Developing Discernment: A Journey of Faith and Growth
Summary
Psalm 51 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of discernment in our spiritual journey. As a church, we recently demonstrated the love of Christ by supporting a grieving family, embodying the essence of being wholehearted followers of Christ. This act of love is a testament to our commitment to living out our faith in tangible ways. Our recent discussions have centered around the theme of discernment, particularly the need to develop biblical discernment to separate truth from error and right from wrong. This is crucial in a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, both externally and internally.
Discernment is not just for pastors or church leaders; it is a skill every Christian must cultivate. It involves a process of learning, trial, and error, and is deeply rooted in our relationship with Christ. Our salvation is not dependent on our ability to discern perfectly but on the grace of Jesus. This grace gives us the confidence to grow, even when we fail. The Apostle Paul’s journey of learning contentment is a reminder that our spiritual growth is a process, and we must press on toward the goal of becoming mature in Christ.
To develop discernment, we must engage in a process that includes noting statements or principles we encounter, identifying our instinctual responses, praying for understanding, searching the Scriptures, and testing these statements against biblical truth. This process is not just an academic exercise but a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God. It requires humility, a willingness to seek guidance from others, and a commitment to applying God’s Word in our lives.
One common cultural theme we examined is the idea of "forgiving oneself." While this concept is prevalent, it lacks a biblical foundation. True forgiveness is rooted in our relationship with God, acknowledging that all sin is ultimately against Him. Our peace and well-being come from knowing we are forgiven by God, not from self-forgiveness. This understanding challenges us to align our thoughts and actions with biblical truth, fostering a deeper intimacy with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Community in Action: The church's recent support for a grieving family exemplifies living as wholehearted followers of Christ. This act of love is a powerful testimony of our faith in action, reminding us that our expressions of love, whether public or private, are equally significant before the Lord. [00:30]
- The Necessity of Discernment: Developing biblical discernment is essential for separating truth from error. This skill is not reserved for church leaders but is vital for every believer. It involves a process of learning and growing in wisdom, ultimately bringing glory to God as we mature in Christ. [05:00]
- The Process of Discernment: Engaging in a structured process of discernment helps us navigate the complexities of life. This includes identifying statements, praying for understanding, searching the Scriptures, and testing these against biblical truth. This discipline draws us closer to God and strengthens our faith. [13:04]
- Forgiveness and Peace: True forgiveness is rooted in our relationship with God. The concept of "forgiving oneself" lacks a biblical foundation. Our peace and well-being come from knowing we are forgiven by God, not from self-forgiveness. This understanding challenges us to align our thoughts and actions with biblical truth. [28:58]
- Commitment to Growth: Our spiritual journey is a process of continual growth and learning. We must strive to discern biblical truth, carve out error, and walk closely with God. This commitment to growth fosters a deeper intimacy with Christ and enables us to live as wholehearted followers of Him. [43:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Community in Action
- [05:00] - The Necessity of Discernment
- [08:45] - Defining Biblical Discernment
- [13:04] - The Process of Discernment
- [17:12] - Cultural Themes and Forgiveness
- [23:22] - Praying for Understanding
- [28:58] - Forgiveness and Peace
- [33:44] - Testing Statements Biblically
- [38:43] - Training in Discernment
- [43:32] - Commitment to Growth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 51:1-4
- 1 John 1:9
- Colossians 1:9-14
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Observation Questions:
1. In Psalm 51, what does David acknowledge about his sin, and how does he seek God's forgiveness? How does this passage set the tone for understanding true forgiveness? [23:22]
2. According to the sermon, what are the steps involved in developing biblical discernment, and why is this process important for every believer? [13:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the church's recent support for a grieving family, and what does this reveal about living as wholehearted followers of Christ? [00:30]
4. What cultural theme regarding forgiveness was discussed in the sermon, and how does it contrast with biblical teaching? [28:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "forgiving oneself" differ from the biblical understanding of forgiveness, and why is it important to align our views with Scripture? [28:58]
2. What role does humility play in the process of developing discernment, and how can seeking guidance from others enhance our spiritual growth? [13:04]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our peace and well-being are connected to our relationship with God rather than self-forgiveness? [28:58]
4. How does the Apostle Paul's journey of learning contentment relate to the process of spiritual growth and discernment discussed in the sermon? [13:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you needed to discern right from wrong. How did you approach it, and what steps can you take to improve your discernment process in the future? [13:04]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in action. How can you actively participate in supporting others in your church community, especially those who are grieving or in need? [00:30]
3. Consider the cultural theme of "forgiving oneself." Have you ever struggled with this concept? How can you shift your focus to seeking God's forgiveness and aligning your thoughts with biblical truth? [28:58]
4. Identify an area in your life where you need to grow in biblical discernment. What practical steps can you take this week to engage in the process outlined in the sermon? [13:04]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with Christ through the practice of discernment and applying God's Word in your daily life? [43:32]
6. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by guilt or shame. How can the understanding of true forgiveness in Christ bring you peace and help you move forward? [28:58]
7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your expressions of love, whether public or private, are significant and impactful in your walk with Christ? [00:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Faith in Action
The church's recent support for a grieving family exemplifies living as wholehearted followers of Christ. This act of love is a powerful testimony of our faith in action, reminding us that our expressions of love, whether public or private, are equally significant before the Lord. By reaching out to those in need, we embody the love of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of faith. This commitment to community and compassion is a vital aspect of our spiritual journey, as it reflects the heart of Christ and His teachings. [00:30]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community is in need of support or encouragement today, and how can you extend Christ's love to them in a tangible way?
