GROWING IN CHRIST
Recap: The writer of Hebrews tells us that everyone who lives on "milk" (rather than the "solid food" desired by the mature) is untrained in the word of righteousness; however, the mature Christian has been "trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Resuming: Growing in Discernment - We must know the genuine so well that, when the false appears, we can recognize it. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, we will be "trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." We will know God’s character and will. This is the heart of spiritual discernment – being able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God, to have a sense that “this is right” or “this is wrong.” Spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)
· Godly discernment is the divine ability to rightly judge what is going on. In its broadest sense, discernment is closely related to wisdom as an expression of the spirit of God. By this Spirit, we can function in the manner that Jesus did: “He [did] not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears” (Isa. 11:2-3).
As believers, we ought always seek after wisdom. What’s more, as James 1:5 and 6 remind us, we can be sure we’ll receive it when we ask in faith!
Discernment grows as we read and study God’s Word, practice holy living as God desires, pray and ask, and gain experience.
A more specific form of discernment, discerning of spirits, is a spiritual gift imparted by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10). It is also closely related to wisdom, but it is to some extent different in that it involves specific knowledge given supernaturally. Because of this, the gift of discernment is sometimes considered a special expression of the word of knowledge.
… ...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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