"Prophecy" and "discerning of spirits" (1 John 4:1) form a pair. This is the general gift of prophecy, which Paul asks all Christians to seek and to cultivate (ch. 14). It is the blessed ability to present the Word of God to others. This is the gift of preachers, of Sunday school teachers, and it should be the gift of all parents, and of all who have been properly instructed in the Word. We all need this gift to a high degree, because there are so many false prophets, not only preachers but also laymen, fanatically promulgating error, often defending it skillfully. Hence "discerning of spirits," so as to expose all who are false. This is polemics, and some people are so irenic that polemics offend their tender sensibilities. Yet unless the work of exposing, branding, and denouncing error is properly done, the Church would soon be wrecked. The Spirit provides keen minds to expose false doctrine and errorists. Shall he withhold this gift?
From: Lenski. The Epistle Selections of the Ancient Church: An Exegetical Homiletical Treatment: A Series of Epistle Texts for the Entire Church Year. 1935/2021 [LutheranLibrary.org](https://www.lutheranlibrary.org/526/)
