Sermon Central
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Spiritual Sensitivity And Discernment Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 22, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Spiritual sensitivity and discernment are vital for victorious Christian living. We are in a time when the voices around us are many, but only one voice leads to life—the voice of the Spirit.
SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY AND DISCERNMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 John 4:1
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 5:14, Acts 16:16-18, 1 Kings 3:9-12, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 24:24
INTRODUCTION:
In a world full of spiritual noise and increasing deception, believers must develop spiritual sensitivity and discernment. The apostle John warns us not to believe every spirit, but to test them. This implies that not everything that looks spiritual is from God. Discernment is the believer's divine ability to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, and God's voice from every other voice.
Spiritual sensitivity is the inner alertness to divine signals, instructions, and warnings. A sensitive spirit can detect when God is speaking, when danger is near, or when deception is at the door. It helps a believer walk in wisdom, avoid traps, and live in the centre of God’s will. Without spiritual sensitivity, even the elect can be misled.
This sensitivity does not come automatically; it must be cultivated through intimacy with God, studying the Word, prayer, and obedience. Discernment helps us make wise choices, recognise spiritual attacks, and respond to divine opportunities. A spiritually sensitive Christian is a dangerous threat to darkness and a powerful tool in the hand of God.
1. THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY
Spiritual sensitivity is essential for surviving and thriving in the spiritual realm.
a) Recognising Divine Promptings (Isaiah 30:21):
When you're spiritually sensitive, you can hear God's voice and detect His leadings even in quietness. His whispers become clear to your spirit.
b) Detecting Deception and Danger (Matthew 24:24):
In a time of false signs and prophets, discernment is the believer’s shield against spiritual frauds.
c) Avoiding Costly Mistakes (Proverbs 3:6):
A sensitive heart helps you avoid the paths that look good but lead to destruction.
d) Walking in Step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25):
The Holy Spirit leads those who are tuned to Him. Sensitivity helps us follow His rhythm daily.
Biblical Example: Solomon prayed for a discerning heart (1 Kings 3:9), and God gave him wisdom that made him stand out as a just and wise ruler.
2. SIGNS OF A SENSITIVE AND DISCERNING SPIRIT
Certain qualities are evident in the life of someone who walks in discernment.
a) Ability to Test Spirits (1 John 4:1):
A discerning believer can sense whether a spiritual atmosphere or person is of God or not.
b) Clarity in Decision-Making (James 1:5):
You are not confused or misled easily. God's wisdom guides your paths.
c) Inner Peace and Assurance (Colossians 3:15):
God’s Spirit gives peace when you’re aligned with His will, and restlessness when you're not.
d) Boldness in Confronting Falsehood (Acts 16:16–18):
Paul discerned the spirit behind the slave girl’s words and cast it out. Discernment exposes hidden operations of the enemy.
Biblical Example: Paul, in Acts 16, discerned the spirit of divination in the slave girl. Though her words sounded good, Paul knew it was demonic and acted accordingly.
3. HOW TO DEVELOP SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY AND DISCERNMENT
Every believer can grow in discernment through deliberate spiritual practice.
a) Stay Rooted in the Word (Hebrews 5:14):
The Word sharpens your senses. It teaches you to distinguish good from evil.
b) Live a Prayerful Life (1 Thessalonians 5:17):
Prayer keeps your spiritual antenna sharp and tuned to God's frequency.
c) Be Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18):
The Spirit is the source of all discernment. Without Him, spiritual blindness prevails.
d) Practice Obedience and Sensitivity (John 10:27):
As you obey divine promptings, your ability to hear becomes clearer and stronger.
Biblical Example: Jesus constantly withdrew to pray and remained sensitive to the Father’s will, making no decision outside divine instruction (John 5:19).
4. CONSEQUENCES OF LACKING SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT
The absence of spiritual discernment opens the door to many dangers.
a) Falling into Deception (2 Corinthians 11:14):
The devil appears as an angel of light. Without discernment, you may welcome a disguised enemy.
b) Making Costly Decisions (Joshua 9:14):
The Israelites failed to discern the Gibeonites’ deception because they didn’t seek God.
c) Opening Doors to Spiritual Attacks (1 Peter 5:8):
The insensitive soul is an easy target for the enemy.
d) Missing Divine Opportunities (Luke 19:44):
When you lack discernment, you cannot recognise divine visitation when it comes.
Biblical Example: Samson lacked spiritual sensitivity, revealing his secret to Delilah. He didn’t know the Spirit had left him (Judges 16:20).
CONCLUSION:
Spiritual sensitivity and discernment are vital for victorious Christian living. We are in a time when the voices around us are many, but only one voice leads to life—the voice of the Spirit. To walk with God, fulfil destiny, and avoid satanic traps, we must be spiritually alert and discerning.
Refuse to live a carnal, careless life. Build your sensitivity through the Word, prayer, obedience, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Like the sons of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, may you also walk in divine discernment and power.
