Brannon Howse: January 31, 2017

Why discernment is not a spiritual gift in the narrow definition of spiritual gifts. Topic: In Acts 17:11 and I John 4:1 Christians are instructed to expose false teachers and their false teaching and the spiritual source they are tied to by knowing the Word of God. Yet in Acts 16:16-18 and Acts 5:3 the Apostles, prior to the completion of the Word of God, the Apostles were given a spiritual gift by God to immediately discern demonic activity. This gift was called the gift of discerning spirits.

Topic: The Apostles could automatically identify a demonic spirit and even cast it out which fell into the signs and wonders category. Today, we identify false teaching by the study of Scripture which then identifies the source. Then we teach the Bible and proclaim the gospel as the solution. We do not cast out demons as that was a sign and wonder that only a few could do such as the Apostles and the 70 and perhaps 2 others working closely with the Apostles. While any ability to understand and discern spiritual things is a gift from God in the broad definition; in the narrow definition, discernment is not a spiritual gift only certain people possess. Topic: The gift of teaching is a spiritual gift and those that have this gift also manifest a large dose of discernment because of their study of God's Word. So if you want to say someone has the gift of teaching/discernment that is fine but the gift of discernment is not a stand alone gift in the narrow definition of the spiritual gifts believers are given for the purpose of edifying and building up the body of Christ.

Topic: ALL believers can have discernment as Brannon reveals in teaching on several passages of Scripture in this program. Some people have more discernment because of their deeper study, (meat) as well as level of sanctification and being continually filled with the Holy Spirit (yielding in obedience). Not all Christians produce the same fruit and not all Christians have the same level of discernment. But make no mistake all Christians will have fruit and will have discernment. How much they have is based on study of Scripture, and yielding of their life in obedience to God's Word. Topic: We take your calls.