Discernment

INTRO

“Grab Bag”—4wks mixed topics w/ no central theme

Lst wk: Reached into bag & talked about CONVICTION {for our benefit, changes us. Humility!]

TODAY "DISCERNMENT”

What is Discernment?

What is “discernment”? Christianese, don’t hear about a lot

Basically just ability to differentiate between two things—spot the difference!

Given several options, solve for which one is ‘off’ from the others

In Biblical terms, one source put it this way:

Definition: The sacred art of recognizing God’s voice amid the many voices of the world.

Mature believers learn to detect subtle differences between truth and deception.

In fact, we are commanded:

1 John 4:1 ESV “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…”

We are supposed to weigh the input in our lives with God’s Spirit/Word.

Often that’s a difficult task.

Charles Spurgeon said:

“Discernment isn't knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right & almost right.” —C. Spurgeon

But disc’nt is not suspicion—it is love trained to tell the difference! Not fear—it is faith with open eyes.

How many know?: We need this tool in our tool belt!?

Politics—AI deepfake—sensational headlines—20sec. arguments—SM addiction

Instead of losing ‘selves in endless scroll, engage our minds to think critically…

…about the good or bad we’re taking in & what we should do w/ it.

…about why we believe what we do; why it’s true.

…about the value of what we let our minds/hearts simmer on.

…about how we can grow from dmg. we’ve done in past—ownership!

In our disposable age, we have (gen. spk’g) stopped thinking critically.

So TODAY, more than EVER before… need to resuscitate a Biblical practice (give focus to it) >>

Grow in Discernment

Anything worth doing is worth doing correctly.

Usually means, it’s worth waiting on, taking time.

World: consumed by how fast can do things; never designed to do something fastest!

When it comes to impressive art or creativity, time is always imp. factor!

The best things in life really take a long time—being slowly poisoned by our impatience.

Also true of Spiritual growth: takes a lifetime to grow…

1. Discernment grows through disciplined training, not occasional inspiration.

Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

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** underline in your Bible/app

S’times I hear Xians saying things like “gotta’ get filled up” or “this is how I refuel”

Definitely some truth there… also sign of immaturity as Xian.

We should ‘refuel’ every day: Pray, read our Bible, ask Q about our it, write them down, call friend or pastor and discuss

Evaluate what I take in my mind, my eyes, my ears by “does this honor Christ?”

Xian community should be a benefit; i desire for you to want that!! But also… growth needs to continue thru the week.

Discernment is something called a ‘practice’: we have to train piece by piece.

Not immediate! Work for it.

The Pastor to Hebs. uses words like: 'train’ & ‘use constantly’

We don’t stop! Can’t stop. Won’t stop!

Discernment is something we grow into… Becoming a disciple!

Plenty of room for grace & for failure. G. doesn’t demand perfection immed… but he cmds. us to grow!

Thank GOD He doesn’t expect us to do it alone.

We have His HS dwelling so close to our hearts. Drawing us—now—closer to His voice.

The Holy Spirit does not merely inform us—He forms us: guides us toward what is true, godly, and life-giving.

Why is the Holy Spirit said to be so close—indwelling us?

I believe that discipleship, and therefore >>

2. Discernment Begins with Relationship

Apostle Paul reminds us that it’s those in God’s family who experience the Spirit’s guidance: Romans 8:14.

Romans 8:14 ESV “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

Discernment flows from intimacy. We recognize Christ’s voice not because we are clever—but because we belong.

The Spirit leads children, not spectators.

Can only sense His leading, hear His voice, when we listen. When we’re in relationship w/ Him.

When we, as sons & daughters, pull up a chain/sit in lap of Father & ask Him a Q.

When we stop asking, stop listening, stop seeking, we stop growing as His kids.

Similarly, Jesus asserts that it is His sheep that know His voice; see John 10:27.

John 10:27 ESV “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Discern: Salvation Call??

May you continue growing from this day onward…

May we make time to stop and listen on our own & therefore grow.

The last thing I want is for Xians to fall stagnant & not grow!

Unique thing about this pers. relat w/ God: it comes with benefits, gifts: >>

3. The Spirit Searches Deep Things—and Invites Us In

Apostle Paul reminds us that we have a direct-line to God’s truth: 1 Corinthians 2:10-12.

1 Corinthians 2:10–12 ESV “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God… that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”

What does it mean, practically, to “hear” the Spirit’s voice?

Story of Elijah: depressed, blinded, worn out—G. feeds him, take nap…

1 Kings 19:11–12 “The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

reveals His glory, pres.—Equake, fire, wind… still small voice speak; quiet whisper

We have to be listening carefully; not distracted by the chaos or calamity or threats around me.

God often speaks softly, carefully, gently, personally.

No road signs, ads/billboards, neon lights… sends letter by snailmail, calls not texts, invite for coffee & chat, long walk in nature

S’times been shown bad example of relat. in life—need to heal from those wounds so that we can have better relat. with God.

Time w/ counselor or trusted pastor/friend

Same Convo Elijah had with YH we get to have daily by HS!

Not MY voice, not what I feel like doing… God’s voice, His prior.

Goal: overlapping desires!

Discernment is not guesswork. The Spirit searches God’s heart—and shares what we need to know. We are not left alone with our decisions.

So what can I do?

Discernment Prep: Practice Stillness & Scripture

The Spirit rarely shouts over noise. He waits for quiet hearts.

Again and again and again script. reminds us to stop & be silent & wait.

Psalm 46:10 ESV “Be still, and know that I am God.”

How are you taking advantage of ‘still’ moments in your life right now?

May only feel like moments. May we not fill those moments in with just ent’ment!

Scrolling? or Seeking?

Colossians 3:16 ESV “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

Take this two Ways—

1. scripture is God’s Word… Bible only directly calls it that a couple of times; once?!

2. The ‘Word’/λογος = Jesus; and He still speaks words to us today!

What rhythms (prayer, silence, reading) do you need to implement to help you stay spiritually attentive to His voice?

Scripture is the map by which we recognize His leading.

Psalm 119:105 ESV “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Stillness trains us to notice where the map leads.

Real World Discernment

We live amid misinformation, rushed decisions, moral confusion, and spiritual noise.

Discernment helps us navigate:

misleading headlines

online voices that stir fear or division

career choices that cost family peace

relationships that quietly erode joy

spiritual leaders who speak well but live poorly

Not every open door is God’s door. Not every decision made by your political party is in line with Jesus.

Not everything sold with an Xian logo is done so with integrity

The Spirit teaches us to pause, test, pray, and listen.

Discernment Is Tested by Fruit

The moral character of a person is a sign of their reliability and honesty.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22–23, James 3:17.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Have you ever sensed something was wrong because peace was missing?

God’s guidance carries God’s character.

If someone is acting out of line with Jesus, you have more reason to doubt their words.

The Spirit does not lead through fear, frenzy, or force; He leads through perfect peace.

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and he will make straight your paths.”

Where do you most need discernment right now?

What voices are competing for your attention?

Which voices do you need to lessen in your life… which do you need to increase?

Prayer.