Sermons on Discerning Behavior:

Permitted But Not Blessed

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 22, 2007

Sometimes God will permit us to do things that are detrimental to us. Spiritual discernment is a must in our relationship with God.

PERMITTED BUT NOT BLESSED TEXT: Numbers 22:20-22 Numbers 22:20 22 -- “And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” “And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:20-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Tossing The Junk Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 13, 2005

Holding on the right things and getting of the wrong things keeps life simpler and more fulfilling. This is the discipine of Christian discernment.

Tossing the Junk Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; Romans 12:9 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Introduction: It was one of those scenes you only see on television. For Rick’s sake, I was glad no cameras showed up. I knew Rick had some ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Simeon

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 18, 2014

At times, we fail to discern the will of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when we have unrighteousness in our life.

Luke 2:27”And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God….” Today too often we hear the words ‘led by the Holy Spirit’ among ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:27

Denomination: Pentecostal

This Thing Called Love

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 1, 2023

The kind of love which Jesus models for us takes discipline, discernment, and knowledge of both God and his Word.

The question Jesus answered for the lawyer that day was “Who is my neighbor?” But an equally important question, and one that doesn’t get asked nearly often enough, is “What is love?” Some enchanted evening you will meet a stranger across a crowded room. Neither of you has a clue what the other is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Good & Bad Traditions (John 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 23, 2025

How do we discern between good and bad traditions? Let's look at John 2.

Do believers always choose the right way? Are mandatory teetotaling and selling items at church, good or bad ideas? Which traditions, built upon Jesus, are gold or stubble? Let’s begin in John 2. Should Christians make up rules not found in the Bible, like forbidding even moderate alcohol use? Did ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Contend For The Faith PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 2, 2023

Encourage believers to actively fight for their faith, discerning between right and almost right, and understand the importance of defending their faith.

Good morning, brothers and sisters. I can't tell you how glad I am to see you all here today. We gather as a family, under the loving gaze of our Heavenly Father, to wrestle with a passage that holds a deep and challenging call for each one of us. Today, we're going to dive into Jude 1:3. Jude ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3

Topics: Defend Belief

Kingdom Now: Good Fruit! PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore the themes of living the Golden Rule, discerning false prophets, and producing good fruit in our lives as believers.

Good morning, everyone! You've probably heard the statement, "Walk the talk." It's a common phrase used to remind us that our actions should match our words. But have you ever stopped to consider how it applies to our Christian life? Today, we'll be diving into Matthew 7:12-23, exploring the themes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12-23

Topics: Kingdom Now, Jesus' Teachings

Upside Down Kingdom PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 15, 2023

This sermon explores the principles of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on understanding and applying the Beatitudes and discerning false prophets in our lives.

Welcome, beloved congregation. It is always a joy to gather together in the house of our Lord, to share in the warmth of fellowship and the nourishment of His Word. As we come together today, let us cast aside the cares and concerns of the world outside, and instead focus our hearts and minds on ...read more

Topics: God's Ways, Beatitudes, Prayer

Discipleship PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 2, 2024

This sermon explores the Christian call to discipleship, emphasizing dedication, discernment, and dynamic living as key aspects of following Jesus.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a delight to be here with you today, sharing in the fellowship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are gathered together in His name, in His presence, and for His glory. Isn't it a joy to be part of the family of God, to share in the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:9

Topics: Discipleship

Doing The Word Series

Contributed by Tim Bond on Jul 21, 2002

In order for us to become everything God desires us to be, we must listen to His Word and allow it to conform our behavior to His Will.

At the age of 33, Erik Weihenmayer is a phenomenal athlete who loves to skydive, snow ski and climb mountains. Mountain climbing is his specialty. As a matter of fact, he is on track to be one of the youngest to climb all of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the continents. In 1995 ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Purity PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 23, 2024

This sermon encourages Christians to pursue purity in their lives, relationships, and personal conduct, guided by discernment and wisdom in a world that often blurs moral lines.

Good morning, cherished family of faith. We gather here today, not as strangers or mere acquaintances but as brothers and sisters united in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We come together, not merely to fill a building, but to fill our hearts with the Word of God. We assemble here, not because ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:16-20, 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Peter 1:16, 1 Timothy 4:12, Ephesians 5:3-5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5  (view more)  (view less)

Topics: Sexual Purity, Holiness, Marriage

The Dangers Of Success

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Apr 24, 2001

This sermon looks at the lives of King Saul and King Uzziah to examine how success can lead to negative behavior on our part.

The Dangers Of Success 3/18/95 GNLCC Samuel 13:1-15 Revelations 2:1-7 2 Chronicles 26 Success is something that we all want to obtain. We want to have it, we want to keep it, and we usually want others to know when it was that we received it. Success in and of itself ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:1-15, 2 Chronicles 26:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Heart Of The Matter Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jan 16, 2003

The heart of our problems are deeper than superficial behaviors. Before we can change, we need our hearts to be changed.

Why do people treat each other so badly? Why do spouses break their wedding vows? Why do people act out in violence and hatred toward others? Why do racism and hate crimes still exist in our world? Why are people filled with greed? Why do we act with treachery and deception toward each other? The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Do Not Submit To Abuse

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Oct 23, 2006

Wives are not called to be slaves, and husbands have no business being bullies. Insecurity drives controlling behavior, which can lead to abuse.

“We do not submit to abuse” I Peter 3:1-8 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. By this time tomorrow, nearly 6,000 women will be victims of domestic violence. As a spiritual community we are called to respond. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-8

Denomination: Congregational

Reference Points, Part Three Series

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Aug 15, 2006

Jesus is the critical reference point of our lives, providing the primary point of reference for our lives, our attitudes and our behavior

Roots, Ripples and Reference Points Lessons from the Lake Part III TCF Sermon August 13, 2006 Have you ever run a race? Have you ever been in a swimming race? Have you ever played basketball, football or tennis, or baseball or soccer? What’s one thing that helped you know you were going where ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational