1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. A Call to Discernment Selected Scriptures
Discern = “to separate, distinguish between” (Webster). “recognize and identify as separate and distinct” (Oxford)
To distinguish between those facts along with the ability to use them to make proper judgements

3. A Call to Discernment Selected Scriptures
A purpose of Proverbs is to develop discernment (Proverbs 1:2; 2:3,4,9)
A mark of maturity is having “senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14)

4. Testing God’s People
Exodus 16: Instructions concerning gathering Manna
Judges 2: The reason so many Canaanite nations were left in the land
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 - the reason for God’s tolerance of false prophets

5. Testing God’s People
2 Peter 2:1-3 - The danger of false teachers today
1 John 4:1 - The command to test the spirits
False religions should be obvious - yet many of their beliefs and practices are assimilated by “Christians”
Obvious cults should easily be identifiable, yet millions think they are Christian sects

6. Testing God’s People
Scripture twisting cults are harder to recognize, yet can be identified with a little investigation
The tentacles of theological liberalism and experientially based beliefs add to the mix of groups that test your love for God

7. Testing the Prophets
Deuteronomy 18: The test of a prophetic prediction
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - The test of theological soundness
Matthew 7: The test of fruits
2 Peter 2:1-3 - The test of integrity

8. Testing the Prophets
The doctrine and lives of those who teach must be compared to the Scriptures

9. Developing Discernment
1) You must be a genuine Christian Corinthians 2:14

10. Developing Discernment
2) You must know the word of God - Acts 17:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
The Bereans were more noble because they examined the Scriptures to see if Paul was true
Man cannot develop discernment by his own wisdom because his mind is blinded and desires corrupt (2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Peter 1:4)
2 Timothy 2:15; 3: We must know the Scriptures to be properly guided in life

11. Developing Discernment
3) You must walk by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit regenerates, convicts of sin, enlightens the mind and teaches
He makes the Bible alive in you (Hebrews 4:12) and transforms by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:2)
He indwells and strengthens (John 14:16-17) to prevent the deeds of the flesh and bring His fruit (Gal. 5).

12. Discerning Truth and Error
Claiming to walk by the Spirit but not knowing and submitting to the Bible is self-deception
The self-deceived can in turn be very deceiving. Example:
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
“My Presence” - in 261 / 356 devotions - it is NOT Jesus’ spiritual presence (Matt. 28:20) or Holy Spirit

13. Discerning Truth and Error
“My Presence” refers to mystical encounters with a being that produces feelings (peace, love), may radiate light, and communicates personal messages
The Jesus of Mrs. Young’s book says things the Biblical Jesus would not say & contradicts Scripture

14. Discerning Truth and Error
Be a Berean - examine everything by the Scriptures
Godly teachers recognize they will grow in knowledge, wisdom & understanding of the Scriptures over time
Some teachers start well, but then veer off course even to the point of apostasy - 1 John 1:19

15. Discerning Truth and Error
Defensiveness of a teacher instead of Biblically examining their teaching is a shifting of the eyes away from Jesus
Ephesians 4: Each member of the body is important in protecting the body and helping it mature

16. Conclusions
Discernment in seriously lacking in our time in all areas - Christians must become discerning
Discernment is developed by the Holy Spirit working in us through the Word of God
Philippians 1:9-10

17. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