Spiritual Discernment

Bible verses about spiritual discernment. 

Philippians 1:9-10: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” 

• Meaning: Paul prays for believers to grow in love and knowledge, which enhances their ability to discern what is morally and spiritually excellent. 

  
  

Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 

• Meaning: The Word of God is powerful and discerning, able to reveal our innermost thoughts and intentions. 

  
  

1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 

• Meaning: This verse advises believers to test spiritual messages and teachings to ensure they align with God’s truth. 

  

  
  

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

• Meaning: Transformation through the renewal of the mind enables believers to discern God’s will and live according to His purposes.

  
  

1 Corinthians 2:14-15: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments.” 

• Meaning: Spiritual discernment comes from the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to understand and judge spiritual matters. 

  
  

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” 

• Meaning: God promises to provide wisdom to those who seek it, which is essential for discernment. 

  
  

Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 

• Meaning: Reverence for God is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom, which are crucial for discernment. 

  

  
  

Ephesians 5:10: “And find out what pleases the Lord.” 

• Meaning: Believers are encouraged to discern and pursue what pleases God, which requires spiritual insight and wisdom. 

  
  

Hebrews 5:14: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” 

• Meaning: Spiritual maturity involves developing discernment through practice and experience, enabling believers to distinguish between good and evil. 

  
  

These verses highlight the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance to develop spiritual discernment. 

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Reflection Questions 

• Why are you reading this post today? 

• Whilst reading this what stood out to you? 

• What are the promises in these verses about you and God? 

• Are there any applicational messages in these verses for day to day life? 

• What do you think God is trying to teach you through this scripture? 

Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to leave your favourite verses in the comments about this topic.