Discernment 1 Kings 3:9 EBC 8/25/04

I. The Definition of Discernment

A. The ability to distinguish between what is good and what is evil in order to make wise decisions.

1. This concept is defined by several words:

a. Shama – to hear, to consider

b. Yada – to know, to understand

B. Bill Gothard – discernment is the spiritual insight that is not dimmed by brotherly kindness or love

II. The Object of Discernment

A. Ezk. 44:23- God commanded his priests to teach the people to discern between clean and unclean.

B. Heb. 5:14 – mature believers have their senses exercised to know good from evil

1. Senses – refers to organs of perception (ears, eyes, nose, mind and heart)

2. Oswald Chambers – discernment is the power to interpret what we hear and see.

III. The Importance of Discernment

Discernment tells us what is good or bad

A. Rom. 6:19 –

B. 1 Peter 1:14-16 – this passage describes categories of uncleanness in the physical and moral areas.

C. Lev. 11:44 –

IV. The Gaining of Discernment

A. James 1:5 – our discernment will increase when we use wisdom in making right decisions.

V. The Consequences of Uncleanness

A. 1 Cor. 3:16-17 -

B. A greater difficulty is moral uncleanness. This causes every other member of the body to be affected.

1. Rom. 12:5 -

2. 1 Cor. 12:26 – when one member lives a unholy life all suffer

a. Joshua 7:1 -

C. A discerning believer will realize that the Word of God must authorize every thought, word, and action. If it isn’t it needs to be confessed and repented of.

VI. Measures of Discernment

A. Do you ask God for an understanding heart?

B. Do you follow holiness by rejecting all forms of ungodliness/

C. Do you dedicate your body to Christ?

E. Do you ask God to remove things from your life that would hinder you?

F. Do you listen to both sides of a problem before making a decision of do you jump to conclusions?

G. When you see someone making a wrong decision do you have a desire to help?

Discernment 1 Kings 3