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Spiritual Discernment

36 sermons

Spiritual discernment in the Bible refers to the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil, or divine guidance and deception. This gift is emphasized in several passages, notably in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where it is listed among the spiritual gifts, indicating that some believers are endowed with the ability to discern spirits. The importance of discernment is also highlighted in Hebrews 5:14, which states that those who have trained their senses can distinguish good from evil, suggesting that discernment is both a gift and a skill developed through spiritual maturity and experience.The concept of discernment is foundational for making wise decisions and living a life aligned with God's will. In 1 John 4:1, believers are cautioned to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, underscoring the necessity of discernment in recognizing the influence of the Holy Spirit versus false teachings. Ultimately, spiritual discernment is rooted in a deep relationship with God, characterized by prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and integrity.

Stephen Kaung

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual exercise for believers. He compares the physical exercise done in the gymnasium to the spiritual exercise that believers should engage in. The world and everyday life are seen as the gymnasium where believers can exercise their spiri

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Stephen Kaung

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in the life of a believer. They highlight how the love of God fills the heart of a believer and is expressed in practical ways. The preacher also mentions the story of Paul and Silas being imprisoned and how their love for God led them t

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Leonard Ravenhill

Leonard Ravenhill addresses the pressing issues of tongues, demons, and the state of the Catholic Church, emphasizing the moral decay in society and the church's failure to uphold true holiness. He warns against the dangers of false teachings and the blending of worldly influences with the gospel, u

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Mark Greening

Mark Greening emphasizes the message to the church of Ephesus from Revelation, highlighting their hard work and perseverance but also their critical failure of leaving their first love for Christ. He warns that busyness in ministry does not equate to spiritual health and urges believers to remember,

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Watchman Nee

Watchman Nee discusses the concept of the 'soulish man,' emphasizing that such individuals, whether unregenerated or soulish believers, lack spiritual discernment and understanding of God's truths. He highlights that soulish wisdom, derived from human intellect, leads to divisions and conflicts with

Jessie Penn-Lewis

Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the distinction between 'soul-force' and 'spirit-force', explaining that true spiritual power originates from the Holy Spirit and not from the flesh. She warns against the dangers of relying on psychic forces that masquerade as spiritual gifts, urging believers to depend

T. Austin-Sparks

T. Austin-Sparks discusses the profound burden carried by prophets, emphasizing their role in discerning spiritual decline and the need for a deeper connection with God's vision. He explains that true prophets often feel isolated due to their unique insights and the weight of their calling, which is

David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of discerning whether we are listening to men or to God, drawing parallels between the apostle John's revelation on Patmos and our own need for a 'Patmos' experience. He urges believers to set aside distractions and come boldly to God's throne, where they ca

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer addresses the troubling trend within the church where many prioritize pleasure over a genuine love for God. He highlights that many Christians today have 'itching ears,' seeking teachers who cater to their desires rather than enduring sound doctrine, as warned by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:3. To

A.W. Pink

A.W. Pink expounds on the sixth Beatitude, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,' emphasizing that true purity of heart is not about sinlessness but about a sincere and genuine relationship with God. He critiques the false notion of complete eradication of sin in believers, pointin

T. Austin-Sparks

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the consecrated ear in the life of a believer, illustrating how the blood of consecration marks a separation from the old ways and prepares one to hear God's voice. He explains that a blood-touched ear judges and refuses to accept anything that is not

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of listening to God amidst the chaos of life, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Samuel who responded to God's call with a willing heart. He prays for the ability to hear God's voice clearly, urging believers to cultivate a familiarity with it so th

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic insight within the church, arguing that true prophets understand the spiritual condition of their times and communicate God's message accordingly. He critiques religious leaders who merely recite scripture without addressing the current spiritual l

A.W. Pink

A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of heart purity in his sermon, explaining that true purity does not equate to sinlessness but rather reflects a sincere and genuine relationship with God. He critiques the false notion of complete eradication of sin in believers, highlighting that even the great

Watchman Nee

Watchman Nee addresses the alarming trend away from God, emphasizing that while Christians recognize sinful things as Satanic, they often overlook the worldly pursuits like education, science, and culture that are equally under Satan's influence. He warns that the entire world lies in the evil one,

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer addresses the complexities of modern Christianity, cautioning against oversimplifying the church's issues by attributing them to a single cause. He emphasizes that the decline of true Bible religion is evident, yet identifying the root cause is challenging due to the interrelated nature o

