Discretion for good
Fools Gold • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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TEXT: Proverbs 3.21-29
Matthew 7:1-5 has probably been one of the most misused, misunderstood passages in the Bible during my lifetime. Let me give you a few examples of how it is used wrongly.
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
In a world where pornography is encouraged.
They throw their debauched Pride parades.
They Sodomize and abuse one another, and call it consent.
There is a world that encourage children to carve their bodies up and call it affirmative care.
They kill children in the safety of a mothers womb and call it womens rights.
They rail against the excesses of the rich and turn a blind eye to human trafficking.
And any voice of sanity gets shouted down and the favorite of us preachers is the cry - Don’t judged. The Bible says judge not.
We say that lust in your heart is to be repented of. Flee that lust and make no place for it in your life. Ahhhhh - don’t judge.
No the Bible says that sex belongs in the confines of the male female, marriage that acknowledges and confirms his design for the home. God made the home not civilized individuals over hundreds of thousands of years. and the shout is DON”T JUDGE.
“Don’t Judge” has become a kind of rallying cry for many Christians who are ignorant about what the Bible teaches. They use it against anyone who ever dares to suggest that their actions might not be what Jesus wants from them.
It has also become a stock-response for people who are not Christians at all. If a Christian suggests in a public forum that any activity is immoral, or even harmful, we are quickly silenced with “Jesus said, ‘do not judge.’”
In fact “judging” or “intolerance” has become one of the only things that our society as a whole is willing to call an evil thing. Why non-Christians care that Jesus said ‘do not judge,’ I have no idea. I suspect they don’t, and are only looking for a chance to accuse us of hypocrisy.
“Judging” however, is not the same as “discerning.” Discernment is a conscious effort to carefully and considerately explore the moral right and wrong of a situation, or an opinion, or an action, with the desire, in the end, to honor God and serve those involved.
Discretion takes that discernment and applies it to my everyday life.
Discernment pursues the understanding of what is morally right and acceptable to God while trying to avoid what is morally wrong and unacceptable to God. Discretion aims to live it out;
Let me introduce you to the subject of Discretion...
Our world hates discretion.
Several philosophical perspectives might be seen as working against or challenging the notion of discretion:
Relativism: Suggests that right or wrong is entirely dependent on cultural or individual beliefs. Morality is merely subjective what is wrong for you is right to me.
Utilitarianism: In pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number, utilitarianism might overlook the importance of discretion in handling sensitive or complex situations. The greatest debauchery of our day comes on the back of Utilitarianism. We should all use words that aren’t english because a very small minority feel out of place in their own skin. (Transgenderism)
Materialism: Says if you want it no one should keep you from having it.
Hedonism: Self-indulgence above other values discourages the exercise of discretion, as it may involve restraint or sacrifice for the sake of long-term well-being or ethical considerations.
these other values will lead one to…
Nihilism: If one believes that life lacks inherent meaning or value, they might see no reason to exercise prudence in decision-making.
the other non biblical response leads to the same
Individualism: Philosophies that prioritize individual autonomy and freedom to the extreme might devalue the need for discretion, as they could argue that individuals should be free to act as they see fit without concern for social norms or consequences. Understand biblically your freedom is never the end Freedom is for the purpose of obeying Christ and serving others.
Scripture says that the need of the young man is Discretion. In a world that is afraid young men aren’t having enough experiences and they haven’t really lived. Solomon says their greatest need is
Subtlety - the ability to slow down and refuse impulsiveness
To give subtilty to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion.
Solomon will go into chapter 2 and in verse 11 he describes this element of Wisdom…
Discretion shall preserve thee,
Understanding shall keep thee:
** Discretion protects and preserves, in that it keeps its follower from making decisions that will later bring only regret.
How does this Work?
Delivers you from having the same ending as a Evil Man.
By the way a great way to decide which path you should be on is look at the end of the path your friends and comrades are on.
IF they can’t keep a marriage together
IF they can’t demonstrate Christ
IF they are falling apart financially
Don’t fall for their lies.
Every 10 minutes some new fad comes along.
Psycho Feminism - doesnt help men
Red Piller - don’t lead to the love of a wife
Victim mindset, Sad loser thinking - breaks down the relationship between young people and the protection of their authorities.
Look down the road and see where it ends. If there are a whole bunch of sad broken losers. Don’t go that way.
**Discretion protects and preserves, in that it keeps its follower from making decisions that will later bring only regret.
A coming day of no discretion…
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Isaiah warned of this mentality.
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
That put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Remember that God’s judgement came upon the Israelites when they ‘did that which was right in their own eyes. (Judges 17.6; 21.25)
CIT: Discretion is not just to keep you from doing something stupid. Discretion is about how to live life.
Discretion can keep you from stepping in a bear trap. But its best use is to keep us off the path with the bear trap. vs 23
When you have made wise choices then we can sleep soundly not fearful of a chaos coming out of nowhere. When your life is clear of sin then you fear no consequences. When your path is wise the fruit to bear is good and confident.
Prov 4 - Gives a different idea of discretion.
CIT: Discretion is not just to keep you from doing something stupid. Discretion is about how to live life.
For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.
In otherwords discretion can be seen in what you don’t say. Or what you don’t do. The greater demonstration is in what you choose to do.
What kind of life is a life of Discretion…
Discretion is fair with his neighbor…
Discretion involves recognizing when it's appropriate and within one's means to help others or do what is morally right. The passage advises against withholding assistance or kindness when it's deserved and within one's capability to provide.
Discretion only comes by being Intentional.
Discretion often involves timely and appropriate responses to situations, recognizing when action is needed and ensuring that it's taken promptly.
Discretion brings its best to all that are in theCommunity.
Discretion also entails refraining from actions that could harm others or betray their trust. The passage advises against plotting harm or deceit against one's neighbor, emphasizing the importance of treating others with integrity and fairness.
You see the world wants to hustle and steal and have what you want. God told his people not to envy your neighbors house, car or spouse. Discretion says don’t do that.
But even better Discretions says, I can sheild my neighbor, I can help my neighbor, I can sacrifice for my neighbor.
CIT: Discretion is not just to keep you from doing something stupid. Discretion is about how to live life.
You and I have been the benefactors of the Discretion of our Savior.
The great example of Discretion that Jesus gave is the Good Samaritan. A man that when all others looked away from the need of a poor beaten destitute soul.
When at expense of himself his treasure of attention, time, effort, and money he ministered. Jesus question was.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Matthew 5:44–48
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Who had greater discretion than Jesus. Who went out of his way to live in action a wisdom that bought our souls from a sinners hell. And by our discretion we are called to demonstrate his undying love.
That same Jesus says go and do like did.
God be perfect like my Father.
In other words here take this grace that i can give to you for the transformation of that once selfish heart and make it a generous bountiful gift to give away for the good of others and then you can look like me and act like my father.
