A closer walk through Godly discernment

Hebrews 5:12–14 “12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

Transition: This morning some simple questions we can ask ourselves as we align with scripture so we can properly discern good and evil.

What does the bible say slide

Does the bible clearly condemn (Gal5:19-21; Eph5:3-7)?

Ref list in Gal5:19-21; Turn and read Eph5:3-7

Ephesians 5:3–7 NASB95

3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;

Expand on why discernment is needed.

Referenced Gal5:19-21, now need to read

Galatians 5:21 “21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

(Transition) like it or not, if the scripture says it, that settles it. If God condemns something then it is not open for debate.

Is it similar to something the bible condemns picture here.

Reference again to Gal5:21, “and things like these.” - - - expand, and example (immorality, impurity)

Another good way to look at it is weigh it against fruit of the Spirit (Gal5:22-23) - is it more like the fruit, or the flesh?

Is your conscience bothered by it picture here

We want to have a good, clear conscience

Summarize (1Tim1:5, 18-19, 3:9)

1 Timothy 1:5 “5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

1 Timothy 1:18–19 “18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”

1 Timothy 3:9 “9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”

Love with pure heart (1Tim1:5); fight the good fight keeping the faith (1Tim1:18-19) and hold the mystery of the faith with clear conscience (1Tim3:9)

Summarize matters of conscience (Rom14)

Don’t violate your conscience when you are in doubt, don’t do it! For when you do

turn and read

Romans 14:23 “23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.”

Seeking Christian advise, following example picture here

Use discernment for even mature Christians can be wrong.

Turn again and read

Hebrews 5:14 “14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

Many set good example, set a good pattern (re: Php3:17)

There are others that do not discern advice (summarize 1Kn12:6-20) king Rehoboam.

Paul gives some good advise (turn to and read (Tit2:3-5)

Titus 2:3–5 “3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

How does this impact my christian influence slide here

Paul was aware of his influence by words and actions (Turn to and read)

1 Corinthians 9:19–21 “19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.”

1 Corinthians 9:22–23 “22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”

Paul challenged to do all things for the glory of God (1COr10:31) and to be imitators of me (1Cor11:1)

Another perspective, another example (1Pt3:1-2; turn to and read)

1 Peter 3:1–2 “1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.”

(Transition): You are going to influence unless you are a hermit and do not come out. Influence for good, or influence for evil (bad). - so now, the next question.

Am I being a good steward?

Remember everything we have is from God. All good things (Jm1:17)

All things are for our enjoyment (1Tim6:17)

We need to be good stewards of it (consider/summarize Mt25:14-30) Parable of the talents

Am I being good stewards of our body (1Cor6:19-20)

Am I using God’s abundance given properly (1Tim6:17-19) - turn and read that.

1 Timothy 6:17–19 “17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”

Good steward of time, energy consider

quote Ephesians 5:16 “16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

then quote Matthew 6:33 “33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

(Transition) one more question to consider regarding godly discernment

What would Jesus do slide here

Am I trained and like the teacher (ref: Lk6:40)- student when trained will be like his teacher

Would Jesus do it? (expand) - if you have to wonder, probably should discern not the right thing to do.

Is Jesus a priority? Am I learning from His life, His examples, from His word?

For we want Philippians 2:5 “5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

Godly discernment slide inserted here

7 simple questions to help with godly discernment of good and evil

There is great blessings for those who learn and apply Godly discernment

Turn to and read

2 Corinthians 6:16–18 “16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 “1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

In summary:

Be in Gods word so you know what God condemns and what is good

Consider do I have other Christians, mature Christians whom I can seek godly advise from and learn from their example?

Try to keep a good, clear conscience in all that you do.

Ask yourself, what would Jesus do.

(Insert Invitation slide here) First and foremost God wants all to be saved. - invitation