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Developing Discernment

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Discernment, akin to musical talent, is innate but can be taught, practiced, and developed. Some leaders lack this gift, unable to read people despite excelling in other skills, while those with even a small measure of discernment can cultivate significant sensitivity and intuition, sensing when something is amiss. Discernment is an act of wisdom or detection, marked by insight into a person's character or events beyond mere facts. It is a desirable element of wisdom, and those possessing it are considered wise and knowledgeable. Human discernment can be cultivated through effort, requiring a choice to develop it. It involves productive listening, noticing manipulation of words, tone, pace, and even body language to discern underlying emotions or intentions. Discernment also means hearing what is not said, interpreting interruptions, and observing whether expressions match words to uncover hidden reasons for conflict. It requires critical analysis, scrutinizing thoughts and intents with a careful, discriminating approach. A lack of discernment is evident in those who are self-confident, quick-tempered, or easily enticed, often making foolish decisions based on sight or desire rather than wisdom. Such individuals may fail to recognize the urgency of the times or the truth, falling prey to deception. By contrast, discernment is essential to avoid hypocrisy and to navigate a world where lies and delusions are common, often propagated by satan's counterfeit of God's truth. Spiritual discernment, distinct from human discernment, is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit, enabling a deeper understanding unavailable to the natural man. It is necessary to distinguish between truth and occult-related lies, and it must be developed through reverence and obedience to God. The discerning of spirits, a specific spiritual gift, allows one to judge whether actions or words come from the Holy Spirit or a false spirit, protecting against deception. Spiritual maturity, linked to discernment, is a desirable progression from spiritual childhood, requiring strong spiritual nourishment to achieve.

Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Discernment, akin to a refined skill, can be taught, practiced, and developed, much like musical talent, though it is not an innate gift like perfect pitch. It is an act of wisdom or detection, marked by insight into a person's character or events, going beyond mere facts. Those blessed with even a little discernment can cultivate significant sensitivity and intuition, catching what others miss. As a component of wisdom, discernment is something we should always desire, often indistinguishable from wisdom and judgment. Wisdom enables one to distinguish the wise from the unwise, while discernment is the ability to distinguish in order to make a wise judgment. People who discern are considered wise and knowledgeable, as taught in Proverbs, which emphasizes discernment and wisdom for everyday life. Conversely, those lacking discernment are deemed foolish, often ignoring advice and failing to consider the consequences of their actions. Individuals who are self-confident, quick-tempered, or lawbreakers often lack this vital quality, as do the simple-minded who are easily enticed or inexperienced. Historical examples, such as Lot, reveal the consequences of lacking discernment, as his poor choices led to devastating outcomes for his family due to reliance on human reasoning rather than wise counsel. Human discernment, while limited to the physical world, can be cultivated through effort. It requires active listening, noticing the manipulation of words, and interpreting tone and pace in communication. Tone often reveals underlying emotions, while pace can indicate excitement or nervousness. Discernment also involves observing what is not said and reading body language, though one must avoid jumping to conclusions and verify observations in context. It demands a searching mind that penetrates beyond the superficial, discriminates between truth and falsehood, perceives through observation and feeling, and offers insight with depth and understanding. Spiritual discernment, however, is distinct, rooted in determining God's will and aligning with His standard of righteousness. It is founded on God's Word, which contains the wisdom needed to rightly discern thoughts and intents. God's truth exposes the innermost parts, critically analyzing the heart's motives. Only through God's Spirit can true spiritual discernment be developed, enabling one to distinguish between spiritual truth and deception. Without this Spirit, individuals are limited to human reasoning, unable to grasp spiritual matters or fully appreciate God's wisdom. Thus, spiritual discernment is conditional upon obedience and reverence to God, requiring a humble attitude and closeness to Him through study, prayer, and fasting.

The Gift of Discernment and Godly Love

'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. Graham

In these times of overwhelming confusion and chaos, where misinformation floods the media and affects even the church, discernment emerges as a vital gift of God's Spirit. This godly virtue, though not often discussed, is one we can thank God for granting to those who utilize His Spirit. As the prince of the power of the air stirs confusion everywhere, recognizing the truth amidst lies becomes crucial to avoid falling into despair. Discernment allows us to navigate the barrage of deception orchestrated by that great, fiery red dragon, who seeks to mislead and persecute God's people. Through this gift, we are equipped to evaluate and judge the challenges we face, maintaining clarity and steadfastness in the midst of turmoil.

The Gift of Discerning Spirits

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

God gives the ability to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation. However, this gift depends on a thorough knowledge and understanding of God's Word.

Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Because of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.

Consider Before You Speak

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

Beyond knowing the basics of Christianity, we must put them into practice. For instance, learning how to answer others will help us gain understanding.

Understanding and Wisdom

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Knowledge, understanding and wisdom leads to righteousness and ultimately knowing God and attaining eternal life. By applying diligence, wisdom will accrue.

Judging Our Brothers

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The subject of judging is a sensitive one in this age. Is it proper for Christians to judge matters? What does the Bible say?

Recognizing the Intents of the Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).

To Answer a Fool—or Not

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Do we answer a foolish question in an attempt to help, or do we refrain from answering, not wanting to legitimize the fool and his foolishness?

Judging

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Like Solomon, we should be asking God for a discerning and understanding heart, capable of judging righteously, which requires knowing God's standards.

Do Not Judge

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While we do not have the prerogative of condemning and passing judgment, we do have the responsibility of observing behaviors or inspecting spiritual fruit.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Two): Vision

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.

Ecclesiastes and Wisdom

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

There is a vital linkage between wisdom and understanding, understanding comes only through hard work and experience. Wisdom is skill in living.

Get Understanding

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we ask God for wisdom, we will also need to be ready to work to achieve it. Good results do not just magically happen; 'some assembly' is required.

Adolescent Geriatrics

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The cultural phenomenon known as 'adolescent geriatrics' is when a senior citizen, ignoring the ravages of time, continues youthful styles, desires, and goals.

Using Righteous Judgment

Sermon by Kim Myers

When we minimize sin, we become displeasing to God. God expects His people to confront brothers and sisters in Christ gently, without becoming judgmental.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.

Judging in the Church

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.

Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

A common mantra, even among Christians, is 'You shouldn't judge.' Is this a right concept? Here is the problem, and how righteous judgment should be done.

The Purposes of Aging

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Modern society is obsessed with youth and staying young, but aging is a natural process God intended as part of life. Aging is a process for gaining wisdom.

The Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

For every pure thing God has created, Satan has manufactured a counterfeit, even passing himself off as an angel of light. He is the master imitator.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Wisdom can be defined as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to the right measure. Wisdom is not given as a whole, but incrementally.

Foolishness and Cleansing

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Human nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.

When Actions Contradict Stated Beliefs

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Hypocrisy consists of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely possess. The primary motivator is pride, and its resulting sin is lying.

Pitfalls of Scholarship

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While we find much biblical scholarship useful and productive, without God's Spirit, most biblical scholarship is at best a mixture of good and evil.

Real Conversion

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The process of conversion is actually God's workmanship creating a new spiritual being with godly spiritual character- the image of Christ.

Matthew (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Entering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.