Guarding Our Spiritual Journey: Discernment and Accountability

 

Summary

In our walk with God, we must recognize that our daily choices shape our future. We cannot afford to be complacent or to continue in patterns of behavior that lead us away from God's best for our lives. It is essential to set boundaries to prevent chaos from reigning in our lives. Without these boundaries, we find ourselves constantly battling the same issues, like a person lapping the same mountain, thinking it's a new season when it's merely the same cycle repeating itself.

The enemy uses distraction as a tool to divert our attention from what truly matters. Distractions come in many forms—enticing images, substances that harm our bodies, and even the lure of inappropriate relationships. These distractions agitate and confuse, leading us away from the path God has set for us. Our life depends on what we hear and allow into our soul. We must guard our eye gates and ear gates diligently.

Accountability is crucial in our spiritual journey. We need people in our lives who will warn us of danger ahead and encourage us to change course when necessary. Avoiding tough conversations and accountability leads to a life of chaos and spiritual drifting. We must be vigilant and regularly examine our lives to ensure we are not deviating from God's standards.

Discernment is not optional; it is required for survival in this world. We must be able to distinguish not just between right and wrong, but also between right and almost right. This keen insight is necessary to navigate the complexities of life and to recognize the subtle deceptions of the enemy. We must be mature in our faith, training ourselves to recognize the difference between good and evil.

Our spiritual growth is directly linked to our discernment. We must be steadfast in our commitment to God, not swayed by the distractions and deviations that lead to destruction. We are in a spiritual battle, and we must use the divine weapons God has given us—prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit—to demolish strongholds and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Discernment is the bedrock of spiritual maturity. It is not merely about distinguishing right from wrong but discerning the fine line between right and almost right. This level of discernment requires a deep immersion in God's Word and a commitment to living out biblical truths in every aspect of life. [12:09]

- Distraction is a powerful weapon in the enemy's arsenal, designed to pull us away from our divine purpose. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against the bright and shiny things of this world that seek to divert our attention from God's calling on our lives. [17:14]

- Accountability is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian living. We need people who will speak truth into our lives and help us stay on the path of righteousness. This accountability helps us avoid the pitfalls of sin and keeps us moving forward in our spiritual journey. [01:11]

- The consequences of deviation from God's path are severe. When we allow ourselves to be led astray by the desires of the flesh, we set ourselves on a course toward spiritual ruin. It is imperative to realign with God's standards and seek His restoration. [24:49]

- Our spiritual warfare requires divine weaponry. Prayer, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are our tools for overcoming the enemy's schemes. We must actively engage in this battle, trusting that God equips us to stand firm against the forces of darkness. [42:18]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:28 - "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ."
2. Hebrews 5:14 - "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
3. 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:28, what is the goal of proclaiming and teaching with wisdom? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual maturity mentioned in the sermon? [04:56]
2. In Hebrews 5:14, what is the significance of "solid food" and how does it relate to discernment? [12:09]
3. How does 1 Peter 5:8 describe the enemy, and what does this imply about the need for vigilance in our spiritual lives? [29:39]
4. What are some examples of distractions mentioned in the sermon that can lead us away from God's path? [17:14]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of accountability, as discussed in Colossians 1:28, help in achieving spiritual maturity? Why is it important to have people who can warn us of danger ahead? [01:11]
2. Hebrews 5:14 talks about training to distinguish good from evil. How can this training be applied in our daily lives to improve our discernment? [12:09]
3. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to be alert and of sober mind. What practical steps can we take to stay vigilant against the enemy's schemes? [29:39]
4. The sermon mentions that distractions can lead to spiritual drifting. How can we identify and eliminate distractions in our lives to stay focused on God's purpose? [20:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual boundaries. Are there areas in your life where you need to set or reinforce boundaries to prevent chaos? How can you start doing that this week? [02:21]
2. Think about a time when you were distracted from your spiritual goals. What was the distraction, and how did it affect your walk with God? What steps can you take to avoid similar distractions in the future? [17:14]
3. Accountability is crucial in our spiritual journey. Do you have someone in your life who holds you accountable? If not, how can you find such a person? If you do, how can you strengthen that relationship? [01:11]
4. Discernment is essential for spiritual growth. What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to improve your discernment? Consider Bible study, prayer, or seeking wise counsel. [05:36]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding our eye gates and ear gates. What specific media or influences do you need to limit or eliminate to protect your spiritual health? [18:44]
6. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you use discernment to distinguish between what was right and what was almost right? How can you improve your decision-making process in the future? [12:50]
7. Spiritual warfare requires divine weaponry. How can you incorporate prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit into your daily life to stand firm against the enemy's schemes? [42:18]

This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key points and apply them to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind everyone that spiritual growth is a journey that requires commitment and community.

