How to Be Discerning

Introduction: In a world filled with information, opinions, and ideologies, the ability to discern is a valuable skill for navigating life. The Bible provides us with guidance on how to cultivate discernment, and this blog post explores key insights to help you on your journey.

Scripture as Our Guide: The foundation of discernment lies in our connection to God's Word.

Psalm 119:65-66 (NKJV):

• "You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word."

• "Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments."

Philippians 1:9-10 (NKJV):

• "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,"

• "that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ."

Defining Discernment: Discernment is not merely a feeling or intuition; it is the act of measuring everything against the standard of Scripture. It involves making distinctions, and to do this effectively, we must educate ourselves in Bible doctrine.

• Educating with Bible Doctrine: Bible doctrine is the foundation for discernment, as it teaches us to think God's thoughts after Him. Without this grounding, it becomes impossible to exercise discernment effectively.

• Making Distinctions: Discernment is about making distinctions between various ideas, beliefs, and actions. In a world filled with noise, discernment enables us to differentiate between right and wrong, good and almost good.

The Lost Art of Discernment: In our current generation, discernment seems to be dwindling. People often rely on subjective emotions instead of objective standards to measure truth.

• Examples of Discernment: Discernment helps us distinguish between:

• Good and evil

• Right and wrong

• Justice and injustice

• Male and female

• Child and adult

• Political figures and their policies

• Disagreements and arguments

• Disagreement and hatred

• Feelings and thoughts

• Desires and identity

• What is important and what is essential

• Orthodoxy and heresy

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NASB): The apostle Paul instructs us to examine everything, hold fast to what is good, and abstain from every form of evil.

• The Weakening of the Church: A lack of discernment weakens the church more than persecution. It is crucial for the body of believers to discern truth from deception.

• Satan's Deceptive Tactics: Satan often masquerades as an "angel of light," leading us astray if we fail to recognize his deceit. Scripture warns us of various forms of deception, including doctrines of demons and worldly wisdom.

The Lack of Spiritual Discernment: In Matthew 16:1-4, Jesus chastises the Pharisees and Sadducees for their inability to discern the signs of the times.

• Testing Everything: Discernment involves testing everything. The word "examine" means to test, judge, or evaluate. A well-informed conscience is the foundation of discernment.

• Holding Firmly and Abstaining from Evil: We are instructed to hold firmly to what is good and abstain from every form of evil. This requires a resolute commitment to God's truth and a rejection of moral perversion.

Why Discernment Matters: Discernment is not reserved for a select few; it is a skill all believers should cultivate. Without discernment, the church can drift into error, prioritizing relationships over doctrine and feelings over logic.

• Historical Examples: The Reformers in the dark times of the Middle Ages demonstrated the power of discernment in restoring the church to truth.

• The Need for Discernment Today: In our current cultural climate, discernment is more critical than ever. The church needs men and women with discernment to navigate the challenges of our times.

Relational Discernment Checklist: When seeking guidance from others, especially in matters of faith and doctrine, consider the following questions:

• Who has discernment?

• Is the person open to changing their beliefs based on Scripture?

• Do they point you to the Bible or to personal preferences or popular figures?

• Are they rooted in historical Christianity and biblical truth or modern trends?

Conclusion: Discernment is not an elusive skill reserved for a select few. It is an essential ability that all believers can develop through a deep understanding of Scripture and a commitment to test everything against God's Word. As you cultivate discernment, you will be better equipped to navigate the complex issues of our time and uphold the truth of the gospel.