This is part 2 of a series on discerning of spirits. Click here for part 1.
In addition to discerning what the Holy Spirit is saying and doing, we must also discern the demonic realm. This spiritual gift allows us to do that.
People ascribe names to spirits that operate in the second heaven --the realms of powers and principalities (Abaddon, Leviathan, and “Prince of Persian Kingdom” as described in Daniel). Just as God’s angels (Michael and Gabriel, for example) mentioned in Scripture have assignments, it is not always obvious from their names! However, in the first heaven where we reside (and where deliverance ministry is used) we believe that the name of a spirit typically corresponds to its nature or to the behavior that it produces. For instance, a spirit of depression brings depression; a spirit of anger brings anger and so on.
We believe all spirits, by definition, are evil and unclean but it is important to assess the nature (or name) of the spirit because they respond to that in the course of deliverance.
We call out spirits by names simply because they have names and they typically do not leave unless they are identified and called out. We wish it was simple and simply declaring something along the lines of “Every demonic spirit tormenting Mary must come out now, in Jesus’ name.” Deliverance would be so much simpler and quicker! The reality we see is that unless the spirits are identified and called out by name (sometimes even a general name) they do not go!
We discern a spirit’s name or nature by the fruit! If you spiritually discern/”see” unreasonable, persistent anger in a person’s life, it is likely they have a spirit of anger at work. As we discussed in part 1, discerning is not judging and we must use spiritual eyes that operate because of the gift that the Lord has made available to us. As we can discern this spirit when it is operating in a person’s life, or when it is trying to come back to our “house” and regain entry (Matt 12:43-45), we must discern it so we can resist. We cannot fight what we cannot see but we must (and can!) see that spirit by discerning the emotion it stirs up!
How do you get the gift? Ask for it and believe you have received it! Start to walk in it by purposing to walk in love, calm your emotions and see in the Spirit what is going on! Get help from a seasoned brother/sister in the Lord if you are unsure and know that God wants you to walk in discernment and has given you all that you need!
How do you know when you are operating in this gifting? We would love to hear from you!
