Introduction

Good morning, Church! Today, we'll be diving deep into the heart of discernment, exploring why we need it, where it comes from, and what happens when we apply it in our lives. As we turn to the scriptures, we'll be looking at three specific passages: I Thessalonians 5:21-22, 1 John 4:1, and Philippians 1:9-10.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Paul urges the Thessalonians, "But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

John, in his first epistle, 4:1, further emphasizes this, saying, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Lastly, Paul's prayer for the Philippians in 1:9-10 serves as our guide for what discernment looks like in action, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

Isn't it amazing how the Bible itself teaches us about discernment? But let's not just take my word for it.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right." We'll unpack his words a bit more during our sermon today because discernment isn't just about making the right decisions—it's about drawing closer to God and growing in our faith.

Let's open with a prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we delve into your scriptures today, we pray that you grant us the discernment to understand and apply your truth. Help us to test everything against your Word, to hold fast to what is good, and to abstain from every form of evil. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Alright folks, let's buckle up and get ready for a journey of discernment!

The Need

Discernment, in its simplest form, is the ability to judge well. In the context of our Christian faith, it is the ability to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, and ultimately, God's will from our own or the world's. It is a spiritual gift, a divine endowment that is crucial for our spiritual growth and maturity. But why do we need discernment? Why is it so important in our Christian walk?

Our world needs it: We live in a world that is filled with a myriad of voices, each clamoring for our attention and allegiance. These voices come in various forms - media, culture, friends, family, and even our own thoughts and desires. Some of these voices may appear good and beneficial on the surface, but not all of them align with God's truth and His will for our lives. Without discernment, we can easily be swayed by these voices, leading us astray from the path God has set before us.

To navigate the complexities of life: Life is not always black and white. There are grey areas, dilemmas, and tough decisions we have to make. In such situations, discernment helps us to make wise decisions that are in line with God's will. It enables us to see beyond the surface, understand the underlying issues, and make choices that honor God and promote peace, justice, and love.

Needed for spiritual warfare: The Bible warns us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is crafty and deceptive, often disguising himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Without discernment, we can easily fall into his traps and be led astray. Discernment equips us to recognize the enemy's tactics, to stand firm in our faith, and to resist his attacks.

Essential for our spiritual growth and maturity: Hebrews 5:14 tells us that solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. As we grow in our faith, we should also grow in our discernment. This means being able to understand deeper truths of the Bible, discern God's will in more complex situations, and make wiser decisions that reflect our growth and maturity in Christ.

Needed to fulfill our calling as Christians: We are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14), to uphold truth, to promote justice, and to love unconditionally. Discernment enables us to fulfill this calling effectively. It helps us to discern the needs of the world, to respond appropriately, and to make a positive impact for Christ.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you had to discern between right and wrong in a situation. How did God help you do this and how did it affect your life and your faith?

The Source

It's important to note that discernment isn't something we can muster up on our own ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO