Thoughts on Discernment
Spiritual warfare requires us to hone our ability to distinquish truth from falsehood, light from dark, good from evil
This post came out of my study on discernment and equipping people to hear from God for themselves in preperation for the podcast I did with Naomi Woods. It can be listened to here
Discernment comes through gaining wisdom and insight that comes from God. By using discernment we can begin to judge rightly which voices we allow to speak into our lives and which ones to keep at a distance or walk away from completely.
This goal in learning more about discernment was centered on differentiating good from evil in context of people and institutions who identify as followers of Christ but the fruit is not there once we’ve gotten past the surface. When we think of evil we tend to think of something intentional or ugly, but anything that is said or done that is not in accordance with God’s will is in fact evil (that which contradicts the holy nature of God). Anything or anyone not in alignment with God can be used by the enemy as a weapon against us.
It can be a challenge, especially for those of us who have been raised in less than godly homes, to distinguish the difference between the lies we were taught in our past and the truth that is in Christ. The obvious is easy, the subtle grey areas are the issue. I continue to seek wisdom from God in this area because I know that Satan can disquise himself as an angel of light.
We are all at risk of being tripped up by false doctrine and decitful schemes by those under the influence of the craftiest beast of the field.
The first question I ask myself is: is what I’m hearing and seeing in alignment with what scripture says?
Answering this requires allowing ourselves to be trained by a regular practice of prayer, meditation (listening), reading of His word, in its entirety, confession of sins and asking Him for wisdom and insight.
If I question something I believe God has for me, I ask Him for confirmation.
His word tells me to “take everything every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
This takes repeated, intentional practice and constant contact with the One who made me.
It is through this relationship with God that we gain discernment.
Hebrews 5:14 says:
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Discernment is made up of insight, discretion and right judgment.
Insight is defined as the ability to see something clearly
Discretion is the ability to distinguish good from evil.
Judgment is an assessment based on or informed by knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:11 tells us that discretion is a protection:
discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
The Lord is a God of order.
We must gain knowledge through an intimate understanding of His word to distinguish good and evil.
Evil is usually subtle and disguised as something good.
Through using discretion, we will be protected by God.
We must gain insight in order to see clearly.
We gain wisdom which enables restraint, and then we can judge rightly.
If we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us. James 1:5
This is the process through which we become wise a serpent and innocent as doves, which leads to sound judgment, then we can test and approve what is the will of God
We are to be imitators of God and we are not to partner with those who live in a manner contrary to the teaching of Jesus- they lack the fruit (evidence) of the Spirit. We are to depend only on God.
We don’t have to be afraid. We who have been saved have access to God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When you know the Shepherd and hear His voice you cannot be easily decieved by evil and you will not be devoured.
I tried on my own will to self protect from those I deemed a threat, but I fell short every single time. We cannot test the spirits if we do not know the One who is above all. The One who provides all wisdom, knowledge and understanding. It is only the wisdom that comes from above, the breath of the Almighty, that enables us see, feel and know the truth.
Scripture Study
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
Proverbs 3:13
But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
Job 32:8
making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
Proverbs 2:2-3
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:6
but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
Proverbs 15:21
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Psalm 119:66
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
Proverbs 4:7
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
Hosea 14:9
Armor Up Every Single Day
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Ephesians 6:13-18
The Fruit of The Spirit
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
Galatians 5:22-23 AMPC
Prayer
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!
Psalm 119:125
Full of gold nuggets. I Really agree with this truth!✝️💜
Amen. The Word of God is our life