Good morning, church family! Today, we are diving deep into the subject of discernment. The ability to distinguish, to discern, to make right judgments – this is a gift from God, but it's also a skill that we must cultivate. A.W. Tozer, a respected Christian author, once said, "A lack of discernment is the cause of so much of the flabby Christianity that is going about these days." So, let's unpack this together, shall we?
The need for discernment is a topic that is both timely and timeless. In an age where information is readily available at our fingertips, the ability to discern truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and wisdom from folly is more crucial than ever. The Bible, in its timeless wisdom, has always emphasized the importance of discernment. In fact, the scriptures we just read underscore this point.
A. Scripture commands us to examine everything carefully. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, urges them to "examine everything carefully." It implies that not everything presented to us, whether it's a teaching, a doctrine, a piece of advice, or even a cultural norm, should be accepted at face value. We are called to scrutinize, to question, and to weigh these things in the light of God's Word. This is not a call to skepticism or cynicism, but rather a call to wisdom and discernment.
B. In Romans 12:2, Paul again emphasizes the need for discernment in the face of worldly pressures. He warns against conforming to the patterns of this world, which often run contrary to God's will. Instead, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation, this renewal, is a process that requires discernment. It involves discerning what is of the world and what is of God, what is temporal and what is eternal, what is superficial and what is substantial.
C. The writer of Hebrews also highlights the need for discernment, describing the Word of God as a two-edged sword that can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. This metaphor speaks to the penetrating power of God's Word, its ability to expose and dissect our innermost thoughts and motives. But for the Word to effectively do this, we need discernment. We need to allow the Word to challenge us, to correct us, and to guide us.
D. Finally, Proverbs 10:13 provides a stark contrast between the person who has understanding and the one who lacks judgment. Wisdom, the verse tells us, is found on the lips of the one who has understanding. This understanding is not merely intellectual or academic, but it is practical and discerning. It involves making right judgments, making wise decisions, and navigating life's complexities with godly wisdom. On the other hand, the one who lacks judgment, who fails to discern, faces the consequences of their folly.
These scriptures collectively paint a picture of the Christian life as one that requires discernment. As followers of Christ, we are called to live wisely, to make right judgments, and to discern truth from falsehood. This is not an optional aspect of our faith, but a necessary one.
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