A Call To Discernment

A Call to Discernment

June 22, 2025, Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We must learn to practice discernment

Focus Passage: Philippians 1:9–10

Supplemental Passage: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1 NASB)

But He replied to them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' "And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:2-3 NASB)

Introduction: “Discernment is the Spirit-enabled ability to see things clearly and make wise, godly decisions—especially in how we relate to others—by distinguishing truth from error, right from wrong, and wise from unwise.”

I. An Anchored Heart

a. Discernment Begins with a Heart Anchored in God's Word

b. "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil." Hebrews 5:14

c. True discernment grows from spiritual maturity, rooted in Scripture.

d. We discern best when our minds are renewed by truth.

e. “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.” Psalm 119:66

II. A Humble Spirit

a. Discernment Requires a Spirit of Grace and Humility

b. “Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” Galatians 6:1

c. Discernment is not the same as judgmentalism.

d. When dealing with others' faults, we must discern rightly without becoming harsh or hypocritical.

e. Grace and humility keep discernment from becoming prideful.

f. “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye!” Matthew 7:5

III. A Reflective Protection

a. Discernment Protects the Church and Reflects Christ

b. “But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

c. We must evaluate teachings, behaviors, and influences in the body of Christ.

d. discernment helps us guard the flock from deception and division.

e. We represent Christ best when we reflect both truth and love.

f. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6

Application/Call to Obedience: Discernment is seeing life from God’s perspective so we can respond to people and situations with truth, love, and wisdom. Discernment is more than knowing right from wrong—it's applying godly wisdom in relationships, correction, and spiritual leadership. Let us pray for a heart that loves deeply, discerns wisely, and reflects Christ clearly.