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Discerning of Spirit
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe need the ability to discriminate in spiritual matters. Grace does not cover unrepented sins nor fellowship with those contemptuous of God's laws.
The Gift of Discerning Spirits
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe gift of discernment, a supernatural ability enabled by God's Holy Spirit, allows a person to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation, whether it comes from God, the devil, the world, or man. This gift reveals information about the presence or absence of spiritual entities, detecting evil forces, angelic intervention, or the prompts of God's Holy Spirit working within us. It becomes increasingly vital as deception marks dangerous times, with false ministers demonstrating occult power to lead people astray. Spiritual gifts, including discernment, are given for the common good, not for personal status or pride. God distributes these gifts individually as He wills, and they are meant to interact within the Body of Christ, complementing one another. The purpose is to promote unity and mutual benefit, recognizing that no single person, except Jesus Christ, possesses all gifts. To discern spirits involves making distinctions between holy and profane, clean and unclean, and rendering decisions based on God's commandments. A discerner habitually obeys God's laws and statutes, faithfully keeping His Sabbaths. Testing spirits is a command, requiring thorough examination of spiritual teachings to ensure they align with God's Word, which is truth. While human reasoning and understanding are essential, reliance solely on intellect or feelings is insufficient; guidance from God's Holy Spirit is crucial. Discerning the nature of a spirit often involves checking if its message matches God's Word. Spirits that appeal to carnal desires for special revelation, use intimidation, or deliver accusations may not align with God's character. Such spirits may show bitterness or animosity toward God, contradicting the assurance that God is mindful of His people and works all things for good to those who love Him. Only by repeatedly engaging with God's Word can the gift of discernment be properly exercised.
The Gift of Discernment and Godly Love
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamIn times of widespread confusion and chaos, where misinformation abounds and affects even the church, the need for discernment, a gift of God's Spirit, becomes paramount. This godly virtue, given to those who utilize His Spirit, enables us to navigate through the lies and deception that surround us. As confusion often signals the influence of the adversary, discernment helps us to evaluate and judge situations rightly, protecting us from falling into despair or division. We can thank God for this gift, which aids in uncovering the truth amidst the pervasive influence of the great, fiery red dragon who seeks to deceive and persecute God's people.
Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn a world filled with confusion, where truth is often obscured by lies and agendas, the ability to discern between what is of God and what originates from satan or human nature is vital. Spiritual discernment, a gift of the Holy Spirit, enables one to judge whether a person who prophesies, performs miracles, or teaches does so by the power of the Holy Spirit or by a false spirit. This gift involves searching into the secrets of the heart, determining the sincerity of one's claims to be a Christian, and distinguishing the source of a speaker's inspiration. The discerning of spirits is crucial for the church, preventing deception by false ministers. It is a distinct ability to differentiate between those led by God's Spirit and those moved by false or unaided human spirits. This discernment is not merely about observing supernatural phenomena, as satan can also appear to perform miracles, but about identifying whether the inspiration is truly from God. True prophets are validated by the fulfillment of their predictions, a principle that serves as a foundational test to distinguish between truth and error. Spiritual discernment also requires maturity, developed through steady application of spiritual discipline and the habit of training one's faculties by practice. It is the ability to recognize good and evil, achieved by comparing life's circumstances to God's standard of righteousness. This gift, given by God through the Holy Spirit, must be exercised and experienced to grow, enabling wise and righteous application of knowledge. Love, guided by knowledge and discernment, is essential in this process. Christians are called to abound in love while applying spiritual knowledge, ensuring that love operates according to the understanding provided by the Holy Spirit. Discernment also involves testing and approving what aligns with God's will, distinguishing genuine from counterfeit in spiritual matters. Jesus Christ exemplifies discernment of human nature, knowing the heart's true condition beyond superficial faith. God alone searches and discerns the heart, revealing its deceit and distance from Him, which underscores the need for believers to examine themselves. At Passover, discernment of the spiritual body is critical to avoid partaking in an unworthy manner, ensuring respect for the sacrifice of Christ and unity within His body. Discerning believers seek to grow in understanding and knowledge of God's truth, maintaining love for all members of God's family. Wisdom and discernment are to be sought diligently, requiring humility, honesty, and perseverance. Protecting the unity of the Spirit within the body of Christ is a responsibility, as actions and words impact others at various stages of spiritual maturity. Setting aside personal interests for the good of all reflects the values of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.
How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
Recognizing the Intents of the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In evaluating the dubious fruits of a false minister, we must realize that belief and conduct are inextricably linked and the linkage must be with God's Word.
The Fifth Teacher
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeCorinth had four positive teachers, yet a mysterious fifth teacher was also influencing them and instilling beliefs that were the source of all the bad fruit.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Two): Vision
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God is our goal, and our vision of what it means gives us compelling motivation to overcome, grow, and bear fruit in preparation for eternal life.
Lamentations (Part Four; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe prophets and the religious leaders bear the greatest blame for the destruction by providing a quasi-religion and not teaching the Law of God.
Satan (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses disinformation, spread through false ministers/prophets, teaching smooth things that destroy. We must test the spirits to ensure a teaching is from God.
Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we find much biblical scholarship useful and productive, without God's Spirit, most biblical scholarship is at best a mixture of good and evil.
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.