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Developing Discernment

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Greek word *anakrino* (G350), as used in I Corinthians 2:14, carries a range of meanings including to distinguish or separate out by investigating through objects or facts, to examine, to scrutinize, or to question. It also implies holding a preliminary judicial examination preceding a proper trial, often suggesting further examination to follow, and is used to determine the excellence or defects of a person or thing. In this context, Paul indicates that individuals bound by sensory indulgences are incapable of discerning spiritual matters. More broadly, all natural human beings, regardless of their moral state or intellectual education, lack spiritual discernment without true repentance, water baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. In verse 15, the same word *anakrino* is translated as "judges," showing that the spiritual man possesses discernment of truths hidden to the natural man, whose feelings, principles, and joys remain incomprehensible to those without spiritual insight.

Recognizing the Intents of the Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Greek word *anakrino* (G350), as used in I Corinthians 2:14, signifies the act of distinguishing or separating out through careful investigation. It conveys the meaning of examining, scrutinizing, or questioning, often implying a preliminary judicial examination that precedes a fuller trial. This term highlights a process of thorough analysis to discern truth. In the context of spiritual understanding, Paul describes the unconverted person, governed by human reasoning, as unable to receive or comprehend God's truth through the Holy Spirit, viewing it as foolishness. In contrast, a person guided by the Spirit can draw wise conclusions about spiritual matters, setting them apart from those without such divine insight. This discernment through *anakrino* underscores the unique perspective granted by God's Spirit, enabling a deeper understanding that remains inaccessible to the natural mind.

Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Greek word *anakrino* (G350), translated as "discern" in I Corinthians 2:14, carries several nuanced meanings. It suggests the act of distinguishing or separating out, investigating by looking throughout objects or facts, examining or scrutinizing, and questioning. Additionally, it can imply holding a preliminary judicial examination preceding a trial, with the understanding that more examination may follow, often in nonlegal contexts. The word is also used to determine the excellence or defects of a person or thing. In this context, Paul speaks of the unconverted person, governed by human reasoning, who cannot receive understanding or truth through God's Spirit but only through the limited human spirit, which struggles to grasp spiritual matters. Consequently, such a person regards God's truth as ridiculous. Without the Spirit of God, one cannot discern the spirit of the law, as the unconverted mind is only capable of understanding the letter of the law. The same verb *anakrino*, translated as "discern" in verse 14, also appears as "judges" and "judged" in verse 15. In each instance, it conveys the idea of making intelligent spiritual decisions following examination. A person guided by the Spirit draws discerning conclusions about all kinds of spiritual things. However, such a spiritual person is not subject to spiritual judgments or discernment by anyone lacking God's Holy Spirit, as only God can render true spiritual judgment. God's elect, possessing His Spirit, are not subject to the spiritual judgments of those without it, emphasizing that human beings, no matter how free from sin or intellectually educated, are incapable of spiritual discernment without the indwelling of God's Spirit.

Our Personal Plumblines

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maas

we learn righteous judgment through learning to see the consequences of our thoughts, words, and behaviors as they affect us and the lives of others.

The Law's Purpose and Intent

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.

The Berean Example

Article by Staff

The ancient Bereans have a wonderful biblical reputation. Just how special were these Macedonian Christians?