Introduction: A Call to Discernment

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

A while ago a friend shared an interesting experience with me. He received a phone call from a woman who claimed to have a word from God for him. She began prophesying, “You are a great man of God, full of power, and God is going to use you in a powerful way. You are going to be a mighty warrior for God . . .” Immediately he had a check in his spirit and became very suspicious of this “word from God,” knowing, apart from everything else, that God was unlikely to call him on the phone to flatter him. Knowing what it says in 1 John 4:1-3 he decided to try the test literally. He asked the voice on the phone, “Has Jesus Christ come in the flesh”? The answer on the other end of the line was, “She believes that.” He immediately responded with, “Wrong answer” and hung up. The spirit that was inspiring the prophecy answered in the 2nd person.

The Spirit of this Age

The era we live in now, in the 21st century, is called Postmodernism which, in our terminology, we would call the present spirit of this age. While it claims to reject any form of supernaturalism it is inevitably drawn to mysticism and spiritual experiences. No matter who or what man might claim he or she believes he cannot escape the fact that he is a spiritual being and will be attracted to some form of the supernatural.

The days of materialistic, secular humanism, known as Modernism[1] have given way to this New Age of ‘spirituality’. It is a totally new set of assumptions on reality – on what life is all about – and it is deadly!

Whilst modernist attacks on Christianity are losing their force, postmodernists are attacking Christianity on different grounds. For example, modernists would argue in various ways that Christianity is not true – the battle lines were clearly set – we knew the opposition! One hardly hears this objection any more. Today the most common critique is that, “Christians think they have the truth.” The claims of Christianity are not denied; they are compromised to fit in with the relativity and subjectivity of our times.

And whilst on the subject! Please understand that modern science (as from the 18th century) is driven by a strong philosophical content. While Modernism had a form of secular rationalism that was acceptable (1 + 1 = 2 as long as God is not involved), Postmodernism, including its scientific thought, is subjective. If you look closely they are trying to tell us that we do not have the right to impose upon someone the fact that 1 + 1 = 2!! [Da Vinci Code and DSTV]

Postmodernism is a highly complex system of thinking because that’s precisely what it rejects – any form a logical thinking - but in essence is comprised of three important approaches which are relevant to our study this morning:

There is no absolute truth (I have my version of ‘truth’ and you may have yours) - illogical
It is purely subjective (if it feels good it is good, if it feel bad it is bad)
It affirms tolerance for all forms of thought – it claims to be non-judgmental (except for Christianity which is attacks vehemently).

Our culture has turned inward to subjective, spiritual, self-validating experiences. Now people rarely ask, “Is it true?” but ask instead, “Does it work for me? Is it in line with my experiences?”

As history has repeatedly shown, the Christian church has again allowed itself to be heavily influenced by the thinking of the contemporary culture. Jesus pointed out that even the elect will be deceived: Mark 13:22

Paul warns his writers in Colossians in Colossians 2:5 - And the history of the church has shown from thereon how it was captivated by the spirit of the age. As you examine the writings of some of the Apostolic Fathers and Church Fathers [ explain ] you will see how they were strongly influenced by the Platonic philosophy of the day. Fortunately not all, and the School at Antioch sprung up with giants like Tertullian who was known for his strident antagonism towards philosophy: “What has Jerusalem to do with Athens……. [or] the church with the academy”. He opposed philosophy as a source of truth that rivaled God’s revelation, but not as a method of argumentation – much the route I personally follow.

Once discernment becomes subjective rather than objective, then it is no more discernment! Unfortunately Charismatic history in particular has shown itself extremely subjective even to the point of rejecting any form rationality albeit based upon the Word of God.

While I deem it necessary to ask relevant questions and to examine the Scriptures diligently often, if the case warrants it, to the point of redefining some of the dogmatic thinking that has gone before us, I find it unnecessary and dangerous practice to try and reinvent the theological wheel.

“We are like dwarves sitting on the shoulders of giants [the ancient Christian writers]. We see more than they and things that are farther away – not because our sight is better than theirs, nor because we are taller than they were, but because they raise us up and add to our stature by their enormous height.”

While the author of this saying, Bernard of Chartres, was a 12th century secular philosopher, his words are as applicable to us in the church today as they were then.

My thesis therefore is this: discernment is objective and the Scriptures alone give us the tools to discern spirits.

We need to understand the vital distinction between proof (Bible - objective) and persuasion (philosophy - subjective). Proof is objective – Persuasion is subjective

The Bible – God’s Word?

It stands to reason that if we are to go any further into our study of discernment we need to, once again, consolidate our thoughts on the Bible. The mere definition of discernment so far demands a benchmark – an absolute to measure by.

