Discern vs. Judge

Verlin Wenger

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The Purpose

Clarify the importance of discernment and how or when to judge.

A lack of discernment leads to unintended consequences and pain.

Not being able to smell a rat often results with us coming face to face with a rat sandwich and needing to eat it.

Why do we need discernment? Are you experiencing the blessing of the Lord in every area of your life?

Text: , ,

Matthew 7:1–5 KJV 1900

1. The Definitions

Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Judge -to decide, to form a negative opinion about, to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence -Merriam-Webster

-Merriam-Webster, I. (2003)

Note: the word “Judge” in our culture, often has a negative connotation to it (as in condemning someone) but that is not the only way it is used

Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. -Merriam-Webster, I. (2003)

Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Discern -to separate, distinguish between, to recognize or identify as separate and distinct: DISCRIMINATE 〈discern right from wrong〉-Merriam-Webster

There are three types of discernment

There is discernment that results in natural knowledge

There is discernment that leads to spiritual knowledge (including the gift of discerning of spirits that Paul mentions in 1 Cor 12)

There is discernment that causes us to know the will of God

One example showing the difference is found in where Agabus discerned what was going to happen to Paul

Acts 21:11–14 ESV

And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Natural discernment without spiritual discernment is like eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

Spiritual discernment of God’s will is eating from the Tree of Life -it requires a relationship with Jesus Christ

Spiritual discernment is always greater or more important than what we can figure out with our mind

2. Examples of Discernment

Matthew 12:24–25 KJV 1900

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

There is a natural and a spiritual discernment just as Jesus illustrated when he rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees in -

Matthew 16:1–3 KJV 1900

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

3. How to grow in discernment (understanding of spiritual truth/knowledge)

Pro 2:1-6

It requires Humility

Solomon had a humble heart at the beginning of his reign as king -

1 Kings 3:9 KJV 1900

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Receive advice and council from those who are older

It requires a soft heart -

Mark 8:17 KJV 1900

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

It requires having a desire & a willingness to pursue

An excellent study would be to look up the word “knowledge” in Ps. & Pro. -The main Hebrew word for knowledge is used 43 times

Proverbs 2:1–6 KJV 1900

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, And liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, And searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

describes how this looks

True spiritual discernment comes by revelation through the Holy Spirit

-The church of Jesus Christ is built upon revelation

Matthew 16:15–18 KJV 1900

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Luke 10:21 KJV 1900

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

1 Corinthians 2:12–15 KJV 1900

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Walk in the Light (our 2019 theme verse)

1 John 1:7 KJV 1900

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

When we walk in the light, we have the greatest amount of discernment.

When there is unrecognized sin in our life or in our congregation, it is an indication of us not fully walking in the light

4. When should we be discerning?

1 Peter 5:6 KJV 1900

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1900

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

How discerning would you be if you knew a lion was on the lose outside? Imagine having on full body armour and holding an AR-15 -would you still be discerning of your surroundings when going outside? Absolutely!

We could be tempted to operate from fear, but fear brings torment

Our discerning is based on love for God and each other along with recognizing it is our personal responsibility

5. When should we judge? When should we not?

After we have removed the “beam” from our own eye

Matthew 7:1–7 KJV 1900

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. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

We should not judge regarding matters of conscience -for example, when a brother feels that he must regard something as holy or that something should or should not be eaten -

Romans 14:4–6 KJV 1900

Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Romans 14:4 ESV

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

The question is this, Is it being done unto the Lord?

Don’t judge yourself or others as someone who is really great -

1 Corinthians 4:3–6 KJV 1900

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Discernment and judging is a requirement of those who are believers

See

1 Corinthians 5:11–13 ESV

But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

We are to judge ourselves before taking part in the Lord’s Supper. Are we led of the Spirit or by our flesh? -

1 Corinthians 11:28–32 KJV 1900

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:30–32 KJV 1900

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

We must always remember mercy when judging

Like Jesus we need to discern the situation, and remember his words when we are judging harshly -let him who is without sin throw the first stone

James 2:12–13 ESV

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

6. Why is spiritual discernment important?

Without it we will be reacting to what we naturally discern. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their carnal reaction in

Jesus rebuked the disciples for their carnal reaction in

Without discernment of God’s leading, we are lost or aimlessly wondering

We live in a spiritual world -not discerning what’s happening in the spirit is like:

Trying to see through a foggy window

Someone who needs strong glasses, but lost them and now is trying to live without them

We live in a world that is constantly trying to drag us down through fear, puff us up through pride and independence, and wear us out by keeping us busy with things that replace times of peace and quietness with the Lord.

We need to be able to discern truth when our physical senses, emotions & reasoning are wanting us to react or judge by physical appearance

One of the most dangerous things is to judge by only natural discernment, when spiritual discernment is required

In , the pharisees had a big discussion on whether Jesus could be the Christ. In their limited understanding and by using their natural minds, they concluded that no prophet was prophesied to come from Galilee so Jesus couldn’t be the messiah.

Jesus first response to the disciples question on what the future holds is to warn them against being deceived. We can only avoid this if we have godly spiritual discernment

Matthew 24:4 KJV 1900

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

We can only avoid this if we have godly spiritual discernment

7. Conclusion

Are you exercising spiritual discernment in your own life?

God is wanting us to grow and mature as we can read in

Hebrews 5:14 KJV 1900

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Have you judged without mercy? Or judged in a critical condemning way? Or maybe not judged when you should have?

Jesus said,

John 7:24 KJV 1900

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Especially with us observing the Lord’s Supper next Sunday, let’s start by asking the Holy Spirit to examine our own heart.

Maybe there are things we have allowed in our lives that are not good

1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 AMP

But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.

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