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How To Discern The Spirits & Rightly Divide The Truth

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Edward

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Taste the fruit! This will lead you into all truth. In
Galatians 5:14-24
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.../

As long as you remain humble, the Lord will protect you from deception. It is when you raise yourself up to judge others that you have to fear deception. When you take it upon yourself to judge others, you sin (Matthew 7:1-3). It's true that we must always measure what we hear against the scriptures, but discerning a spirit is a whole different matter than criticizing a Brother or Sister. You must always measure against the Word, but you must also be coming from a place that is open to a new understanding of the Word. There are discoveries in the scriptures which have not been made yet!

Those that connect the dots led by the Holy Spirit, will be challenged and condemned for the revelation of the Word by insecure people who are always trying to galvanize others into their doctrine for the sake of safety and 'being right' all the time. They are so afraid of being misled that they condemn legitimate moves of the Spirit, because it's unfamiliar to them and it threatens their turf. There must be jealousy involved. Some may secretly think that if the Lord doesn't give the revelation to them, that it can't possibly be true. That becomes their basis for judging others. These do great damage to the Kingdom of God on Earth. This is why discernment is an absolute necessity. You don't want to fight against God! (Acts 5:38-39)

Some people are so insecure that they are constantly trying to make everything around them fit into a black and white category. (I'm not talking about justifying immoral behavior, like homosexuality and declaring it a grey area; there's nothing grey about it, it is sin.) I'm talking more about squeezing everyone and everything into your mold and by taking an opinion and making it into a hard and fast doctrine to condemn others which don't share your opinion. This is what the Pharisees did! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees; those who eat of it also shall be called to judgement for the damage they did.

So if there is new revelation from the scriptures, how do we measure it against interpretations of the past?

Scripture is layered: prophecy, history, exhortation, instruction in wisdom, human affairs, all facets of life and health, even anointed-in timely words just for you-or as it was called, the Oracle of God. In the OT, before a king went into battle, he called upon the prophets or the priest to consult with God about the outcome. This is the Oracle of God and has been bestowed upon all believers since He rent the veil that separated us from Him.

By the Lord's Spirit, men are making fresh observations, things that never occurred to anyone before. This is the Lord's doing. Fir we live in a treacherous time where lying spirits are twisting the faith. There are certain things that will never be right, and He has made that plain.

So how do you determine if something is Spirit led and a new revelation of existing scripture, or if it's doctrines of demons parading as a spirit of light? (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

You will know them by their fruits. Taste the fruit, is it bitter, corrupt, filled with rancor, criticism, accusation and anger? Or is it sweet? Peaceable, gentle, kind, peaceful and leading to a deeper relationship with the Lord...which will always bear the fruit of increased righteousness, cutting off of sin, repentance and a new resolution to live the life that God has appointed? Those last are clear evidences of what is being taught is from the Lord.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit. Taste the fruit! We should know all these things! So why is there so much arguing? Brothers and Sisters, discernment has been made easy for us. Taste the fruit. Do not reason or argue with your logical minds. You will always miss a point and that can lead to endless inquiries, contradictions and false conclusions. But one thing will always reveal the true nature of a source, and that is...the fruit. A good tree can not bear bad fruit.

These words will lead you into all truth and keep you from error...:wink
 
Eph.2:
8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 
By the Lord's Spirit, men are making fresh observations, things that never occurred to anyone before. This is the Lord's doing. Fir we live in a treacherous time where lying spirits are twisting the faith. There are certain things that will never be right, and He has made that plain.


Amen, so True brother. :salute
 
So how do you determine if something is Spirit led and a new revelation of existing scripture, or if it's doctrines of demons parading as a spirit of light? (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

You will know them by their fruits. Taste the fruit, is it bitter, corrupt, filled with rancor, criticism, accusation and anger? Or is it sweet? Peaceable, gentle, kind, peaceful and leading to a deeper relationship with the Lord...which will always bear the fruit of increased righteousness, cutting off of sin, repentance and a new resolution to live the life that God has appointed? Those last are clear evidences of what is being taught is from the Lord.

Yes, the doctrine of demons will cause some to depart from the faith, and can be recognized by it's promotion of an agenda of immoral living and a disregard of God commandments.

  • James calls it earthly and sensual.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. James 3:13-15



JLB
 
As long as you remain humble, the Lord will protect you from deception. It is when you raise yourself up to judge others that you have to fear deception. When you take it upon yourself to judge others, you sin (Matthew 7:1-3). It's true that we must always measure what we hear against the scriptures, but discerning a spirit is a whole different matter than criticizing a Brother or Sister. You must always measure against the Word, but you must also be coming from a place that is open to a new understanding of the Word. There are discoveries in the scriptures which have not been made yet!

