Discerning of Spirits

Intro: What is the worst thing you were ever tricked into buying?

Study

  1. 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Tim 4:14 In this lesson we want to discuss the gift of “Discerning of Spirits”
    1. 1 Cor 12:10 The “new living translation” of the bible says “The ability to discern whether the message is from the spirit of God, or from another spirit”
      1. Hosea 4:6 The bible says that many Christians are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge.
      2. 1 Tim 4:1-2, 2 Tim 3:13 The bible warns us that as we come closer to the end times, there will be more and more false teachings, that at first seem good.
    2. 2 Cor 11:14, 2 Tim 4:3-4 The Bible indicates that one of satans greatest strategies is to deceive people through false teachers and distorted teachings.
  2. Matt 24:24, Mark 13:22 In order for us to avoid being deceived, we must be humble, teachable, and operate in the gift of the discerning of spirits.
    1. 1 Cor 4:5, Jer 16:17 The gift of “discerning of spirits” can also help us to know when people motives aren’t right, or they have hidden sin.
      1. Gal 6:1 This gift isn’t meant for us to judge, or condemn others, but rather for us to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and fulfill Gods purposes.
      2. Acts 17:11 The gift of discerning of spirits grows through prayer, reading Gods word, and studying Gods word in depth to see what is true.
    2. 2 Cor 11:3 God wants all of us to operate in the gift of “discerning of spirits” so we can avoid being deceived, and can pull others out of deception.

Discussion

  1. Can any one give an example of some teachings, or doctrines today that appear at first to be truth, but are actually heresy, and are deceiving many people?
  2. Why do you think so many people today are being deceived by false teachers and distorted teachings?
  3. Can you give an example of a time when the Holy Spirit showed you the heart and motives of someone, and protected you from serious problems?
  4. How should we evangelize those who are following false teachers and are deceived by distorted teachings?

End: Pray for and lay hands on any who wants to receive the gift of discerning of spirits, pray for any who have been deceived, then take requests.