Discerning of Spirits
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“Discerning of Spirits” addresses the urgent need for spiritual clarity in a world where truth and deception often collide. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 John 4:1, and the account of Paul in Acts 16:16–18, this track highlights Jehovah Sabaoth (“The Lord of Hosts”), who reigns sovereign over all spiritual realms. Its lyrics remind us that, while many voices claim to speak truth, the Holy Spirit grants the ability to discern the true source behind them—whether it be from God, demonic forces, or human motives.
The music begins with a slightly tense, minor-key motif, reflecting the unseen battles that rage around us. As the song progresses, it shifts into a more triumphant mode, mirroring the victory we have in Christ when we recognize and expose spiritual deception. The chorus exalts the Lord of Hosts, affirming that darkness cannot stand against God’s truth.
A moment of repentance within the verses acknowledges times we’ve been naive or dismissive of spiritual realities. The bridge turns into intercession for the Church, pleading for eyes to see and hearts to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. By the conclusion, the track underscores that the gift of discernment is not about fear or suspicion, but about love—protecting the Body from harm and guiding the lost into freedom.
In “Discerning of Spirits,” listeners are challenged to be vigilant yet confident, trusting Jehovah Sabaoth to equip them with the wisdom and courage needed to navigate spiritual complexities. When anchored in Scripture and surrendered to the Spirit, discernment becomes a vital tool for victorious living.
Worship Devotion
Devotional: “Eyes to See, Hearts to Discern”
In a world where shadows blur truth and deception often wears the face of light, we are in desperate need of spiritual clarity. The song “Discerning of Spirits” from Empowered: A Journey Through the Gifts of the Spirit offers a timely and piercing prayer—one that invites us to posture ourselves before Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, and ask for divine vision.
“Discerning spirits, see the source,
Test each word upon its course.
Your watchful grace, a shield so sure,
In truth alone we stand secure.”
These lyrics echo the apostolic exhortation of 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…” It is not cynicism, but wisdom, that leads us to test the source of what we hear. For not every message that sounds spiritual is from the Holy Spirit. The gift of discernment enables us to navigate this world of mixed messages with grace, truth, and power.
The apostle Paul names discerning of spirits among the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:10—gifts not given for status, but for service. This gift isn’t just about detecting demonic influences; it’s about distinguishing what is divine, what is human, and what is deceptive. It’s a grace that guards the Church and keeps our hearts aligned with the Shepherd’s voice.
The song rightly acknowledges that we have sometimes walked naively:
“We’ve walked naively in subtle snare,
Forgetting You were always there.”
This is a call to repentance. In our desire to be open and inclusive, have we sometimes compromised truth? Have we allowed the fear of being “judgmental” to cloud our ability to discern rightly?
Hebrews 5:14 says, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age… who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Discernment is not automatic—it’s cultivated. It requires maturity, a mind renewed by the Word (Romans 12:2), and hearts submitted to the Spirit.
When we sing, “Jehovah Sabaoth, guide our sight, dispel the dark with holy light,” we are declaring war on confusion, not people. Discernment never flows from suspicion or control, but from love—a love that longs to see God’s people safe, strong, and shining with truth.
Paul’s experience in Acts 16 is a perfect example: though a girl followed him declaring truth, he discerned a spirit that was not from God (Acts 16:16–18). This teaches us that even accurate words can come from a wrong source—and that spiritual sensitivity must always trump surface impressions.
“No hidden scheme escapes Your eyes.
We rest in knowledge You impart,
Truth and love guard every heart.”
These lines remind us that we do not walk alone. Jehovah Sabaoth sees it all. And the knowledge He imparts is not just information—it’s protection. It’s the wisdom of Isaiah 11:2–3, where the Spirit gives quick understanding in the fear of the Lord, not judging by outward appearances, but with spiritual insight.
Today, let this song be more than poetry. Let it become your prayer. Ask God to open your eyes—to discern truth from error, spirit from flesh, God’s voice from the noise. Invite the Holy Spirit to train your senses, refine your perspective, and restore your confidence in His guidance.
Discernment is not about living in fear. It’s about walking in freedom, grounded in truth, and clothed in love.
Prayer:
Jehovah Sabaoth, Lord of Hosts, we bow before Your holy presence and ask for eyes to see. Forgive us for the times we have tolerated deception or neglected Your whispers of warning. Teach us to test the spirits—not in suspicion, but in wisdom and love. Make us discerning people who protect Your Body and walk in Your truth. May Your Word be our filter, and Your Spirit our guide. Guard our hearts with truth and love. We ask this in the name of Yeshua, the Light of the world. Amen.
Let us remain watchful and secure—for in truth alone, we stand.
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Song Lyrics
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Verse 1:
Shadows form where truth seems lost,
Deceptions rise at heavy cost.
Jehovah Sabaoth, guide our sight,
Dispel the dark with holy light.
Chorus:
Discerning spirits, see the source,
Test each word upon its course.
Your watchful grace, a shield so sure,
In truth alone we stand secure.
Chorus:
Discerning spirits, see the source,
Test each word upon its course.