Those that connect the dots led by the Holy Spirit, will be challenged and condemned for the revelation of the Word by insecure people who are always trying to galvanize others into their doctrine for the sake of safety and 'being right' all the time. They are so afraid of being misled that they condemn legitimate moves of the Spirit, because it's unfamiliar to them and it threatens their turf. There must be jealousy involved. Some may secretly think that if the Lord doesn't give the revelation to them, that it can't possibly be true. That becomes their basis for judging others. These do great damage to the Kingdom of God on Earth. This is why discernment is an absolute necessity. You don't want to fight against God! (Acts 5:38-39)

Some people are so insecure that they are constantly trying to make everything around them fit into a black and white category. (I'm not talking about justifying immoral behavior, like homosexuality and declaring it a grey area; there's nothing grey about it, it is sin.) I'm talking more about squeezing everyone and everything into your mold and by taking an opinion and making it into a hard and fast doctrine to condemn others which don't share your opinion. This is what the Pharisees did! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees; those who eat of it also shall be called to judgement for the damage they did.

So if there is new revelation from the scriptures, how do we measure it against interpretations of the past?

Scripture is layered: prophecy, history, exhortation, instruction in wisdom, human affairs, all facets of life and health, even anointed-in timely words just for you-or as it was called, the Oracle of God. In the OT, before a king went into battle, he called upon the prophets or the priest to consult with God about the outcome. This is the Oracle of God and has been bestowed upon all believers since He rent the veil that separated us from Him.

By the Lord's Spirit, men are making fresh observations, things that never occurred to anyone before. This is the Lord's doing. Fir we live in a treacherous time where lying spirits are twisting the faith. There are certain things that will never be right, and He has made that plain.

So how do you determine if something is Spirit led and a new revelation of existing scripture, or if it's doctrines of demons parading as a spirit of light? (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

You will know them by their fruits. Taste the fruit, is it bitter, corrupt, filled with rancor, criticism, accusation and anger? Or is it sweet? Peaceable, gentle, kind, peaceful and leading to a deeper relationship with the Lord...which will always bear the fruit of increased righteousness, cutting off of sin, repentance and a new resolution to live the life that God has appointed? Those last are clear evidences of what is being taught is from the Lord.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit. Taste the fruit! We should know all these things! So why is there so much arguing? Brothers and Sisters, discernment has been made easy for us. Taste the fruit. Do not reason or argue with your logical minds. You will always miss a point and that can lead to endless inquiries, contradictions and false conclusions. But one thing will always reveal the true nature of a source, and that is...the fruit. A good tree can not bear bad fruit.

These words will lead you into all truth and keep you from error...:wink

It's an endless game, here as elsewhere:

"I'm Spirit-led and have an exciting new understanding that never occurred to anyone before."
"You're not Spirit-led. You have fallen into error and are spreading false doctrine."
"No, I'm not. It's you that lacks the Spirit of discernment. You don't recognize Truth when it's staring you in the face."
"Do too."
"Do not."
"Lack of humility, that's your problem."
"No, that's your problem."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Look at you - you're bitter, corrupt, filled with rancor, criticism, accusation and anger."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"No, you're the one who's bitter, corrupt, filled with rancor, criticism, accusation and anger."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Are you sure you're a Christian?"
"What are you, some sort of closet Jehovah's Witness?"
THREAD CLOSED FOR MODERATOR REVIEW.
THREAD CLOSED.​

This sounds to me like a "preemptive strike": Don't try to argue with me next time I present something that "never occurred to anyone before." After 2000 years of Christian belief, scholarship, teaching and leadership, the odds of anyone being led by the Spirit to some understanding that never occurred to anyone before have to be so small that the initial response surely must be extreme skepticism.
 
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Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

There are no new revelations, but only that of what the Holy Spirit needs to reveal to us in all truth that we have never understood before. It's only when we take our focus off of man and discern what spirit is teaching us is when we will rightly divide the word of God and come into all truths of what God has already said and done.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
 


Edward please post the proper credit .

"Discerning a spirit is a whole different matter than criticizing a brother or sister. Yes, you must always measure against My Word, but you must also be coming from a place that is open to a new understanding of My Word. There are discoveries in the Scriptures that have not been made yet. And those that connect the dots, led by My Spirit, will be challenged and condemned for the revelation of My Word by insecure people who are always trying to galvanize others into their doctrine for the sake of safety and 'being right' all the time.


"They are so afraid of being misled that they condemn legitimate moves of My Spirit, because it is unfamiliar to them and it threatens their turf. And there is jealousy involved. Many secretly think that if I don't give the revelation to them, it can't possibly be true. That becomes their basis for judging others. They do great damage in the Kingdom of God on Earth.

"This is why discernment is an absolute necessity. You don't want to fight against God.

As it is written: "For if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." Acts 5:38

"For instance, I did not give a sound outline on the Trinity. Yet, it is in the Word if you look at it carefully, and My Apostles were led by My Spirit to make the connections and establish it as

sound Christian doctrine. Yet, if you do not believe that, you will not go to Hell --- so don't turn legalistic on Me!
 
Edited Reba
 
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Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

There are no new revelations, but only that of what the Holy Spirit needs to reveal to us in all truth that we have never understood before. It's only when we take our focus off of man and discern what spirit is teaching us is when we will rightly divide the word of God and come into all truths of what God has already said and done.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

hello for_his_glory, dirtfarmer here

While I will agree that there is no new revelations, only a revealing of the truth of scripture as guided by the Holy Spirit. I also agree that we need to "rightly divide the word of truth" as 2:15 Timothy states.

