Discernment
Discernment in the Bible refers to the ability to judge well, particularly in distinguishing between truth and deception, good and evil, or right and wrong. It is often associated with wisdom and spiritual insight. The concept is rooted in various scriptural passages, such as Hebrews 5:14, which states, "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish good from evil." Here, discernment is depicted as a skill developed through experience and maturity in faith.Additionally, 1 Corinthians 12:10 mentions discernment as a spiritual gift: “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits.” This highlights its importance in the life of the church, where the ability to perceive the nature of spiritual influences is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the community of believers. Overall, biblical discernment is an essential aspect of Christian living, enabling believers to navigate moral complexities and make choices aligned with God’s will.
Discernment87
Discernment - Part 1
By Vance Havner7.6K30:58DiscernmentEXO 30:33AMO 4:4AMO 5:4MAT 7:21EPH 2:19HEB 10:25JAS 1:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discernment in the Church today. He emphasizes that spiritual truth may seem foolish to the natural man, but it can only be understood through the Spirit of God. The speaker also criticizes the practice of trying to manufacture spiritual experiences, stating that true worship and songs of praise come from a genuine place within the heart. He then introduces the topic of discerning the truth and highlights the confusion and uncertainty that many Christians face in discerning what is true and false in today's world.
Holiness or "Blessing"
By Art Katz6.2K57:27DiscernmentHolinessPSA 18:7Art Katz emphasizes the critical distinction between holiness and the pursuit of blessings, warning against the dangers of seeking experiences that may dilute the true nature of God. He expresses concern over the church's complacency and the tendency to accept dubious phenomena in the name of blessing, urging believers to seek a genuine relationship with God rather than superficial experiences. Katz calls for a return to the holiness of God, highlighting the need for discernment and a deeper understanding of His nature, which is often lost in the quest for personal benefit. He stresses that true transformation comes from a profound knowledge of God, which requires sacrifice and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself and the church. Ultimately, Katz challenges the church to be a true witness to the world, reflecting the holiness of God that can provoke jealousy among those who do not know Him.
Discernment - Part 2
By Vance Havner5.1K46:02DiscernmentMAT 28:19ACT 1:1In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old mill to illustrate the importance of removing obstacles in order for the work of the Lord to flow smoothly. He emphasizes the need for personalizing the work and not allowing it to become impersonal or mechanical. The speaker also highlights the significance of being excited and passionate about the work of the Lord, comparing it to divine electricity. The sermon concludes with a story of a home missionary who breathed life into a seemingly dead meeting by sharing personal experiences of the impact of missionary work.
Discernment - Part 3
By Vance Havner4.3K34:24Discernment1CH 12:32ZEC 14:4MAT 16:3LUK 3:2LUK 12:56ROM 13:112PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times. He highlights the example of the children of Issachar in the Old Testament who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. The preacher also mentions the need to know the seasons and awaken from spiritual sleep. He concludes by stating that we are living in a strange hour and that denying the signs of the times is, in fact, another sign.
Discernment - Part 5
By Vance Havner4.0K38:29DiscernmentIn this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patient continuance in our faith. He acknowledges that in today's fast-paced world, it is easy to jump from one thing to another without seeing things through. He shares the story of Jesus preaching a sermon that drove the crowd away, but the disciples remained faithful. Peter, despite his mistakes, gives three reasons for being a Christian: there is nowhere else to go, Jesus has words of eternal life, and he gives a foretaste of glory. The preacher encourages believers to focus on the true value of what we have in Jesus and to actively pursue it, rather than relying on external stimuli or revivals.
Discernment - Part 4
By Vance Havner4.0K41:29DiscernmentPSA 84:6ISA 26:3MAT 17:42CO 6:102CO 11:242CO 12:92TI 4:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living a genuine and authentic Christian life. He warns against the dangers of subjectivism and relying solely on emotional experiences. The preacher emphasizes the need for self-examination to ensure that one is truly in the faith. He shares a story about a counterfeit bill that was able to deceive people for a while but was eventually discovered. The sermon concludes with a powerful anecdote about an old general who had fought in World War II and remained faithful until the end, serving as an inspiration for believers to persevere in their faith.
By Their Fruit - Part 2
By Paul Washer3.4K36:41DiscernmentPRO 2:21ISA 6:3MAT 7:13MAT 7:21MAT 22:37MAT 28:18JHN 6:66In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the power and impact of the word of God. He describes how the word cuts and breaks before it heals and binds. The pastor challenges the listeners to examine their souls and question whether they are truly living in obedience to God's will. He warns against being selective in following only what aligns with culture and personal desires, and emphasizes the importance of submitting to the truths that may contradict and challenge us. The pastor also highlights the consequences of rejecting God's law and the words of Christ, emphasizing the need to build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
Discernment - Part 6
By Vance Havner3.3K42:02DiscernmentJHN 10:27HEB 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment in the way we live our lives. He expresses concern about the fast-paced lifestyle and the excessive consumption of television, which he believes hinders our connection with God. The preacher references the story of Jim Elliot, a martyr for the faith, who was convicted by God while watching TV. He encourages the audience to prioritize their relationship with God and seek discernment in distinguishing between what is valuable and what is trivial in life.