Your watchful grace, a shield so sure,
In truth alone we stand secure.
Verse 2:
We’ve walked naively in subtle snare,
Forgetting You were always there.
Your wisdom brings a crystal gaze,
Jehovah Sabaoth, guard our ways.
Chorus:
Discerning spirits, see the source,
Test each word upon its course.
Your watchful grace, a shield so sure,
In truth alone we stand secure.
Chorus:
Discerning spirits, see the source,
Test each word upon its course.
Your watchful grace, a shield so sure,
In truth alone we stand secure.
Outro:
Jehovah Sabaoth, strong and wise,
No hidden scheme escapes Your eyes.
We rest in knowledge You impart,
Truth and love guard every heart.
Outro:
Jehovah Sabaoth, strong and wise,
No hidden scheme escapes Your eyes.
We rest in knowledge You impart,
Truth and love guard every heart.
Ask for discernment in your own life and across the Church to rightly divide truth from deception. May your spirit be sharp, your heart be pure, and your eyes be opened to what the Spirit reveals.Spiritual Engagement
Reflection
Prayer Focus
Blessing
Surmon Notes
Sermon Title: “Discerning of Spirits: Seeing with the Eyes of the Spirit”
Introduction:
Beloved, we are living in an age of amplified voices—where truth and deception often blend, and clarity seems elusive. In such times, the Church must lean deeply into the wisdom of the Spirit. The song “Discerning of Spirits” from Empowered: A Journey Through the Gifts of the Spirit calls us into a deeper awareness of spiritual realities. This is not just poetic expression—it is a prophetic summons to walk with eyes wide open, hearts tuned to heaven, and lives guarded by truth.
The gift of discerning of spirits, listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10, is a supernatural ability granted by the Holy Spirit—not to breed suspicion, but to safeguard the Body of Christ. It is a vital tool in this hour where false light masquerades as truth and subtle deception creeps into even the most sincere spaces. Today, I want to share three truths that help us cultivate spiritual discernment and walk in victory.
1. Discernment Begins in the Fear of the Lord
Isaiah 11:2–3 says,
“And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him… the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD… and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.”
True discernment starts with reverence. It’s not about becoming critical or skeptical, but about being anchored in awe of God. When we fear the Lord—when we honor His holiness and align with His Word—we gain clarity. We don’t judge based on appearances. We see beyond the surface. The Spirit trains us to look deeper—to test what we hear, what we feel, and what we encounter.
The song declares:
“Jehovah Sabaoth, guide our sight,
Dispel the dark with holy light.”
Beloved, only holy light can reveal hidden things. Only those walking in the light will perceive what is truly of the Lord.
Application:
Ask the Lord to restore reverence in your heart. Before you analyze a message, a dream, a teaching—bow before God. Let the fear of the Lord become your filter.
2. Discernment is Exercised Through Maturity and Use
Hebrews 5:14 tells us:
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Discernment is not automatic—it’s cultivated. You won’t discern rightly by accident. It requires immersion in the Word, submission to the Spirit, and a life of consistent obedience. Just as physical senses grow sharper with use, our spiritual perception grows as we actively engage it.
The song confesses:
“We’ve walked naively in subtle snare,
Forgetting You were always there.”
Have you ever looked back and thought, “I should have seen that”? Many of us have. But praise God—He doesn’t leave us in ignorance. He trains us through both victory and failure. And as we mature, our senses become sharper.
Application:
Develop a rhythm of listening and testing. Don’t dismiss uncomfortable checks in your spirit. Journal what you hear. Compare it with the Word. Ask trusted spiritual mentors for wisdom. Practice discernment, and your discernment will grow.
3. Discernment is for Love, Not Suspicion
1 John 4:1 says:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
And in Ephesians 5:9–11, we read:
“The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord… and reprove [the unfruitful works of darkness].”
The gift of discerning of spirits isn’t a weapon for gossip or control. It’s a shield for the flock. It protects, it guards, and it leads people into truth. The end goal is love—not fear. Safety—not suspicion.
The final lines of the song say:
“Truth and love guard every heart.”
That is the heart of discernment—truth wedded to love. It’s what Jesus demonstrated when He saw through deception yet responded with grace. It’s what Paul exemplified in Acts 16, when he cast out a spirit that mimicked truth but was rooted in bondage.
Application:
Check your motives. Does your discernment lead to prayer? To intercession? To restoration? Or does it lead to withdrawal, criticism, or pride? Let love lead your discernment.
Conclusion: A Call to Watchfulness and Trust
Church, this gift is not reserved for elite prophets. It is available to all Spirit-filled believers. And it is desperately needed today. As deception increases, so must discernment.
But we do not walk in fear. We walk in confidence, knowing that “no hidden scheme escapes His eyes.” Jehovah Sabaoth sees all, knows all, and is eager to share His heart with those who seek Him.
Let us pray for eyes to see. Let us live as children of light. Let us cultivate the gift of discernment—not for ourselves, but for the glory of God and the protection of His Church.
