“I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me. For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well!” 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 NASB
What Is Discernment?
- Discernment is the ability to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, wisdom from foolishness, and truth from error
- Discernment is a spiritual gift
“…the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit…” 1 Corinthians 12:10 NLT
Why Is Discernment Important?
- Because failure to have discernment has consequences
Adam and Eve were “led astray” by the deception of the serpent. (See Genesis 3)
- Because deception starts subtly in the mind
“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB
How Can I Walk In Discernment?
- I need to have a conviction that God is good and knows what is best
“Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.” Psalm 119:66 NASB
- I need to follow the right Jesus. Vs. 4
“…A different Jesus.”
- I need to understand the real Gospel
“…a different gospel.”
- I need to walk in the Spirit by abiding in Jesus
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.” Galatians 5:16-17 NASB
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 NASB 95