DISCERNMENT

DISCERNMENT

DISCERNMENT

Discernment is a critical aspect of the Christian faith, and it involves the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. In the Bible, discernment is often associated with wisdom and knowledge, and it is an essential characteristic of those who follow God. This essay will explore the concept of discernment in biblical Christianity and discuss its significance for Christians.

The Importance of Discernment in Biblical Christianity

Discernment is essential for Christians because it enables them to recognize the will of God and distinguish it from the deceptive schemes of the devil. The Bible teaches that Satan is a deceiver who seeks to lead people away from God and His truth. Therefore, Christians need to have discernment to avoid falling into his traps and to stay on the path of righteousness. In Proverbs 2:3-6, the writer encourages readers to seek wisdom and understanding, saying, "If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of discernment in the context of false teaching. In 1 John 4:1, the writer warns believers to test the spirits to see if they are from God, saying, "Dear friends, 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." Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns Timothy that people will turn away from sound doctrine and listen to false teachers who will tell them what they want to hear.

The Significance of Discernment for Christians

Discernment is significant for Christians because it enables them to make wise decisions that honor God and benefit themselves and others. When Christians have discernment, they can distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and right and wrong. This ability allows them to avoid making poor choices that lead to negative consequences and to pursue the paths that lead to righteousness and blessing. Additionally, discernment helps Christians to stay focused on God's will and to resist the temptations of the devil. In James 4:7, the writer encourages believers to resist the devil, saying, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Moreover, discernment is essential for Christians because it helps them to grow in faith and maturity. As Christians mature in their walk with God, they become more discerning, learning to recognize His voice and to distinguish it from the voices of the world and the devil. This process of spiritual growth requires a deepening of one's relationship with God, a willingness to study His Word, and a commitment to live in obedience to His will. In Hebrews 5:14, the writer encourages believers to become mature in their faith, saying, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Conclusion

In conclusion, discernment is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. It involves the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. Discernment is essential for Christians because it enables them to recognize the will of God and to distinguish it from the deceptive schemes of the devil. Furthermore, discernment helps Christians to make wise decisions that honor God, grow in faith and maturity, and resist the temptations of the devil. As Christians seek to grow in discernment, they deepen their relationship with God, study His Word, and commit to living in obedience to His will.

Genesis 41:33 “Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.”

Genesis 41:39 “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.”

Deuteronomy 32:28 ““For they are a nation void of counsel, and there is no understanding in them.”

Deuteronomy 32:29 “If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!”

2 Samuel 14:17 “And your servant thought, ‘The word of my lord the king will set me at rest,’ for my lord the king is like the angel of God to discern good and evil. The Lord your God be with you!””

1 Kings 3:9 “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?””

1 Kings 3:11 “And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,”

1 Kings 3:12 “behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.”

2 Chronicles 2:12 “Hiram also said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the Lord and a royal palace for himself.”

Job 6:30 “Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity?”

Job 12:20 “He deprives of speech those who are trusted and takes away the discernment of the elders.”

Job 34:4 “Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good.”

Psalm 19:12 “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.”

Psalm 119:125 “I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!”

Psalm 139:3 “You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.”

Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,”

Proverbs 8:9 “They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.”

Proverbs 10:13 “On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.”

Proverbs 14:6 “A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.”

Proverbs 14:33 “Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.”

Proverbs 15:14 “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”

Proverbs 16:21 “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.”

Proverbs 17:10 “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.”

Proverbs 17:24 “The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.”

Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

Proverbs 18:15 “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Proverbs 19:25 “Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.”

Proverbs 28:2 “When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.”

Proverbs 28:7 “The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.”

Proverbs 28:11 “A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.”

Daniel 2:21 “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;”

Hosea 14:9 “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.”

1 Corinthians 2:14 “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

1 Corinthians 11:29 “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

1 Corinthians 11:31 “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.”

Philippians 1:10 “so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,”