Finding True Discernment in the Last Days

It seems more and more that we’re heading into troubling times. If that’s true, then believers are going to need discernment like never before. The lines between truth and deception are getting harder to see. And if there was ever a time when we needed to know what’s real and what’s not—it’s now.

Many speak about the need for discernment in the last days, but few understand where it actually comes from. Discernment is not a feeling. It’s not intelligence. It’s not gained by watching the news or listening to sermons. Discernment is the result of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

And the Holy Spirit only fills those who are truly empty.

The Bible says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This is a command to believers, meaning it’s not automatic. The Spirit doesn’t force His way in. He fills what has been willingly emptied. Pride, sin, bitterness, and self-will must be dealt with. God won’t fill a heart that still wants control.

This is why so many struggle. They want spiritual clarity without surrender. They want power without repentance. But it doesn’t work that way. The progression is simple:

Empty → Filled → Discernment

The emptying is the hardest part. It takes honesty before God. No corner of the heart can be off-limits. Yet the reward of surrender is greater than words can describe.

Jesus said, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come” (John 16:13). Only the Spirit can guide us into all truth. Without Him, people are left trying to figure things out with human logic—which always falls short.

Paul explained why spiritual truth often goes misunderstood: “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Discernment doesn’t come from the natural mind—it comes from the Spirit of God.

James gives this promise: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). But asking is only the start. It takes a surrendered heart to receive.

The proof of being filled isn’t emotionalism, it’s fruit (singular). Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23). It’s not a fruit stand where you pick and choose. The fruit of the Spirit is singular, meaning it comes as a whole. Where the Spirit is truly at work, all nine qualities begin to grow—together. This fruit confirms that the Spirit is at work. And where He is working, discernment follows naturally.

God gives wisdom to the humble. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). The Spirit opens understanding of Scripture, reveals deception, and shines light on what once seemed normal or even good.

Discernment in the last days is not a spiritual luxury—it’s a lifeline. The Bible warns: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). But testing requires the Spirit’s guidance. Without Him, people will cling to lies and miss the truth.

This is why true discernment cannot be taught by man. It cannot be stirred up through emotion or forced by laying on of hands. It is the work of God in an empty, yielded vessel. The Holy Spirit fills when He chooses—and when He fills, the believer will know. Maybe not through a feeling, but through a certainty that cannot be shaken.

In these last days, deception is growing bold. Confusion is loud. But Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). His sheep still hear His voice—but only when the noise of self has been silenced, and the Spirit is leading.

The path to discernment hasn’t changed. Empty the vessel. Be filled with the Spirit. And walk in the truth.
That’s the only way to see clearly in a world that’s growing darker by the day.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)