Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters. I'm excited to welcome you all to today's sermon about discerning God's truth, distinguishing between fiction and non-fiction, and finding God's peace amidst chaos.

As 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 be perusing through two key passages in the Bible today.

1 Corinthians 14:33 reads, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people."

In Hebrews 12:2, it states, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Discernment of God's Truth

Discernment of God's truth is the ability to judge well, to understand the deep difference between right and almost right.

As Christians, we are called to discern the truth in a world that is often filled with falsehoods and half-truths.

This discernment is not just about distinguishing between fact and fiction, but it is about recognizing God's voice amidst the noise, His truth amidst the lies.

John 8:32: "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This freedom comes from discerning and knowing God's truth.

But how do we discern God's truth? The answer is simple yet profound - through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

God's Word is the ultimate truth. It is the standard against which all other information should be measured.

When we immerse ourselves in the Bible, we equip ourselves with the truth, making it easier to discern God's truth in our daily lives.

We live in a world that is increasingly blurring the lines between truth and falsehood.

We are bombarded with information from all sides - social media, news outlets, friends, family, and even our own thoughts and feelings.

In such a chaotic information environment, discerning God's truth can be challenging.

This is where the Holy Spirit comes in.

The Holy Spirit, our Helper, guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

He helps us discern God's truth by illuminating our minds and hearts, enabling us to understand and apply God's Word correctly.

The Bible warns us that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).

He often uses deception to lead us away from God's truth.

He may twist God's Word, appeal to our fleshly desires, or use the world's philosophies to confuse us.

Therefore, discerning God's truth requires us to be vigilant, to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

We must acknowledge that we don't have all the answers and that our understanding is limited.

We need to depend on God for wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

When we humble ourselves before God, He promises to guide us into all truth.

It involves daily seeking God, studying His Word, and walking in the Spirit.

It requires constant vigilance against the enemy's deceptions and a humble dependence on God for wisdom and understanding.

As we grow in our discernment of God's truth, we experience the freedom that comes from knowing the truth, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and the joy of walking in God's ways.

The Difference Between Fiction and Non-Fiction

Distinguishing between fiction and non-fiction is not just about differentiating between literary genres, but it is about discerning between what is true and what is not in our lives, particularly in our spiritual journey ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO