live in a saint?

3. What are seducing spirits and how is their activity neutralized in the church?

► OBJECTIVES AND SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR CLASS DISCUSSION

These questions are simply suggestions of ways to stimulate student teacher interaction and also ensure that the objectives of this lesson are understood. Encourage responses from the students. Be careful to listen for

1) errors in perspective,

2) understanding,

3) motive and intent as it relates to their study of this course.

This will prove extremely helpful as the Holy Ghost begins to destroy any erroneous mindsets in later lessons. After completing this lesson the student should be able to answer the following:

1. What is the purpose of identifying an evil spirit in an individual? Jesus identified the presence of evil spirits in people and would cast them out. He showed that it was not just a sickness or infirmity of the body but an actual indwelling of an unclean spirit. It was discerning of spirits that allowed Jesus to be able to administer healing and deliverance to the captives of Satan. We must be able to discern when it is Satan or just a sickness due to failing health.

2. Using scriptural support, answer the following question: Can Satan live in a saint? God will never live in the same body as Satan. In fact, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. When a saint is sick it does not mean that there is a devil of infirmity in the saint. Our bodies must be taken care of as they are still susceptible to deterioration due to unhealthy habits. (St.

Matthew 12:29

29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

3.What are seducing spirits and how is their activity neutralized in the church? These are spirits sent into the church by Satan to install false doctrines, thereby taking the church off course. However, with knowledge comes power to walk holy. Teaching the truth inside of God’s perspective will allow the saints to walk in the mind of Christ. Discipling truth will raise a matured son who will not give heed to these seducing spirits.

LESSON TWO – DISCERNING OF SPIRITS SELF-EVALUATION

The Self-Evaluation is designed to serve as a tool for you to examine how you are applying that which is taught in the lesson to your own individual life. Please answer honestly and thoroughly.

1. Before this lesson, what did you feel about

A)Satan living in an individual

B)Satan/Demons are the causes of all illnesses

2. Now that you have viewed this lesson, explain how you now feel about each of these.

3. Explain why it is so important to deal with seducing spirits in a church.