Discernment — a gift!

 

In all the Christians I know, two stand out as opposites: one is quick to discern the will and working of God yet the other is oblivious, always supposing and assuming. This contrast shows up in the dictionary. It says discernment is perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding. In other words, it is not relying on what I think, but seeking understanding from God. Otherwise, the opposite happens.

The dictionary describes this lack of discernment as "without providing for a time of healing and discernment, there will be no hope of living through this present moment without a shattering of our common life." It points to the necessity of seeking discernment from God. Otherwise, in trials life is apt to fall apart.

The NT uses this word to describe people who seek the mind of God. First, the Christians at Thessalonica did it:

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, (1 Thessalonians 1:9)

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

However, the Bereans went beyond them. They didn’t simply believe what they were told (which is okay if it is true) but they checked it out:

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11)

Discernment is a human trait to a degree, yet when it comes to spiritual matters, I need to seek God for it:

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

Discernment from God comes with other qualities as described by what the Thessalonian Christians were learning and doing:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–24)

MacArthur says that today’s church has an appalling lack in this area with believers duped by novel teachings and outright heresies. They are immature “children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” (Ephesians 4:14) This indicates that if someone lacks discernment, they are not obedient in some areas, particularly in faithfully studying God’s word and rejecting their own understanding. Perhaps this is pride rather than humility, or they are not teachable, but whatever is at the root of it, growth is not happening. We do need discernment.

Paul prayed that our “love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9) and stated “at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:8–11)

The need for discernment and its source is also expressed in these verses:

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

To be discerning, I must read and study the Word of God and obey what it says. The focus this month will be the character and benefits of God’s Word as the source of spiritual growth, service, blessing, victory, truth, and knowledge and discernment. His Word is infallible, inerrant, authoritative, inspired, and sufficient. It makes modern-day, noble-minded Bereans out of those who use it to seek the will of God.

PRAY: Jesus, You have given me a love for Your Word. Increase it — and my discernment — as I study it and look for greater understanding from You.

PONDER: Acts 17:1–15 reveals why Paul and his companions left Thessalonica and Berea. What do I need from God if I share Christ with others and the same thing happens to me?