One of the Gifts of the Spirit (there are nine in total presented in the Word of God) is the Discernment of spirits. This gift can be acquired through a relationship and filling of the Holy Spirit and through meditation and digesting the Word of God. This is why it is important to study the Word of God at every chance you have. The more you familiarise yourself with the Word of God, you can know what God mentions to and of you, and compare statements you may receive in the world and compare with what is written in the Word. We are but travelers through this carnal world, and our destination and home is in the Kingdom of God, so we don’t belong in the world, and sometimes what the world says about us, and the Word of God says about us, don’t agree.
A Prophetic Word or Prophecy should line up with the Word. There are many things the Word states about us. Knowing these statements help you discern whether a word comes from God or not. Some examples are:
- God will never leave you nor forsake you.
- No one comes to the Father except through Jesus.
- All liars will have there place in the Lake of Fire.
- Food and raiment therewith should be content.
- Faith without works is dead; works should naturally flow from Faith.
- Salvation is a free gift from God and cannot be bought.
- We are justified by Faith.
- We are Kings and Priests in Christ Jesus.
The Holy Spirit can fill you, and as a result you receive a renewing of your mind. Your mind becomes the Mind of Christ, as mentioned in the Epistles. This gives you the ability to discern spirits, whether they are of God, of the world (are carnal) or of the devil. There is not a guaranteed way that works every time in receiving the Holy Spirit (which Christ released on the world after his crucifixion), which is ultimately up to God. The apostles didn’t follow a set plan, but prayed out loud in the room and waited for the Holy Spirit that came down like tongues of fire. But you need to be Baptized in the Spirit to be a Christian with Power. The evidence of having been Baptized in the Spirit is speaking in Tongues. From experience, a release of the Holy Spirit is brought on by genuine repentance, prayer, and the help of your pastors and the Church praying over you.