Definition and Meaning:
Discernings refer to the ability to perceive, distinguish, and judge matters with clarity and insight, particularly in spiritual contexts. This concept is closely associated with wisdom and understanding, enabling individuals to differentiate between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, and the divine and the profane.

Biblical Context:
In the Bible, discernment is often portrayed as a gift from God, essential for living a life that is pleasing to Him. It is a quality that believers are encouraged to develop and exercise in their daily lives.

Old Testament References:
The concept of discernment is evident in the Old Testament, where it is often linked with wisdom. King Solomon is a prime example of discernment. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). God granted his request, making Solomon renowned for his wisdom and discernment.

The Book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of discernment. Proverbs 2:3-5 states, "if you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God."

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, discernment is crucial for the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul speaks of discernment as a spiritual gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 , he lists "the ability to distinguish between spirits" as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, highlighting its importance in identifying true teachings and prophecies.

Paul also encourages believers to develop discernment in their personal lives. In Philippians 1:9-10 , he prays, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

Practical Application:
Discernment is vital for Christians as they navigate a world filled with competing ideologies and moral challenges. It involves not only recognizing false teachings and deceptive practices but also making wise decisions in everyday life. Hebrews 5:14 underscores the maturity that comes with discernment: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil."

Spiritual Growth and Discernment:
The development of discernment is closely tied to spiritual growth. It requires a deepening relationship with God, immersion in His Word, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Conclusion:
Discernment is a critical aspect of the Christian life, enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will and to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and integrity. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can cultivate this essential quality.DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS

di-zurn'-inz, (diakriseis pneumaton, "judicial estimation," "through judgment or separation"): Occurs in 1 Corinthians 12:10 as being one of the gifts of the Spirit. The Greek word occurs in Hebrews 5:14; and Romans 14:1: "But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples." This translation scarcely expresses the meaning, which Thayer has freely rendered, "not for the purpose of passing judgment on opinions, as to which one is to be preferred as the more correct." Taking these three passages together it is evident that the Greek term which is rendered "discerning" means a distinguishing or discriminating between things that are under consideration; hence, the one who possessed the gift of "discernings of spirits" was able to make distinction between the one who spoke by the Spirit of God and the one who was moved by a false spirit. This gift seems to have been exercised chiefly upon those who assumed the role of teachers, and it was especially important in those days, because there were many false teachers abroad (see 2 John 1:7 Acts 20:29, 30). See also SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

A. W. Fortune

SPIRITS, DISCERNINGS OF

See DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS; SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... This also he says in the Epistle to the Corinthians, that on this account He gave
"the discernings of spirits." (1 Corinthians 12:10.) For the devil, of his ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... Ver.10. "To another working of miracles; to another prophecies; to another discernings
of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; 10 and to another workings
of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; to ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

Of the Sun, of which it is Said that it Should not Go Down Upon ...
... any rate "tropically" [937] the mind, that is the nous or reason, which is fairly
called the sun because it looks over all the thoughts and discernings of the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x of the sun.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... Spirit; and to another gifts of healing, in the same Spirit; and to another workings
of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Discernings (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS. di-zurn ... 29, 30). See
also SPIRITUAL GIFTS. AW Fortune. SPIRITS, DISCERNINGS OF. ...
/d/discernings.htm - 8k

Spirits (129 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS. di-zurn'-inz, (diakriseis ...
OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. James Orr. SPIRITS, DISCERNINGS OF. ...
/s/spirits.htm - 42k

Gifts (144 Occurrences)
... (charismata): 1. Gifts Connected with the Ministry of the Word (1) Apostleship
(2) Prophecy (3) Discernings of spirits (4) Teaching ... See DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS. ...
/g/gifts.htm - 61k

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
... (charismata): 1. Gifts Connected with the Ministry of the Word (1) Apostleship
(2) Prophecy (3) Discernings of spirits (4) Teaching ... See DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS. ...
/s/spiritual.htm - 51k

Discernment (43 Occurrences)

/d/discernment.htm - 18k

In-workings (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Corinthians 12:10 and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy;
and to another discernings of spirits; and to another 'divers' kinds ...
/i/in-workings.htm - 6k

Distinguish (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 12:10 and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy;
and to another discernings of spirits; and to another 'divers' kinds ...
/d/distinguish.htm - 12k

Discerningly (1 Occurrence)

/d/discerningly.htm - 6k

Distinguishing (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 12:10 and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy;
and to another discernings of spirits; and to another 'divers' kinds ...
/d/distinguishing.htm - 8k

Deeds (309 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 12:10 and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy;
and to another discernings of spirits; and to another 'divers' kinds ...
/d/deeds.htm - 33k

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