Sunday School Lesson 38 – Discerning Of Spirits

MEMORY VERSE: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 John 4:1-4 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 May 2020)

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.

INTRODUCTION

There is a spirit behind most actions that people take. There are different spirits but there is one Holy Spirit. In Matthew 10:1, we are told of unclean spirits. 1 Timothy 4:1 talks of seducing spirits. In 1 Kings 22:23, we are told of lying spirits. 1 John 4:6 talks of the spirit of error and 1 John 4:3 talks about the spirit of antichrist. How do you know which spirit is in operation for a situation? We look at the issue of discerning spirits today.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. WHAT IS DISCERNING OF SPIRITS

This is the supernatural ability to identify the spirits or spirit in operation. 1 Cor. 2:11-15. It is the divine ability to differentiate between the good and the evil spirits. It is a type of spiritual x-ray which shows the real spirit, intention and plan behind what appears normal and harmless. 2 Cor. 1:14. It is the ability to examine doctrines, situations or people and know whether they are of God or Satan. 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2. It can also be simplified put as the ability to see into and hear from the spiritual realms. Luke 1:26-37.

2. PURPOSE OF DISCERNING OF SPIRITS

To receive a clear, in-depth and prolonged insight into the realm of the spirit e.g. John in the island of Patmos. Rev. 1:10-20

To know in advance the coming judgement. Gen. 18:17-22

To spot doctrinal forgeries that have plagued the church. Eph. 4:14

To assure God’s people if His presence with them in times of grace danger. 2 Kings 6:14-17; Acts 27:21-24

To expose the motive and spirit behind people’s actions. Acts 16:16-18

CONCLUSION: Can you discern now what kind of spirit is worked in you?

Through the gift of discerning of spirits, Satan hold over God’s people is broken. Covet the gift today.

QUESTIONS:

What is discerning of spirits?

List some purposes of the gift of discerning of spirits.

ASSIGNMENT:

Mention 5 factors that can prevent the gift of discerning of spirits from operating in the churches.

RCCG Sunday School HYMN