Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Discernment for the believer is required | 1 Thess 5:21 | kalos | 12378 | ||
"The ability to think biblically about all areas of life" is called discernment . The statement is often made: "I guess I don't know what's of God and what isn't either and don't feel qualified to make those decisions either." This statement shows much wisdom on the part of the one who makes it. It is wisdom to know and admit that one does not feel qualified to "make those decisions." This kind of honest self-appraisal is to be applauded. Yet "According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required." One who does not have the required discernment should not be condemned. Rather they should be encouraged and helped to gain discernment. What follows is not intended to hurt anyone, but to help. What is biblical discernment and why is it important? "In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically. "First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required. "The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one's ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living-a certain recipe for compromise. "Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God's Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day. "Discernment intersects the Christian life at every point. And God's Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. According to Peter, God "has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). You see, it is through the "true knowledge of Him," that we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life in this fallen world. And how else do we have true knowledge of God but through the pages of His Word, the Bible? In fact, Peter goes on to say that such knowledge comes through God's granting "to us His precious and magnificent promises" (2 Peter 1:4). "Discernment-the ability to think biblically about all areas of life-is indispensable to an uncompromising life. It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth! Without it, Christians are at risk of being "tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14)." (http://www.gty.org/IssuesandAnswers/archive/discern.htm) --JVH0212 "In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity." |
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2 | Discernment for the believer is required | 1 Thess 5:21 | EdB | 12593 | ||
JVH0212 I don't think the problem is discernment as it is lack of action after discernment. Too many are convicted of something but rather than speaking out and appearing dogmatic or intolerant they look the other way. Christians today want to offend no one yet the Word itself says it will offend. Christians believe that being "tolerant" and inoffensive they will better position themselves to win non Christians. Unfortunately this doesn’t work, sinner must be convicted of and confront their sin and repent from it to be truly born again. Many churches in an effort to grow or to sustain growth will not confront sin, it might cause someone to leave. They would rather have a church full of sinners on the way to hell than to chance offending someone and having an empty pew. Be Blessed my brother Ed |
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3 | Discernment for the believer is required | 1 Thess 5:21 | DAIRYLEADER5 | 96333 | ||
JVH0212, Ed is correct, I just want to add a few thoughts, Eph 4:30, 1st Cor. 12:11. Most christians dont even know that these gifts are offered to the believer because some pastors also dont believe in them.Tollerence is not acceptiable with God, we cant make frends with the devil. Here lately the Pope of Rome has been wanting all faiths to come together and pray for peace in Rome. My question is if he susceeds in getting, moslems, budist, hindus, and the like all together who are they going to pray to? To say that they all worship the same God is Blasphame. The only true God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.So you see being religious tollorable is a bad idea.We believe in spiritual gifts, we need to teach them in all churches.DL5 | ||||||