Sermon Tone Analysis

listening, considering, discerning:

is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong.

Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth.

More than just thinking, but knowing, hearing, discovering, and responding to the ways God communicates and how he communicates to people in whom he is in relationship.

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Deut.—it is to him you shall listen, just as you desired, put words in mouth—matter of life and death, are the commands of God.

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Deut.—it is to him you shall listen, just as you desired, put words in mouth—matter of life and death, are the commands of God.

—posture, receptive: God focuses, nature and character known.

fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

all who practice have good understanding.

1 Cor.

8: always a relational trajectory.

how will our discernment impact our relationship with God, relationship with others, and our world.

—authority of teaching.

voice of God vs. the evil one.

unclean spirit cried out—learning to filter the words and ways of the evil one.

if you have the spirit of God, you have the capacity and authority to follow the commands of God.

discernment: context, what is being sought.

who is speaking?

why are they speaking?

what are the condition of the eyes, ears, heart, relationally

what is discernment?

why do we need to discern? what are some practices (practical ) where can we go to learn more (instructors, inform, teach)

Facets/Steps/Process of Discernment

opening? to whom are you listening?

(attention, intention) or what are you listening?

(source of information)

Deut.

posture (receptive, humble, awe, reverence, willingness to trust God (will, way, words)

intent/desire—what are you desires?

what is the purpose/intent of your discernment

filtering—

voice of God vs. the voice of the evil one

What—voice of God.

instructions, necessitates understanding & relationship with God

here is an example: coffee tasting.

region.

type.

means of drying, washing roasting.

influences the body (feel in your mouth) the taste (finish), the flavor, and the smell.

Why? know certain things (instructions, laws, precepts, commands, etc.).

But how do these apply to life, story, and the context of our situation.

how does God speak to us in the midst of our relationship?

That’s why in the early methodist class meetings, Wesley developed a protestant version of what catholics had been practicing for centuries—contemplative practices that invite the follower of Jesus to pay attention to the relationship, not just the activity of the relationship.

In early Methodist class meetings, the leader asked everyone, him/herself included, about the condition of their souls.

The groups I have led or participated in have used these 4 questions:

1 — How is it with your soul?