Discerning of Spirits??

Question

Ok, I'm a Christian and I have this gift of the Spirit. I'm not sure why. Right now I'm reading some books on demons and deliverance, and it's helping me understand a little more about how spiritual warfare works, so to speak. Every since I was 14, God, for some reason, has given me the ability to see and experience the workings of the devil and demons. For the longest time, I wasn't so sure about it being a 'gift', more of a curse. But I'm starting to understand differently. I'm starting to understand more how the devil works, his power, and that I have so much more power over him through my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am wary of certain spritual gifts (like speaking in tongues.... since if done contrary to the Bible, it CAN be of the devil) so I would like advice from very much Bible based people. What should I do? Should I seek to be part of the ministry of deliverance? How do I know if it's what God wants me to do? And if not.... why do I have this gift?

For the record, I am not Pentecostal.... if anything, I'd rather avoid those answers because I've run into too many with that title who are flaky and just want spiritual gifts more than anything, and are therefore very open to the devil's influence. I'm not saying all are like that, just those I've had experience with. So yes, I want Bible based answers. And the Bible states that speaking in tongues (as a gift from the Holy Spirit) is two-fold.... one of foreign earthly languages, and two, a Heavenly language, a prayer language between you and God. That is what I refer to.

It's been over 12 years btw.

Answer 1

Wow. You should feel blessed. You`ll know what to do. Be still~and know...

Answer 2

You don't want a Bible based response. You want a Pentecostal based response. From a Biblical perspective, discerning of spirits is through reason, not magic, and speaking in tongues is simply the education to speak a foreign language.

Answer 3

Do not seek to be in "deliverance" ministries. They are often very flaky. If you run into a situation where someone is overcome by demons--deal with it in the moment, but after a few times you will be happy when it doesn't occur often.

To your final question: Who knows why any of us have any of the gifts we do.

Answer 4

Everyone understands that discerning of the spirits is to determine for whom a person speaks and teaches; because both God and Satan work through human beings: Satan taking on the guise of an angel of Light and his ministers appearing as ministers of Light. It should be clear that young Christians are not discerners of spirits; rather, they must look to the elder, mature Christian for guidance in discerning spirits, while also learning through experience.

Every spirit must be tried according to the Word of God. We should not embrace every spirit on the basis of whether or not it gives a spiritual thrill or a deep emotional experience. Satan can easily do that, and we are warned that he can come as an angel of light, even as his ministers who promote such things can transform themselves as ministers of righteousness.

Please study the Word of God for yourself in prayer and a spirit of humble submission to God. Also, do not follow anyone uncritically, lest you ultimately make a shipwreck of your faith. Neither spend your time researching all the errors and faults of prominent preachers, lest you throw out the good with the bad. We need the Spirit of God flowing through us, just as we need the guidance of the Spirit of Truth in understanding the Word of God which is able to build us up and protect us from error.

Answer 5

Have you ever received spiritual direction? You should never 'decide' on your own that you have this gift - that is one of satan's biggest tricks.

Answer 6

Can you ask Satan if he has some booze down there? Or should I bring some beer for the party?

Answer 7

you cannot deliver people from made up characters but you can use thihs gift to deliver yourself from your religious and spiritual delusions.