Empowered Discernment: Engaging in Gospel Conversations
Summary
In this journey of envisioning the next 100 years for our church, we are setting a foundation that ensures our presence and impact for generations to come. Our mission is to inspire and empower the church to engage in 20,280 gospel conversations, emphasizing intentional and relational steps that invite others to explore a transformative relationship with Jesus. This week, we focus on discerned conversations, which are spiritual dialogues guided by the Holy Spirit. Discernment is not merely about distinguishing right from wrong; it is a profound, everyday practice that enables us to live out our faith wisely, understanding and following God's will.
The prophets of the Old Testament, empowered by the Holy Spirit, serve as examples of discernment. They were sent with specific messages, like Jeremiah's prophecy of the coming Messiah. Today, we have the Holy Spirit with us permanently, as promised by Jesus in John 14. This relationship with God, initiated through salvation, is crucial for receiving the Spirit's guidance. Discernment is a gift from God, cultivated through His Word and a renewed mind. As we grow in our understanding of God's truth, we become wiser and more equipped for the mission of making disciples.
Discernment is essential in our gospel conversations. It helps us know what to say and when to say it, guided by the Holy Spirit who knows the hearts of those we speak to. We must also learn when to be silent and listen, allowing others to share their burdens. Our role is to plant seeds, understanding that not every conversation will lead to an immediate invitation to faith. Discernment helps us recognize our part in God's plan, whether it's initiating a connection or nurturing a deeper conversation.
If you feel lacking in discernment, James encourages us to ask God for wisdom, believing that He will provide generously. This requires faith and the willingness to exercise the discernment we receive. As we continue to build relationships and engage in gospel conversations, let us rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance, trusting that He will lead us in sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ with the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Discernment as a Daily Practice: Discernment is more than distinguishing right from wrong; it is a daily practice that involves understanding and following God's will. It requires us to be attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in every aspect of our lives, enabling us to live out our faith with wisdom and purpose. [04:44]
2. The Holy Spirit's Permanent Presence: Unlike the Old Testament prophets who experienced the Holy Spirit temporarily, believers today have the Holy Spirit with them permanently. This relationship, initiated through salvation, empowers us to receive guidance and wisdom from God, equipping us for our mission. [09:43]
3. The Role of Scripture in Discernment: Engaging with God's Word is crucial for developing discernment. Scripture provides the foundation for understanding God's truth and guides us in our daily decisions. A renewed mind, shaped by the Word, helps us transition from our old ways to living as saints. [15:39]
4. Listening as an Act of Discernment: Discernment involves knowing when to speak and when to listen. By being attentive to the Holy Spirit, we can discern when to be silent and allow others to share their burdens, fostering genuine connections and understanding. [26:35]
5. Faith and the Gift of Wisdom: If we lack discernment, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, believing that He will provide. This requires faith and the willingness to exercise the discernment we receive, trusting that God will guide us in our gospel conversations. [37:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Vision for the Next 100 Years
- [02:30] - Importance of Gospel Conversations
- [04:44] - Understanding Discernment
- [06:15] - Prophets and the Holy Spirit
- [08:00] - Jeremiah's Prophecy
- [09:43] - The Holy Spirit's Presence
- [11:30] - Relationship with God
- [12:32] - Discernment Through Scripture
- [15:39] - Joy in God's Word
- [17:00] - Renewed Mind and Discernment
- [19:27] - Following the Holy Spirit
- [22:03] - God's Knowledge of Us
- [24:01] - Faith and Fearlessness
- [26:35] - Listening and Silence
- [28:59] - Building Relationships
- [31:18] - Planting Seeds
- [35:03] - Not Every Conversation is an Invite
- [37:55] - Asking for Wisdom
- [39:00] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 23:5-6
2. John 14:16-17, 26
3. James 1:5-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit's permanent presence in believers, as mentioned in John 14:16-17? How does this differ from the Old Testament prophets' experience with the Holy Spirit? [09:43]
2. According to the sermon, how does discernment play a role in gospel conversations? What are some examples given of when to speak and when to listen? [26:35]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between discernment and Scripture? What role does a renewed mind play in this process? [15:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of asking God for wisdom, and how does this relate to discernment in our daily lives? [37:55]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the prophecy in Jeremiah 23:5-6 about the coming Messiah relate to the mission of Jesus as described in John 3:16-17? What does this reveal about God's plan for salvation? [04:44]
2. In what ways does the Holy Spirit guide believers in their conversations, according to John 14:26 and the sermon? How can this guidance impact our interactions with others? [19:27]
3. The sermon emphasizes the role of discernment in knowing when to speak and when to listen. How can this practice foster deeper relationships and understanding in gospel conversations? [26:35]
4. James 1:5-6 encourages believers to ask for wisdom. How does the sermon suggest this wisdom should be applied in the context of making disciples and engaging in gospel conversations? [37:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where you felt guided by the Holy Spirit. How did discernment play a role in that interaction, and what was the outcome? [19:27]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of Scripture in developing discernment. What specific steps can you take to engage more deeply with God's Word this week? [15:39]
3. Consider a situation where you struggled to know when to speak and when to listen. How can you apply the sermon’s teachings on discernment to improve your future interactions? [26:35]
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel you lack wisdom. How can you actively seek God's guidance and wisdom in this area, as encouraged by James 1:5-6? [37:55]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of planting seeds in gospel conversations. Who is someone in your life with whom you can start a spiritual conversation this week, and how will you approach it? [31:18]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to engage in a gospel conversation. What fears or doubts held you back, and how can you overcome them with the help of the Holy Spirit? [24:01]
7. How can you create a habit of asking for discernment in your daily prayers? What changes do you expect to see in your interactions with others as a result? [37:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Discernment as a Daily Spiritual Practice
Discernment is a daily practice that goes beyond simply distinguishing right from wrong. It involves a deep understanding and alignment with God's will, requiring us to be attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in every aspect of our lives. This practice enables us to live out our faith with wisdom and purpose, making decisions that reflect God's truth and love. By engaging in discernment daily, we cultivate a life that is responsive to God's leading, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with spiritual insight and clarity. [04:44]
"For this reason, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing today where you need to seek God's will? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this decision?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Permanent Presence
Unlike the Old Testament prophets who experienced the Holy Spirit temporarily, believers today have the Holy Spirit with them permanently. This enduring relationship, initiated through salvation, empowers us to receive guidance and wisdom from God, equipping us for our mission. The Holy Spirit's presence is a constant source of strength and direction, enabling us to live out our faith boldly and effectively. By recognizing and embracing this permanent presence, we can confidently engage in our spiritual journey, knowing that we are never alone. [09:43]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to rely more on His guidance today?
