Discernment: Session 3
Session Three: Practical Ways of Growing in Discernment
Read through the Bible every year
Takes 15-20 minutes a day
You Version has many options including chronological
Study books in depth
Dig deeper into the word in a systematic way
Participate in a small group
This provides the accountability and encouragement we all need!
Memorization
Part of meditating and saturating my mind with truth!
Listen to some of these passages showing us the beauty of knowing His pure word to protect us from error but also to fill us with true wisdom!
Psalm 12:6-7 And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,
Proverbs 16: 21-24 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
2 Peter 1: 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thess 5: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
Psalm 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Psalm 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
Psalm 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
As we consider what we will do with this information, I was reading through the Psalms and read this:
Psalm 81 10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. 11 “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. 13 “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, 14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! 15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. 16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Discernment Resource List:
John Piper: John Calvin: and His Passion for the Majesty of God
Tim Challies: The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Erwin Lutzer: Who are You to Judge?
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/six-benefits-of-ordinary-daily-devotions
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-not-to-walk-by-the-spirit
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/true-woman/blog/wrong-way-read-christian-books/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/6-surprises-every-premarital-counselor-should-cover