Closing Prayer:
Jehovah Sabaoth, mighty Lord of Hosts, we ask You to train our eyes to see. Make us wise as serpents, gentle as doves. Give us discernment that flows from love. Expose every lie, every hidden agenda. Let Your truth and love guard every heart. Raise up a discerning generation—strong, pure, and surrendered. In the name of Yeshua, the Word made flesh, amen.
Podcast Script
Podcast Script: “Discerning of Spirits – Walking in Light, Guarded by Love”
Episode Length: 600–800 words
🎙️ [Opening – Warm Introduction]
Hey family—welcome back to the Empowered Journey podcast. I’m so glad you’re here with me today. Whether you’re driving, sipping coffee, or taking a quiet walk—wherever you are, I pray this moment becomes sacred space. This isn’t just another episode. This is an invitation to slow down, lean in, and hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church right now.
We’re exploring a track from the album Empowered: A Journey Through the Gifts of the Spirit—a song called “Discerning of Spirits.” Now don’t let the title intimidate you. This song, and today’s conversation, is all about learning to hear God clearly in a world full of noise. So breathe deep. He’s here. He’s ready to speak.
🎙️ [Unpacking the Song’s Message]
“Discerning of Spirits” is one of those songs that doesn’t just sing to you—it sings through you. The melody begins in a minor key, carrying the tension we often feel when truth gets muddled. But by the end, it lifts us into triumph—reminding us that Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, reigns over every spiritual realm.
One of the lyrics that really got me was:
“Discerning spirits, see the source,
Test each word upon its course.
Your watchful grace, a shield so sure,
In truth alone we stand secure.”
This isn’t about becoming hyper-judgmental or fearful. It’s about becoming anchored—anchored in truth, in love, in Jesus.
🎙️ [Scripture + Spiritual Insight]
Let’s sit with 1 John 4:1:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
You know, I used to think discernment was just for prophets or pastors. But scripture makes it clear: spiritual discernment is something every believer needs. Not to police others, but to protect our own hearts and the Body of Christ.
In Acts 16, Paul encountered a young girl who followed him saying things that sounded true. But Paul discerned something deeper—that it wasn’t the Holy Spirit speaking through her. Eventually, he cast out the spirit, setting her free. That moment always reminds me: not everything spiritual is holy. We must weigh what we hear—not by emotion, but by the Word and the witness of the Spirit.
🎙️ [Devotional Reflection – Real Talk]
Can I be real for a moment?
There’ve been times when I ignored that quiet check in my spirit. Maybe it was someone’s teaching that felt “off” but I didn’t want to seem rude. Or a situation where everyone was excited but something just didn’t sit right. Later, I’d realize—God was trying to speak. I just hadn’t slowed down enough to listen.
That’s what I love about this song. It invites us back to stillness.
“Jehovah Sabaoth, guide our sight,
Dispel the dark with holy light.”
This is more than poetry. It’s a prayer. A cry for clarity in a foggy world.
Discernment is cultivated—not through fear, but through intimacy. It grows as we mature in the Word (Hebrews 5:14), submit to the Spirit, and stay close to the Shepherd’s voice. And as we discern more clearly, we begin to love more deeply—not less. Because true discernment doesn’t separate us from people—it protects us for them.
🎙️ [Encouragement – God Sees Everything]
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed right now. Maybe you’ve been hurt by deception. Maybe you’ve doubted your ability to “hear God right.” Listen, friend—Jehovah Sabaoth sees it all.
“No hidden scheme escapes Your eyes.”
He’s not asking you to figure it all out. He’s inviting you to trust that He will lead you.
So if you’ve walked naively—welcome to the club. Repentance isn’t shameful; it’s beautiful. It’s a return to the Shepherd. And when we rest in the knowledge He imparts, we don’t just survive the battle—we walk in peace.
🎙️ [Call to Action – Lean In + Respond]
So today, I want to invite you to do three simple things:
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Make space for stillness. Turn off the noise. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak.
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Ask for discernment. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom—ask. He gives generously.
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Act in love. Let discernment lead you to intercede, to pray, to protect—not to distance yourself from people, but to guard them with truth.
Discernment is not a burden—it’s a gift. A gift that helps us walk in freedom, guided by truth, and grounded in love.
🎙️ [Closing Prayer – Spirit-Led + Prophetic]
Let’s pray.
Holy Spirit, we welcome You. We thank You for the gift of discernment—not to divide us, but to guide us. Forgive us for the times we ignored Your whisper or let fear cloud our clarity. We ask now—Jehovah Sabaoth, Lord of Hosts—open our eyes. Train our hearts. Let us not judge by sight, but by Your Spirit. Let us be a people who love truth, who walk in light, and who protect what is sacred in Your Body. Raise up a discerning generation, clothed in humility and burning with love. In Jesus’ name—Amen.
🎙️ [Outro – Gentle Sendoff]
Thank you for being here today. If this message spoke to you, would you share it with someone who needs encouragement? Let’s keep growing together—one gift, one song, one Spirit-led step at a time.
Until next time, stay rooted in truth, and let love guard your heart. Grace and peace to you, friend.
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