Day 3: The Role of Scripture in Developing Discernment
Engaging with God's Word is crucial for developing discernment. Scripture provides the foundation for understanding God's truth and guides us in our daily decisions. A renewed mind, shaped by the Word, helps us transition from our old ways to living as saints. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain the wisdom and insight needed to navigate life's challenges and opportunities with spiritual clarity. This engagement with the Word transforms our thinking and aligns our hearts with God's purposes, equipping us to discern His will in every situation. [15:39]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture can you meditate on today to help renew your mind and enhance your discernment? How can you apply its teachings to your current circumstances?
Day 4: Listening as an Act of Discernment
Discernment involves knowing when to speak and when to listen. By being attentive to the Holy Spirit, we can discern when to be silent and allow others to share their burdens, fostering genuine connections and understanding. Listening is a powerful act of love and empathy, creating space for others to express their struggles and joys. Through this practice, we demonstrate Christ's compassion and open the door for meaningful spiritual conversations. By prioritizing listening, we honor the dignity of others and create opportunities for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. [26:35]
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs you to listen to them today? How can you create a space for them to share their heart, and what might you learn from truly listening?
Day 5: Faith and the Gift of Wisdom
If we lack discernment, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, believing that He will provide. This requires faith and the willingness to exercise the discernment we receive, trusting that God will guide us in our gospel conversations. By seeking wisdom from God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives. This act of faith invites God's wisdom into our hearts, enabling us to navigate life's complexities with divine insight and understanding. [37:55]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life do you need God's wisdom in today? How can you actively seek His guidance and trust in His provision as you move forward?
Quotes
Discernment is something that we should carry with us every day of our life and put into practice every day of our life, that we know what to do and when to do it, what to say, where to say it, those sorts of things. It's how we live out our faith. So in other words, those that have discernment are wise. [00:04:17] (22 seconds)
Discernment is given by God through his Holy Spirit. It is received through God's word and through the insight of a renewed mind. Discerning believers seek to grow in their understanding and knowledge of God's truth. See, when we talk about our mission of making disciples, go and make disciples of all the nations, right? [00:10:32] (27 seconds)
We can only do that through the power of God. The power of the Holy Spirit. He leads us and guides us. So as we read scripture, as we pray, as we are in labs, as we do all these different things, they are drawing us closer to God and equipping us for the mission that he is calling us on. [00:11:12] (18 seconds)
If you're ever struggling in life, if you're ever looking to find human emotion in the Bible, just jump into the Psalms. It's written throughout there. In this particular Psalm, this part of the Psalm is praising, I'm going to pick up in verse 97. It says, I understand more than those who are old because I have complied with your precepts. [00:12:57] (47 seconds)
How sweet are your words to my taste. Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth. From your precepts, I get understanding. Therefore, I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Do you hear the joy in the psalmist when he writes of God's word? [00:13:59] (24 seconds)
God's word is something you should love. The psalmist says, it's sweeter than honey. He's full of joy reading, not because, and maybe you need to hear this, not because he's a great reader, but because he loves God. That's why he reads. That's why he studies. And that's why he applies it to his life is because he has a relationship with God. [00:15:02] (23 seconds)
If we are not discerning the Holy Spirit, knowing when to be silent, how will we ever hear what the other person needs? It's not just what we say, but it's also what we don't say. If we understand that we're trying to build relationships with people, that implies we care about them. [00:29:13] (24 seconds)
And if we care about them, then we need to listen to them. Discernment is knowing not only what to say, but what not to say. So I want to give you two things to remember this morning. Number one, we're just planting seeds. I want to keep this really simple. When we talk about gospel conversations, we're just planting seeds. [00:29:36] (29 seconds)
I want to take us to the gospel of Matthew. And I'm not going to teach you. Jesus is going to teach this part. It comes from Matthew 13. Matthew records this. On that day, Jesus had gone out of the house and was sitting by the sea. And large crowds gathered. So he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. [00:30:06] (26 seconds)
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one sown with the seed beside the road. The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it. [00:31:30] (24 seconds)
But the one sown with seed, On the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces some 100, some 60, and some 30 times as much. He's speaking to an agricultural society. very, careful, church. Don't prejudge people. Don't assume that you're throwing seed on rocky soil. [00:32:04] (81 seconds)
James says in James 1, when he's writing to the church, so in other words, James is writing to you and he's saying, but if any of you lacks wisdom, you can insert, discernment in there. If any of you lacks discernment, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [00:36:29] (23 seconds)
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