Spiritual Discernment
By John Murray2.0K51:22DiscernmentPSA 91:11ACT 17:111TH 5:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of three exercises of the mind: proving, holding, and abstaining. He explains that these exercises are crucial in navigating the challenges of life. The preacher encourages the congregation to not simply accept things at face value, but to search the scriptures daily to discern the truth. He warns against the temptation to always seek something new and encourages the congregation to hold fast to what is good. Lastly, he urges them to abstain from anything that even appears evil. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for discernment, steadfastness, and purity in the Christian walk.
In Times Like These… - Part 1
By Erlo Stegen1.7K59:54DiscernmentPSA 139:23PRO 28:13JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the world and the church. He emphasizes the need to recognize the immorality and lack of moral standards prevalent in society. The speaker shares personal confessions from individuals who struggle with temptation and seek comfort in worldly distractions. The sermon also highlights the importance of self-reflection and confession among ministers, urging them to practice what they preach and seek guidance from others.
Paul's Plea for Spiritual Discernment
By Cornelius Van Til1.7K42:33DiscernmentEXO 19:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the light of the gospel to those who are still in darkness. He warns against false teachers and encourages the listeners to stay true to the truth they have come to know. The preacher draws parallels to Moses and the words of Jehovah, highlighting the significance of obedience and the promise of being a holy nation. Ultimately, the preacher urges the audience to share their experiences and revelations with others, so that they too may see and understand the truth.
Know Them by Their Fruit
By Carey Dye1.5K1:14:11DiscernmentMAT 12:36PHP 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sins and the consequences they have before God. He challenges the notion that God's love means He will overlook our transgressions, comparing it to a judge who pardons a criminal without consequence. The preacher also criticizes preachers who tolerate ungodly behavior in their churches for the sake of financial gain. He then highlights the message of redemption through Jesus Christ, explaining that Jesus died on the cross to bear the punishment for our sins and offers salvation to those who receive Him.
In Times Like These… - Part 9
By Erlo Stegen1.5K00:00Discernment1CH 12:32MAT 6:14MAT 18:21JHN 14:15JHN 14:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of watching and praying as a way to stay faithful to God. He warns against the dangers of not discerning the times and not being in tune with God. The preacher refers to a statistic that states that a majority of missionaries struggle to get along with each other, highlighting the need for harmony and unity among God's people. He also discusses the consequences of sin entering a Christian's life, emphasizing the need to resist temptation and remain faithful to God's image. The sermon references passages from the Bible, including First Chronicles and Romans, to support these teachings.
Discerning Doubtful Things
By Al Whittinghill1.1K1:01:38DiscernmentPSA 119:9PSA 119:11MAT 18:6ROM 14:7HEB 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being identified as followers of Jesus. He highlights the significance of spending time with Jesus and allowing it to reflect in one's speech and mindset. The speaker warns non-believers that there will come a day when they will regret not accepting Christ. He also cautions believers to be cautious of the little things that can slowly erode their faith and trust in God. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, which speaks about being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.
Retaining the Standard of the Gospel
By Santosh Poonen99548:19FaithfulnessDiscernmentFalling Away2TI 1:13Santosh Poonen emphasizes the urgency of retaining the standard of the Gospel amidst the distractions and challenges of the world. He warns that as persecution increases, it will become harder to hear God's voice, urging believers to cultivate discernment and faithfulness in their walk with Christ. Poonen reflects on the historical context of the early church, highlighting the importance of using current times of peace to strengthen the body of Christ and prepare for future trials. He encourages the congregation to guard the treasure of the Gospel and to live with a sense of urgency, ensuring that their faith does not wane in the face of adversity. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the teachings of Christ, reminding believers that their actions and choices today will impact their eternal standing with God.
(Pdf Book) Intolerance
By Sister Joela89800:00EbooksEnd TimesDiscernmentGEN 13:10GEN 18:25ISA 54:11EZK 33:6AMO 3:7MAT 22:37LUK 17:28ROM 6:23REV 5:13REV 12:11Sister Joela addresses the challenges of navigating the storm of end-time humanism in her sermon 'Intolerance.' She draws parallels between the choices made by Lot and the moral dilemmas faced today, emphasizing the importance of recognizing sin and the consequences of societal tolerance towards it. Joela warns that the pressure to conform to modern norms can lead to a loss of discernment and a weakening of our relationship with God. She encourages believers to remain anchored in God's love and truth, reminding them of the urgency to warn others of impending judgment while holding fast to their faith. Ultimately, she reassures that God's mercy prevails, and He has a plan for those who remain faithful amidst adversity.
Obvious Apostasy
By Scott Hynds88642:33ApostasyDiscernment2TH 2:1Scott Hynds addresses the theme of 'Obvious Apostasy,' emphasizing the warnings from Paul about a great falling away in the church before the return of Christ. He highlights the confusion among the Thessalonians regarding the end times and the need for discernment against false teachings that distort the truth of the Gospel. Hynds encourages believers to remain grounded in Scripture and to be vigilant against the subtlety of deception that can arise from within the church. He stresses the importance of waiting in hope for the physical return of Jesus Christ, while also recognizing the perilous times in which we live. The message serves as a call to uphold the integrity of God's Word amidst a culture of apostasy.
