How can we get our bearings so we don’t get lost in the spiritual journey?

1. We will get and keep our bearings in the spiritual journey by developing doctrinal discernment

Question: Should Christians judge one another?

Some criteria for proper evaluation may be helpful

▸ Evaluation should be for the purpose of approval (cf. I John 4:1 - “test” with a view toward approval)

▸ Evaluation should be done in humility and gentleness (cf. Gal. 6:1)

▸ Evaluation must not focus on personal preference issues (cf. Rom. 14:1–23; I Cor. 8:1–13; 10:23–33)

▸ Evaluation should identify those leaders who have “no handle for criticism” from within the church or the community (cf. I Tim. 3)

Two terms for “testing:”

▸ peirazō – This term has the connotation of examination for the purpose of ________________ __________________or rejection

▸ dokimazō – This term is a only used in a positive sense of testing with a view towards ___________________

2. We will get and keep our bearing in the spiritual life by confidently applying _______________ ________________

What does the phrase: “because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” mean to you?

How can you live a victorious life?