Day 2: The Essential Skill of Discernment
Developing biblical discernment is essential for separating truth from error. This skill is not reserved for church leaders but is vital for every believer. It involves a process of learning and growing in wisdom, ultimately bringing glory to God as we mature in Christ. In a world filled with conflicting messages, discernment helps us navigate our spiritual journey with clarity and purpose. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can make decisions that align with His will and reflect His truth. [05:00]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice discernment today, and how can you seek God's guidance in this matter?
Day 3: The Journey of Discernment
Engaging in a structured process of discernment helps us navigate the complexities of life. This includes identifying statements, praying for understanding, searching the Scriptures, and testing these against biblical truth. This discipline draws us closer to God and strengthens our faith. By committing to this process, we develop a deeper understanding of God's Word and His desires for our lives. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. [13:04]
"Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to engage in the process of discernment, and how can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine?
Day 4: True Forgiveness and Peace
True forgiveness is rooted in our relationship with God. The concept of "forgiving oneself" lacks a biblical foundation. Our peace and well-being come from knowing we are forgiven by God, not from self-forgiveness. This understanding challenges us to align our thoughts and actions with biblical truth, fostering a deeper intimacy with Christ. By embracing God's forgiveness, we experience true peace and freedom from guilt and shame. [28:58]
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a sin or burden you need to bring before God today to experience His forgiveness and peace, and how can you let go of the need for self-forgiveness?
Day 5: Commitment to Spiritual Growth
Our spiritual journey is a process of continual growth and learning. We must strive to discern biblical truth, carve out error, and walk closely with God. This commitment to growth fosters a deeper intimacy with Christ and enables us to live as wholehearted followers of Him. By dedicating ourselves to spiritual disciplines and seeking God's presence, we become more attuned to His voice and His will for our lives. [43:32]
"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." (Hebrews 6:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline you can commit to this week to deepen your relationship with Christ, and how can you incorporate it into your daily life?
Quotes
"As Paul says, for that you press on toward the call of that for which Christ has taken hold of for you. So I'm going to review this process quickly, and then we're going to dive into it. So the first step in the process would be to note a particular statement or a principle that you need to understand biblically." [00:11:49] (18 seconds)
"Now, as we think through the goals, just a minute ago, I asked you what's your instinctual answer. I really want you to take a minute. Does that verbiage response to whether this is these goals that I just mentioned or a biblical approach to lasting peace in a person's inner man? Now, you're going to notice something in my question. My question is somewhat already embedded with a biblical framework." [00:21:07] (36 seconds)
"Forgiveness is necessary when someone has intentionally or unintentionally thought or done something that God has communicated is wrong. All sin, though it often affects people is ultimately against God and must be dealt with between the sinner and God first and foremost. Then when I've confessed to the Lord and in faith, according to his word, know that he's forgiven me." [00:31:24] (24 seconds)
"Whether or not they grant forgiveness is not my responsibility. My responsibility is to ensure that I've humbly, kindly, and fully communicated my acknowledgement of my wrongdoing without minimizing it. That's the word, but in an apology. I'm sorry. It's not intended, but it's a manipulative statement that says, I hope you're a good enough person to forgive me." [00:32:58] (78 seconds)
"Forgiveness and reconciliation must be in relation to the Lord every time. Rather than simply seeking to remove unwanted negative emotions, I am to pursue the full lasting joy of knowing that my sins, whether intentional or unintentional, can be, or you might say already are, forgiven by God alone when I acknowledge my sin against him and with biblical remorse, which produces repentance." [00:41:20] (31 seconds)
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the joy of your heart. He will give you the desires of your heart. God commands you to joy. He's provided everything that you need for joy. You don't need to forgive yourself because you can't forgive yourself. Only the one who is the judge can be the one to forgive." [00:42:01] (19 seconds)
"My encouragement for you, church family, is to say, you know what? It really is. It's good to do the work of learning how to discern things that I hear, things that I read, so that I can grow up into Christ as a wise, biblically discerned believer. Always growing. We'll do it until the day that we die." [00:43:32] (19 seconds)
"Continue striving to discern biblical truth and to carve out the error and say, Lord, help me. Walk as closely as I can to your word. I want to be faithful to you. And I want to enjoy the full benefit of living as a wholehearted follower of Christ, according to your word, as much as I can. Will you join me in this pursuit, friends?" [00:44:31] (23 seconds)
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