Training Your Senses n Ever taken on a job or task that, at first, seemed incredibly difficult and impossibly complicated? n There just seemed to be so many things to remember that you thought you would never be able to do it? n Were you able to overcome? n If so, how? n More than likely, you took one step at a time and, with diligence and repetition, the “impossible” became much less so. Hebrews 5:14 This is how it is also with:

Discerning good and evil can seem like a daunting task! n At first, it seems there is so much to know and remember in order to make good decisions and right choices- the Bible is such a BIG book! n But gradually, with time and practice, things seem to fall in place. And “light bulb moments” of understanding come with frequent regularity. n This process has a biblical description: “Having their senses trained to discern good and evil.” Heb.5:14

“So, how do I know what is “right” and “wrong” while I’m “training my senses” to do it for me?” Give it the Six-Way Test: n Does it destroy your identity as a Christian and make you look like the world? 1John 5:19 says there are only 2 groups in existence. With which group would you categorize the activity? 1John 3:10 says the distinction is, or should be, obvious. If the activity makes the distinction less obvious, it should be forsaken, Rom.12:2.

“So, how do I know what is “right” and “wrong” while I’m “training my senses” to do it for me?” Give it the Six-Way Test: n Is the activity questionable in your own mind, or does it offend your conscience? Rom.14:22-23 says that if we violate our own conscience we are condemned by God. Likewise, v.22 speaks of “conviction” and v.5 mentions being “fully convinced”. Are you “fully convinced” of the “rightness” of the activity? If not, leave it alone, James 4:17.

“So, how do I know what is “right” and “wrong” while I’m “training my senses” to do it for me?” Give it the Six-Way Test: n Will the activity have a weakening influence on those around you? Matt.18:1-10 addresses this subject using the language of “stumbling blocks.” Unwise and imprudent acts on our part may cause the unsuspecting to stumble, spiritually speaking. Always remember that there are likely others looking to you for an example- and they may “know” less than you!

“So, how do I know what is “right” and “wrong” while I’m “training my senses” to do it for me?” Give it the Six-Way Test: n Is the activity obviously destructive to your body in which the Spirit dwells? 1Cor.6:12-20 has a couple of relative points. vv indicate that some things are lawful as servants, but are poor masters v.18 says that sexual immorality is a sin “against his own body” vv state that our bodies should house the Spirit. Does activity “fit” with the Spirit?

“So, how do I know what is “right” and “wrong” while I’m “training my senses” to do it for me?” Give it the Six-Way Test: n Does the activity encourage within you other fleshly appetites? Col.3:5ff says to “consider the members of your earthly body as dead to…” Does the activity aid in “putting to death” other sinful activities, or encourage them? Rom.13:14 adds that we should “make no provision for the flesh”. Does the activity make “provisions” for the flesh, or the Spirit?

“So, how do I know what is “right” and “wrong” while I’m “training my senses” to do it for me?” Give it the Six-Way Test: n Does the activity bring you under a weakening association and influence? We must all “live in” the world, 1Cor.5:9-10. But the challenge is to live in but not like the world. cf. 1Cor.15:33 Does the activity “yoke” you together with God, or with the world? 2Cor.6:14ff Give heed to the admonitions of 1Thess.5:21-22 in this regard!

None of these “tests” are intended to displace spiritual maturity gained through study of and knowledge in God’s Word. n They are intended to give a basis for determining “right” versus “wrong” while we are growing, maturing, and learning to discern good and evil!