Most Christians will not hesitate to affirm their allegiance to the Word of God. But too often when we examine this allegiance closer we find it to be mere lip service. John Macarthur makes an important observation. In his book, Biblical Thinking, he states:

Perhaps the one doctrine most under attack in the church of our generation is the sufficiency of Scripture. Even people who give lip service to the authority, inspiration, and inerrancy of Scripture often hesitate at affirming it sufficiency. The result is virtually the same as a denial of Biblical authority, because it directs people away from the Bible in search for other ‘truth’.

What do we mean when we say Scripture is sufficient? We mean that the Bible is an adequate guide for all matters of faith and conduct. Scripture gives us every truth we need for life and godliness. Anything else outside of the Bible, whether it be a ‘word from God’ or any other writing, can only at best, support what the Bible has already said.

What is discernment?

\\ After this lengthy introduction we might as well ask – what is discernment, or more accurately what is Biblical discernment?

Greek [1253] : διακρισις ( n) or διακρινω (v). ( διαγνοσις and κριτικος ). The word speaks of separating, of distinguishing. It is a proactive action that requires the mind. Along with what the Scriptures say (i.e. 1 Corinth 12 – gifts) it indicates that this is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

So we may say at this point that discernment is a divine combination of:

The Word
Our Mind
Working together through The Holy Spirit.

The important point here is that the Holy Spirit must have something to work with! He needs His sword which is the ρημα , the ‘understood’ word of God. No word – no discernment!

There is a fallacy, especially amongst Charismatics, that the Holy Spirit will teach us without teachers. This is a misinterpretation of 1 John 2:27.

In context it says - 1 John 2:26-27 - Please note the, "I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you"

This Epistle’s prime objective was to refute the Gnostic teachings of the day that were claiming a deeper spirituality – a different Gospel to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They used all the right word and terminology but put it together differently. The phrase, “you have no need that anyone should teach you” is referring to these false teachers. Is it any different today?

In verse 20 he says: “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge [οιδα - ”information”]. Note that this is not the usual word (γνοσις) for knowledge - it speaks here of information or data. It’s the Anointing and the input from the Word of God that results in Biblical discernment.

Hebrews 5.11-14 puts it into a nutshell: [“……. who by reason of use have their senses trained to discern both good and evil” – NKJV]

I would therefore define spiritual discernment as the divinely given ability to distinguish God’s thoughts and ways from all others

Judgment vs. Discernment

Of course when we speak of discernment the question of judgment comes up. I think it is pretty obvious what we are saying bit let’s just be clear on the point.

Certainly, neither you nor I want to develop a judgmental spirit. But we must cultivate a discerning spirit. When Matt 7:1 is quoted, (“Don’t judge or you will be judged”) against proper attempts to distinguish and discern truth from error this passage is again been misused. This passage forbids improper judging – it does not forbid all judging.

In John 7:24 (ESV), Jesus exhorts us to not judge by appearances, “but to judge with right judgment.”

Reading further in Matthew 7 Jesus commands us, “not to give what is holy to the dogs and don’t throw your pearls before pigs (vs. 6)” This requires judgment of the discerning kind.

Let’s not forget Christ’s commendation of the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:2

We are called to judge doctrine, actions and even character. I would call on Gal 6:1 - 5 to be my guideline.

A Word of Warning

In conclusion, I need to mention the fact that is possible to become so narrow in your concern for purity and truth that you withdraw further and further into a shell. We might not be of this world but we are in it – and for a specific reason.

Perhaps the sad biographies of Arthur Pink, the great Christian thinker and writer of the early 1900’s, best illustrates the extreme to which one can go.

Increasingly unable to reach agreement with others, he first retreated from one continent to another, then from one congregation to another, finally leaving behind every church and living out the remainder of his days on an island in Scotland, where he and his wife worshiped at home alone. While few people will go so far as Pink, it is easy to see just how he reached this place. As you look around you, on every hand you see the great lack of discernment in the church. After trying to do something about it, you may come to believe that your efforts are useless - little more than a drop from a bucket. At that point it is tempting to cry out with Elijah, "I, I alone am left!"

But God didn't leave Elijah alone, and He hasn't left us alone, either. God has His thousands - even His millions! I trust that you will not become discouraged as you undertake to separate those thoughts and ways that are God's from those that are not. Persist, and others will learn from you!

In all that you do, be absolutely sure that it is the biblically certain truths of God for which you contend. It is easy to identify, one's own interpretations of the Bible with the Bible itself. Moreover, it is an equally fatal flaw in many people who mean well to confuse their traditions with the teachings of Scripture.

Discernment, the capacity to separate truth form error, is vitally important. The church cannot do without it. Apart from spiritual discernment it is impossible to determine and follow Romans 12:2 ....

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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[1] Man is the centre of all things; Man is essentially good; Man can reason out his existence apart from God; Was science and philosophically driven. There is no God – no supernatural. It brought in Evolution – the ‘religion’ of the Atheists. It drew very distinct battle lines.