With these truths established from scripture, I would like to ask you another question.
Was John an apostle to the heathen(Gentiles) 0r was he an apostle to the circumcision according to Galatians 2:6-10? It is my understanding that Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles and not John. If, and a big if, this is true, then how is it possible to base doctrine for the Church on any of John's epistles:1, 2, or 3. I do believe that we can learn from them but we cannot find doctrine for the Church in his epistles.

It is my belief that Romans 8:16 reveals to us how we know that we children of God and not 1 John 4:1-8: " The "Spirit" itself beareth witness to our "spirit" that we are children of God."
 
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hello for_his_glory, dirtfarmer here

While I will agree that there is no new revelations, only a revealing of the truth of scripture as guided by the Holy Spirit. I also agree that we need to "rightly divide the word of truth" as 2:15 Timothy states.

With these truths established from scripture, I would like to ask you another question.
Was John an apostle to the heathen(Gentiles) 0r was he an apostle to the circumcision according to Galatians 2:6-10? It is my understanding that Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles and not John. If, and a big if, this is true, then how is it possible to base doctrine for the Church on any of John's epistles:1, 2, or 3. I do believe that we can learn from them but we cannot find doctrine for the Church in his epistles.

It is my belief that Romans 8:16 reveals to us how we know that we children of God and not 1 John 4:1-8: " The "Spirit" itself beareth witness to our "spirit" that we are children of God."

Not sure why you say we cannot find doctrine for the Church in John's epistles as it's all about the Church as being the body of Christ. Is not all of Gods word from Genesis to Revelations the doctrine by which Jesus taught and the Apostles witnessed and testified of in the NT?

The twelve were told to not go into the way of the Gentile, but only the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:5. Only Paul and then later Peter were sent out to the Gentiles by the calling of Christ, Acts 10:1-23.

John's calling is somewhat different then the other Apostles as he brings us into the Spiritual understanding of who Jesus is in the opening words in the book of John that the word was made flesh and walked amongst us. John shows what Jesus said our relationship with Christ through the Spiritual rebirth is all about. John is also known as the revelator of those things which must come to past before the return of Christ.

In First John he speaks about the character of fellowship with God.
In Second John he speaks of walking in truth, love and not to have fellowship with false teachers
In Third John he encourages us to have fellowship with other Christians in love towards them
 
Discerning the Truth about the world and our old nature, will reveal how back to front things are. This is why Christ used a lot of parables for us to discern. The deeper we go into Scripture we start to see from the Scripture. Instead of coming from body-mind (flesh) we start coming from soul-mind (Spirit). Even Christians will hear things from others discernment which may contradict their own understanding. So how do we know a 'false prophet' from a discernment of the Truth. As mentioned, by their fruits.

Also, we must remember, to follow God's will only. How do we know if we are following God's will?
The recurring God's-will for us has been to be saved, to love the truth in all people, produce good fruit, continue to transform from old nature to new nature in Christ, i.e., follow Christ's commandments; and make amends before offering our gifts (love) to God.
 
I agree with pretty much all replies
I think we need to plough the ground sometimes or often, I think we need fresh revelation and hear what the Spirit is saying to the church . A single person can get the anointing and feed the whole church like Jesus did with the kids 2 fish and 5 loaves .. How ? Fast, Pray, Stay in the Word and get out and get you some persecution for the Lords sake doing what he said . We wait on him but he's waiting on us and things get stale .. I could care less what some scholar wrote 2 or 3 hundred years ago because there were several more at the same time who disagreed but also had a following. It seems to me when cultish factions or doctrines break out there are plenty who follow whole hearted . If it does not bear out in the Word and fit other scripture then leave it alone . Proverbs 25:2 ... There are spirits that deceive and Jesus himself was tempted by the devil himself but each time Jesus replied ''It is written'' .imo That is my final answer to discern spirits . And never give your whole heart to anyone but Jesus, not your wife , your church ,even yourself .. There's plenty room at the foot of the cross for all included with enhancement .
 
7
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 
Edward Please post the copyright info... giving credit where credit is due.
Thread closed for copyright info
 
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After doing some research looking for copyright info and finding this among others
: from the same author these few words.. the OP was copied from


I've always wondered... (and the Lord caught my thought, it just flashed through my mind as we were talking.)

He said, "You've often asked me, 'How is it possible that a soul taken from the very bosom of God can possibly be evil?' I tell each and every candidate, 'I'm taking a tremendous risk here. I'm endowing you with free will. It will either bring you back to Me or condemn you to hell forever.' They start pure, but entering into the bloodline and culture has a powerful effect on their DNA."

I said to the Lord in that moment, "I thought DNA is what it is and didn't change."

He corrected me. "No," he said, "DNA can be corrupted by many things, especially the electrical impulses that control the body. So, repeated acts of violence can affect future generations. Not only because they are demonic infestations but because the DNA has been altered. The older the genes the more affected the DNA becomes. That is why very often I give them a DNA transplant. I infuse fresh, uncorrupted DNA into your bodies to help turn you from sin, discouragement, and failure, such as I did with you through the prophet that visited that church."


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