The Discerning of Spirits (Build Accuracy in Perception)
By Apostle Joshua Selman

John 15:1-5

Whenever you are in the church, make sure you are truly connected. The time invested in God will always yield and will be for your profit.

God’s method will never change. It will always be by His word and through His spirit. Genesis 1:1-3

Ezekiel 37:1-5, Matthew 4:4

Transformation is based on 2 laws

1. Looking unto Jesus through His word and by His spirit
2. Following them who through faith and patience have obtained the promise

Transformation is based on a reference.

Transformation concerns:

• Fueling and refueling your passion for Jesus
• Doing a work upon your spirit and your mind - gaining mastery
• You are becoming empowered believers, empowered by the spirit, empowered by the anointing.
• To be people of vision and purpose. The value of progress is that it leads to purpose
• Training us to be people that are relevant to our word Ephesians 2:10
• Helping you live a victorious life. Equipped with the tools that makes you a thoroughly furnished believers.
• Becoming a fulfilled believer. Fulfilment is the satisfaction that is derived from knowing you have lived your life effectively, serving the purpose of the kingdom and bring glory to God.

1 Corinthians 12:4-10, Hebrews 5:14

This is the world where evil can be made to appear good and good evil. In this kind of world discernment is no longer a luxury, it is a vital necessity. If we want to live and thrive as believers, we must place premium on the subject of discernment.

The bible uses many indices to major spirituality and maturity. Among the many indices, is the subject of the discernment 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 12:2, Hebrew 5:14

John 4:1, 2 Corinthians 11:14

What is discernment

discernment is the supernatural ability, given by the holy spirit, empowering an individual to distinguish between good and evil, between truth and falsehood, activities initiated by the holy spirit and that which is initiated by any other spirit

It is a supernatural ability, that allows believers to evaluate teachings, examine motives, access situation using superior wisdom, helping them to avoid deception so that they walk accurately in the will of God and to work consistent with the word of God.

There is a difference between discernment and instinct.

Discernment involves 3 things:

1. The capacity to know the source and influence behind any activity
2. The capacity to know the motive and motivation behind actions
3. It involves an empowerment to make decision and judgement that lead to the will of God

With respect to the believer’s work, the Holy Spirit is the primary source of discernment.

4 Levels of Discernment

1. Discerning of times and season Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 1 Chronicles 12:32, Psalms 103:13, Genesis 1:16

   If you do not sustain the intelligence to compartmentalize your life and to understand that time works based on times and seasons, things will happen to you

   1. You will not have a system of measuring whether you are suffering from delay or making progress. There are times that will pass and you will never know time is gone

      Morning or the stage of learning

      Afternoon or the stage of manifestation and maximum impact

      Evening or the stage of legacy

      Night or the stage of rest. Daniel 9:2 - 3, Genesis 15:13, Matthew 2:13

   When a season is about to change:

   1. There is an unusual desire and grace to pray(especially alone)
   2. Unusual grace to give
   3. Unusual angelic and demonic manipulations

   If you are struggling with something, ask yourself this 2 questions:

   1. Is God in this?
   2. Is this the season?

2. Discerning what the Holy Spirit is doing.

   3 test to know when the Holy Spirit is behind anything

   1. The Holy Spirit always confirms the word and reveals Jesus Acts 8:5-8
   2. He is an upholder of dignity, he eventually reveals the glory of God. The move of the spirit never forces people beyond their will.Acts 16:15-22
   3. He gives hope, love and does not manipulate

3. Discerning of Evil spirit

4. Discerning of the Human spirit Jeremiah 17:9, John 12:1-8, Luke 22:39&48, Matthew 19:16-17

Ways to build discernment:

1. Submit yourself to prayer
2. The word of God - particularly, the study of the nature of God
3. Wise counsel
4. One of the ways you can discern spirits is patience