Sermons on Spiritual Discernment:

Discerning The Times

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 5, 2022

Why is it important to use discernment.

Discerning the Times Luke 12:49-56 The Revised Common Lectionary sometimes has a very awkward passage selection. In this case, the passage begins in the middle of a discourse by Jesus. If one has not read the previous portion of the discourse, one might not understand this passage as one ought. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Discerning Spirits Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Jan 23, 2007

Our culture tells us that if something is spiritual, it is "good." John tells us we have to discern the spirits

18 John 4:1-6 January 21, 2007 Discerning Spirits Intro – Franklin episode where they are searching for a talisman to cure his Grandmother. The question in the show is whether the talisman will actually cure the grandmother or whether it is just superstition and not real. There was no room ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: *other

The Danger Of Diminishing Discernment

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Apr 21, 2024

A warning to believers about the loss of discernment in the modern church culture.

“The Danger of Diminishing Discernment” Hosea 7:8-10 8 Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. 9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. 10 And the pride of Israel ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 7:8-10

Denomination: Baptist

Discerning The Spirits

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 29, 2012

Never swallow someone’s line just because he uses terms of the Christian faith. False teachers are popular with the world because they tell people what they want to hear. Here John warns the Christians who faithfully teach God’s Word will not win any popu

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: In an unethical selling technique called the bait-and-switch method, a retailer lures customers into his store by advertising a well-known product at a very low price. When the buyer asks to purchase it, however, he is told that it is out of stock. The salesperson then tries ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discerning Demonic Influence Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 24, 2025

Here are few examples to help you identify potential demonic influence.

Discerning whether you're interacting with a human or a demonic entity can be challenging. Here are few examples to help you identify potential demonic influence. Unusual or unsettling physical sensations: Feeling an intense, unexplained chill, heat, or presence. Inconsistent or contradictory ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-8, Ephesians 6:10-18

Discernment In The Days Of Deception – A Spiritual Warning From Matthew 16:1-12 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 21, 2025

JESUS issues a warning, a spiritual alert to HIS disciples and for us today. A wake-up call to stand firm in sound doctrine, to test all things, and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word.

2025.06.22 Sermon Notes. DISCERNMENT in the DAYS of DECEPTION – A SPIRITUAL WARNING PART 1_ Matthew 16:1-12 WILLIAM AKEHURST, HSWC BIG IDEA: JESUS issues a warning, a spiritual alert to HIS disciples and for us today. A wake-up call to stand firm in sound doctrine, to test all things, and to hold ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:1-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, 1 Timothy 4:1, Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1, 1 John 4:3, Titus 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Romans 12:2, Romans 10:9, John 14:6, Joshua 1:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Our Heart Language

Contributed by Doug Fannon on Dec 30, 2019

Do we hear clearly the words of God or the words of the world?

Did you know that 7,111 languages are spoken today around the world? Almost 3,000 (2,895) languages are endangered today. These numbers change almost daily as more is learned about different people groups around the world. Endangered languages are mainly those where the language is not taught ...read more

Scripture: John 8:42-47

Denomination: Baptist

Staying Clam In A Storm Of Heresy Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Jul 29, 2021

A major concern for John is heresy within the church and the manner it is causing problems and robbing believers of their joy. John uses antichrist in reference to those who perhaps start with seemingly sincere faith; yet, their teaching becomes contrary to Christ and abiding in him.

There is a universal theme that runs through the book of 1 John, abiding in Christ. This is the key to “living in the world but not of the world. When we refuse to live in the world, we fail to serve Christ. Joe McKeever wrote the following. In the 1987 meeting of the Southern Baptist ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Voice Recognition

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Jun 8, 2024

Learning to hear the voice of the Lord is paramount to being led by the Spirit of God. God promises to lead us by His Spirit, speaking spiritual truths, Spirit to spirit. May we be sensitive to His leading as we recognize His voice and follow Him without hesitation and in full obedience.

In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. As a believer, we become part of his flock. That makes us sheep in His Kingdom. Ps. 23 speaks eloquently of how the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep. There is not a question of what the Good Shepherd will do. The question isn’t the intent ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-6, Romans 8:16, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 2:15, Acts 17:1-2, Hebrews 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Can You Hear Me Now? Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Nov 22, 2025

Hearing Jesus requires quieting distractions, cultivating stillness, recognizing His whisper, and aligning life around the Shepherd’s voice that restores clarity, peace, and direction.

There is a moment in every believer’s life when you sense that something is off. You believe in God. You know the stories. You’ve prayed prayers. You’ve stood in worship. You’ve read your Bible. You’ve walked the Christian path long enough to recognize its contours. And yet — a quiet ache grows in ...read more

Scripture: John 10:27, Psalm 46:10, 1 Kings 19:11-13, Romans 8:14, Isaiah 30:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Discernment PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 2, 2023

Explore the concept of discernment as taught in the Bible, emphasizing its importance in making the right decisions, drawing closer to God, and growing in faith.

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 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, 1 John 4:1, Philippians 1:9-10

Topics: Discernment

Mastering The Art Of Discernment SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

Discernment is a critical skill in our current times. Understanding and discerning the times gives us an advantage in navigating life's challenges.

Discernment is crucial in the current hour; it is the most critical requirement for our senses. Understanding the times and having discernment will give us an advantage in the fight we are facing. "And he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:8-13

Topics: Discernment, Understanding

Discerning The Season

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 18, 2021

This message was written in 2020. Some Christians are wondering if we’re in the endtimes. Jesus tells us that what we’re seeing is the beginning of birth pains. This message shows some signs that herald the nearing return of Christ.

I think we can all agree that the world is getting pretty crazy, and some Christians are wondering if we’re in the endtimes. Some are even wondering if we’re in the Tribulation period. Well, if you believe in a pretribulation rapture – that Christ will take us to heaven before the terrible things ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:5-13, Mark 13:28-29

Denomination: Baptist

Discernment PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

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 ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Topics: Discernment

Discerning Heart Issues

Contributed by John Mccormack on May 26, 2014

THE APOSTLE PAUL DEFENDS HIS MINISTRY TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH.

DISCERNING HEART ISSUES OBSERVATION: THE APOSTLE PAUL DEFENDS HIS MINISTRY TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH. INTERPRETATION: 2 CORINTHIANS 11:7 (NKJV) DID I COMMIT SIN IN HUMBLING MYSELF THAT YOU MIGHT BE EXALTED, BECAUSE I PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF GOD TO YOU FREE OF CHARGE? 2 CORINTHIANS 11:7 (THE ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:7

Denomination: Baptist