The gift of spiritual discernment comes from the Holy Spirit and is crucial in a believer’s journey. Paul wanted the believers in Philippi to grow in their knowledge of God. That way they could choose a God-pleasing way of life. Philippians 1:9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.[1]
Our Savior does not want us to operate just by feelings and sight. This is the reason for the Spirit gives us the gift of discernment. This gift allows us to judge situations to determine what is best. If we are to live according to the will of God, a discerning spirit is essential. Jesus will reveal what path we are to take because many opportunities that look good are not God’s will for you.
The Holy Spirit Gives Spiritual Discernment
John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth and was called to prepare the way for the Lord. As John baptized, he received spiritual discernment from the Lord about the coming Savior. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ 31 I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” [2]
The following day, John was with his disciples and saw Jesus again. John 1:36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!”[3] Spiritual discernment allowed John to reveal Jesus as Messiah. He could not figure out this apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. John would prepare the way for the Lord, but it required spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit.
How to Live a Life of Spiritual Discernment
Nurturing a life of spiritual discernment does not happen by itself but by an ongoing relationship with our Lord. Our heavenly Father does not simply pour information into our minds after we come to faith. As children of God, it is essential to regularly seek His will and meditate on His word to get to know Him better. Sometimes, we may not comprehend God’s Word, but we can pray for the Holy Spirit to give us insight and understanding.
Some may think God’s word is a rule book, but it is a love letter to His children. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:20 that our lives are not our own and that Jesus bought us with His blood. We are so blessed to have a Savior who loves us and gives us a discerning spirit to walk along our life path.
To learn more about the gift of spiritual discernment, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-johns-disciples-to-jesus
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.