Friday, January 5, 2018

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (5)

GROWING IN CHRIST


Recap: We are to come to an understanding that God-given awareness of evil or good spiritual presences—the ability to tell if a demon is in the room is not the biblical meaning of discernment. Spiritual discernment has to do with wisdom and the ability to distinguish truth from error. 


Resuming: In the Book of Proverbs 1, wisdom is described as someone that we can "get to know" (vv. 20-33). The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is "wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). 


Therefore, wisdom, or spiritual discernment, is something that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. The world’s way of getting wisdom is different from God’s way. Hence, how does one increase spiritual discernment? First, recognizing that God is the only one who can increase wisdom, pray for it (James 1:5; Philippians 1:9). Then, knowing the wisdom to distinguish good from evil comes by training and practice, go to the Bible to learn the truth and, by meditation on the Word, reinforce the truth. 

The well-educated of the world gain knowledge and apply reason to fact to solve problems, construct buildings and create philosophies. But our God does not make the knowledge of Himself available by those means. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 says the "wisdom of the wise" is frustrated by God who delivers wisdom to the "foolish" and the "weak" by way of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This way, “no human being can boast in His presence” (verse 29). We learn to be spiritually discerning by knowing Him. 

                                                           ...to be cont'd
 In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Screen Writer/Director
Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer
FOUNDER/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts


 

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