T. Austin-Sparks

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of discerning the deeper voice behind the words of Scripture, particularly in the context of Ezekiel's prophecies. He highlights the tragedy of Israel's failure to hear the voice of the prophets, which leads to a lack of understanding and spiritual blindnes

T. Austin-Sparks

T. Austin-Sparks addresses the current crisis in Christianity, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and understanding of the times in which we live. He draws from Scripture, particularly the men of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do, highlighting the importa

George Fox

George Fox emphasizes the significance of the cross in overcoming the carnal nature, which is the source of falsehood and seduction. He explains that embracing the cross leads to a separation from worldly desires and opens the path to God, where true love and wisdom reside. Fox warns that those who

Charles Finney

Charles Finney addresses the nature of excitement in religious revivals, emphasizing that true spiritual experiences often lead to physical prostration due to overwhelming clarity of divine truth, as seen in biblical figures like Daniel and Saul. He distinguishes between genuine excitement from the

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual discernment among Christians, particularly leaders, in a time when Bible knowledge is abundant yet moral insight is lacking. He points out that this deficiency may be a significant cause of the decline in true Bible religion. Tozer calls for the em

Horatius Bonar

Horatius Bonar addresses the significant changes in the religious landscape, noting the growing divide between modern thought and traditional revelation. He emphasizes the dangers of constructing a personal religion that aligns with contemporary liberal ideas, warning against the multitude of false

John Gill

John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:17, illustrating the deceptive nature of false teachers who appear promising but ultimately provide nothing of substance, likening them to dry wells and clouds without rain. He emphasizes their ability to mislead through their outward appearances and empty promises, l

John Nelson Darby

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the importance of understanding our current position and condition before God, as well as the implications of His grace in our lives. He draws parallels between the historical failures of Israel and the present state of the Church, highlighting that while God's faithfuln

John Nelson Darby

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the necessity of understanding our current spiritual state and the unchanging principles of God as we navigate through varying circumstances. He illustrates how God's relationship with His people remains constant, even as their conduct may change in different times of ju

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that spiritual truths can only be understood by those who are pure in heart, as they require divine illumination rather than mere intellectual comprehension. He references 1 Corinthians 2:14, highlighting that the natural man cannot grasp the things of the Spirit, which are oft

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the role of moral physicians in preaching, highlighting that truth must be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the audience. He draws on examples from prophets, apostles, and Jesus, who adapted their messages to address the moral and spiritual conditions of thei

George Fox

George Fox encourages his parents to 'Return Within' and listen for the Voice of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of discernment to recognize the true voice amidst distractions. He urges them to remain faithful to what they know and to focus on the present moment, as time is precious for their s

Thomas Brooks

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of perceiving wicked individuals through the lens of the names given to them in Scripture, such as lions, bears, and vipers, which reflect their true nature. By understanding these descriptions, believers can be warned against the dangers of associating with s

Horatius Bonar

Horatius Bonar emphasizes the necessity of true spiritual discernment, urging believers not to confuse error with truth for the sake of charity. He warns against praising earnestness in error, highlighting that true earnestness must be rooted in truth, which is pleasing to God. Bonar calls for a cle

John Gill

John Gill emphasizes the significance of the anointing received from Christ, which represents the Holy Spirit and His grace. This anointing is a permanent presence within believers, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and truth necessary for spiritual growth and discernment. Gill clar

John Gill

John Gill emphasizes the distinction between those who are of God and those who are not, highlighting that true believers and ministers of the Gospel are chosen and sent by God to proclaim His truth. He explains that those who know God do so through a personal and experiential relationship, which le

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith addresses the dire spiritual condition of the nation, emphasizing how false prophets mislead the people with lies, leading them away from the true worship of God. He highlights the consequences of their refusal to heed God's Word, which results in impending judgment and destruction. Smit

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith addresses the dangers of false prophets, emphasizing their ability to lead people into a false sense of security and trust in false hopes. He warns that these prophets often assure individuals that they are safe in their sins, neglecting the urgent call to repentance and the true message

F.B. Meyer

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of our senses, both physical and spiritual, in discerning danger and preserving our spiritual health. He illustrates how the inner senses--such as the ear, eye, smell, taste, and touch--can be trained to detect good and evil, much like our physical senses warn us

Charles Finney

Charles Finney explores the concept of wisdom as it relates to the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true wisdom is recognized and justified by those who are spiritually discerning. He contrasts the austere lifestyle of John, which called for repentance, with Christ's

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