INTRODUCTION:

1. Some folks are color blind (can't distinguish colors).
2. Some folks have spiritual blindness - Can't distinguish right & wrong!
3. Discernment: "to distinguish...examine, scrutinize...judging" (Vine). Involves examination & judgment.

1. SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT IS A NECESSITY IN OUR LIVES!

1. For Wisdom, Moral & Doctrinal Purity, Justice - 1 Kings 3:9, 11; Eccl. 2:14; 8:5-6; Luke 12:54-59.
2. Spiritual Discernment Is Practical - Phil. 1:9-11.
3. With it we abound in love, approve what is excellent, maintain sincerity & avoid offense, bear fruits of righteousness, thereby glorifying God!

2. WE MUST USE DISCERNMENT IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE! (cf. Acts 10:34)

1. Discern Truth - Jno. 18:38; 8:31-32; 7:16-17.

1. Jesus - Jno. 4:19.
2. The Scriptures - Acts 17:11-12.
3. Teachers/teaching - 1 Jno. 4:1, 6 (Rev. 2:2-3).

2. Discern Good & Evil - Ezek. 44:23; Heb. 5:14.

1. (Application: Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 12:2).

3. Discern The Lord's Body - 1 Cor. 11:27-29.

1. So as to properly partake of the Lord's Supper.

4. Discern Our Own Works - Gal. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:5.

1. DOKIMAZO - "(1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals (2) to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy" (Thayer, ONLINE BIBLE).
2. 1 Thess. 5:21-22 - Requires faith, courage, wisdom, knowledge of truth!!
3. Phil. 1:9-11 - Here is the value of spiritual discernment!

CONCLUSION:

1. Hebrews 4:12 - God's word discerns our thoughts & intents. How are yours?!
2. Joshua 24:15 - Choose your master - discern truth & obey God!

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