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Discernment for Maturity
Discernment is not a gift bestowed upon a select few but a skill to be developed and honed through deliberate practice and immersion in God's Word. It is the ability to see beyond the surface, to understand the nuances that differentiate the holy from the nearly holy, and to choose the former with unwavering conviction. In a world where truth and falsehood are often interwoven, discernment acts as a spiritual sieve, separating the wheat from the chaff. It is through this process that believers grow in maturity, learning to live out their faith with integrity and purpose. As one matures spiritually, the choices made reflect a deeper understanding of God's will and a commitment to walking in it, even when the path is less trodden and the decisions are not popular. [12:09]

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

Reflection: What decision are you currently facing where the right choice isn't clear-cut? How can you apply discernment to ensure your decision aligns with God's will?

Day 2: Guarding Against the Lure of Distraction
The world is rife with distractions that can easily divert one's attention from the ultimate goal of living a life that honors God. These distractions, whether they be material possessions, personal ambitions, or even relationships that lead us astray, have the potential to create a chasm between us and our divine purpose. It is imperative to remain vigilant, to guard one's heart and mind against the seductive pull of these distractions. By doing so, one ensures that their focus remains on God and His calling. This vigilance is not a passive stance but an active defense, involving the conscious choice to turn away from temptations and to fill one's life with pursuits that edify and bring one closer to God. [17:14]

1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: Identify a distraction in your life that consistently pulls you away from time with God. What practical steps can you take to minimize its impact starting today?

Day 3: Embracing Accountability in Faith
Accountability is a cornerstone of a healthy spiritual life. It involves inviting others to speak truth into one's life, to offer guidance, and to provide support in times of need. This level of vulnerability can be challenging, but it is essential for growth and protection from the pitfalls of sin. When one is accountable, they allow their actions and decisions to be observed and critiqued by trusted fellow believers, creating a safety net that can catch them before they fall. It is a mutual exchange where honesty is valued, and correction is given and received in love. This practice helps to maintain a course that is aligned with God's standards and fosters a community of believers who are committed to walking in righteousness together. [01:11]

Ephesians 4:25 - "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

Reflection: Who in your life has permission to hold you accountable? Consider reaching out to them this week to discuss an area where you need support or guidance.

Day 4: The Peril of Spiritual Deviation
Straying from God's path can have dire consequences, not only in the present but for eternity. Deviation often begins subtly, with small compromises that seem inconsequential but gradually lead to a life that is out of alignment with God's will. It is crucial to recognize these deviations early and to correct one's course, seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. The journey of faith is marked by continuous realignment with God's standards, a process that requires humility, repentance, and a sincere desire to do what is right in God's eyes. By remaining true to God's path, believers can avoid the spiritual decay that comes from giving in to the desires of the flesh and can instead experience the fullness of life that God intends. [24:49]

James 5:19-20 - "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you deviated from God's path. What steps did you take to realign with His will, and how can you prevent similar deviations in the future?

Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare with Divine Tools
The spiritual battle that believers face is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness that seek to undermine God's kingdom. To stand firm in this fight, one must be equipped with the divine tools provided by God: prayer, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. These tools are not passive ornaments but active weapons to be wielded with precision and authority. Prayer connects us to the power of God, the Word guides us in truth, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the enemy's schemes. By engaging in this battle with the full armor of God, believers can demolish strongholds and live in victory, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. [42:18]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: What stronghold in your life needs to be demolished through prayer and the truth of God's Word? Commit to addressing it this week with the divine tools at your disposal.

Quotes

- "Your daily choices shape your future. You cannot afford to do stupid one more day. If you don't set boundaries in your life, the enemy will continually bring chaos into your life." [02:21] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "We lap the same mountain season after season, thinking it's a new thing because it's new faces going around the mountain with us. We refuse to change." [16:30] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "Distraction is something that makes it difficult to pay attention. It's bright and blingy, and it ain't your husband or wife, but you're entertaining thoughts with the enemy." [17:14] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "Your life depends on what you hear. What are you allowing into the gate of your soul? What are you selling your soul for?" [18:44] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "Discernment is not optional; it is required if you're going to survive this world. You have got to have discernment or you're just in a circus." [06:11] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "Discernment is always connected to spiritual growth. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." [12:09] (Download | )

- "Test all things carefully so you can recognize what is good. Hold firmly to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil." [13:40] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "If you could have changed it, you would have already changed it. Put it in God's hands and let God do what God does. Stop depressing yourself in your prayer closet." [38:08] (Download | )

- "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, our weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds." [42:18] (Download | Download cropped video)

- "God help us to fall in love with you and to fall into commitment with you, for there is no life like the life you offer us, no peace like the peace you offer us." [45:07] (Download | Download cropped video)

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Transcript
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