Discernment - Bible Study

Intro

Reflection Question: When was a time you had to make a tough decision? How did you come to the decision, and what was the outcome?

Everyday in our lives we're faced with decisions, whether it be choosing what you want for lunch, deciding what to wear, or making a more important personal decision. Many times when we're faced with difficult decisions, we rely on our emotions, opinions of others, or what seems easiest in the moment, but as followers of Christ, we're called to seek something deeper. 

What is discernment, and why is it important?

Discernment: the ability/process to tell right from wrong, and good from evil.

Reflection Question: Why is discernment so important in todays world? What examples of poor, or lacking discernment have you seen?

Why discernment is important:

1. It can help us tell apart good and evil

One of the most important reasons we need a good sense of discernment is to be able to tell apart good from evil. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish God's voice from the voices of deception, which is what good discernment can help you with.

2. It can help us make good decisions

The ability to make good decisions is very important in todays world. With so many different voices, influences, and opinions, being able to make an educated and smart decision is very important. 

3. To recognize false teachings

Read Matthew 7:15-16: '"Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?'"

The Bible warns us many times to be beware of false teachings and false prophets. The world is full of these unbiblical beliefs, even among Christians. This is why discernment is so important.

Reflection Question: Which one of these stands out to you the most? Is there one way in particular you need more discernment in your life?

Exercising good discernment

Now that we've established why discernment is important for followers of Christ, we can talk about how we can actually grow in our discernment.

The Bible

Read 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 

Read 1 John 4:1-3: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world. "

Reflection Question: What's your biggest takeaway from these verses?

Reflection Question: What do these verses say about how to discern?

These verses are both good to know when talking about discernment. All scripture is inspired by God, meaning that the Bible is fully true and fully reliable. To test a spirit, teaching, or message, simply use the Bible as your guide. Anything that does tells you something that the Bible obviously speaks against isn't from God, it's trying to deceive you.

Using Reason

Reflection Question: Thinking back to the very first question, what process do you use to make decisions? 

When trying to discern when making a decision, think through some of these questions:

- How will this decision possible affect me, or others?

- How will this decision affect my ability to live out the fruits of the spirit?

- What are the pro's and con's of this decision?

- What does the Bible say about this decision?

These are just a few of the questions and things you should evaluate before coming to a decision. When making these decisions, especially when they're important, just make sure you take your time and think through the whole problem. 

Seek Godly Influences

A great way to grow in your wisdom and discernment, and to get help with decisions, is to seek wise influences. Whether you go to a leader in your church, or just another Christian friend, having a second biblical opinion can be great. 

Read Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another"

Reflection Question: What does this verse say about Godly influences in our lives?

Just remember even with other Godly influences, we still need to test what they say through the Bible. 

Prayer

Read James 1:5: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him"

Luckily we have a God who loves and cares for us always. If we are seeking wisdom or greater discernment, we can simply ask. It will still take some work on our side, but by building a stronger prayer life, and praying for help, it can make it a lot easier.

Conclusion

Discernment is not just a skill, but is a essential part of living out our faith in a world so broken and confused. As followers of Christ, we don't have to navigate this on our own. God provided us with His word, which is completely inspired by Him. Through the truth of the Bible, and the wisdom provided to us by God, we can grow in our ability to discern and align ourselves with God's will.

Remember that growing in discernment is a constant process that you should continue throughout your life. Growing in discernment will take time, intentionality, and prayer. As you continue this process and grow closer to God, His voice will become easier and easier to recognize. As you go throughout the world that's filled with confusion, lies, and deceit, remember to stay close to God. Through His word, His spirit, and His wisdom, we can be guided down the right path.

As you continue on this journey, just remember that God is always with you.  This week try applying some of these concepts to your life, and you may end up seeing great results!