Testing the Spirits
By Ray Greenly75538:49DiscernmentIn this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of Jesus' death on the cross and the need for believers to resist sin to the point of shedding their own blood. He warns against the influence of spirits that try to deceive and block access to the blood of Jesus. The preacher criticizes the reliance on worldly solutions, such as credit cards and doctors, instead of wrestling with problems and seeking God's guidance. He also criticizes the model of church growth that focuses on numbers rather than genuine conversion, sharing an example of a pastor who rejected a passionate plea for repentance. The sermon concludes with a call to test the spirits and acknowledge Jesus as the only way to salvation.
Be a Berean
By Paris Reidhead21935:54DiscernmentACT 17:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching the Word of God with humility and openness. He encourages listeners to remove any preconceived notions or biases and truly seek God's revelation. The speaker highlights that reading the Bible will reveal the true condition of our hearts and expose our sinfulness. He shares an anecdote about African listeners who realized that God knew them intimately as they heard the words of Romans 1. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the congregation to approach the Scriptures with open minds and hearts, seeking God's truth.
How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics
By Mike Bickle2650:41Cult AwarenessDiscernmentACT 20:29Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of recognizing cults by outlining seven key characteristics that deviate from historic Christianity. He warns that cults often begin with subtle tendencies and escalate into more dangerous behaviors, including inappropriate loyalty to leaders, isolation from family, and the promotion of special revelations outside of Scripture. Bickle encourages believers to be equipped with knowledge to discern and expose cult-like tendencies, not only for their own protection but also to help others who may be lured in. He stresses the necessity of critical thinking and testing teachings against the Bible, as well as maintaining healthy relationships with family and the broader church community.
The Harlot Babylon: The One-World Religion
By Mike Bickle2542:48End TimesDiscernmentREV 17:1Mike Bickle discusses the emergence of the harlot Babylon, a one-world religion that will seduce nations and even the church in the end times. He emphasizes the warnings from Paul about a significant falling away from the faith, where many will turn to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Bickle explains that this false religion will appear tolerant and benevolent, but will ultimately lead to persecution of true believers. He highlights the importance of discernment in recognizing the dangers of this seductive system, which will be supported by political leaders for their gain. The sermon serves as a call to prepare the church to stand firm against this deception and to remain faithful to the truth of the Gospel.
Who Is Thinking for You?
By Shane Idleman211:00:01Transformation by God's WordDiscernmentROM 12:1Shane Idleman addresses the confusion and chaos in today's world, urging listeners to discern who is influencing their thoughts—God or the world. He emphasizes the importance of being transformed by God's Word, as outlined in Romans 12:1-2, and warns against being conformed to worldly ideologies that lead to idolatry and sin. Idleman highlights the battle for the mind, encouraging young adults to seek God's truth amidst competing voices from media, entertainment, and false teachings. He calls for a return to holiness and a commitment to living according to God's will, reminding the congregation that true freedom comes with moral responsibility.
False Teachers Say "Do What Feels Good!"
By Shane Idleman1953:22DiscernmentAuthority of ScriptureJUD 1:5Shane Idleman addresses the dangers of false teachers who promote a message of doing what feels good, contrasting it with the truth of God's Word. He emphasizes that true prophets align their messages with Scripture, warning against the allure of cultural acceptance and the temptation to indulge in sin. Idleman urges believers to be discerning and to seek sound doctrine, reminding them of the consequences faced by those who stray from God's truth, as illustrated in the book of Jude. He calls for a return to the authority of Scripture and a genuine relationship with Jesus, highlighting the importance of conviction alongside encouragement in the Christian walk.
Discerning Truth and Error About God's Grace, Part 2
By Mike Bickle181:02:47True GraceDiscernment2PE 2:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical need for discernment regarding the true nature of God's grace, warning that many teachings in the church today distort this essential doctrine. He highlights that false teachers often promote a version of grace that neglects the necessity of repentance, leading believers to feel comfortable in their sin and spiritual laziness. Bickle urges listeners to be vigilant and diligent in their understanding of grace, which should empower them to deny ungodliness and pursue a life of holiness. He stresses that true grace is not merely about forgiveness but also about the enabling power to live righteously. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to striving for holiness in the context of God's grace.
How to Discern False Teachers and Cults: 7 Characteristics
By Mike Bickle1655:50Truth vs. DeceptionDiscernmentMAT 24:4Mike Bickle addresses the critical issue of discerning false teachers and cults, emphasizing that deception is a primary attack on intimacy with God. He highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of false teachers, such as their tendency to exploit followers, promote inappropriate loyalty, and deny core Christian doctrines. Bickle urges believers to cultivate a love for truth and to be vigilant in exposing major deceptions, as many will be led astray in the end times. He encourages the church to prioritize loyalty to Jesus and the Word of God over any individual leader or ministry. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to critical thinking and a deep love for biblical truth.