Discernment

• The Bible will help you discern bad teaching (Acts 17: 11)-And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message.  They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.  It is very important, as believers, that while we learn the scriptures at our local Churches, and from our Pastors, that we refer to the Bible directly for confirmation that what the Leader is preaching is correct.  We cannot only go by what is being preached from the pulpit.  We must get our Bibles and read them for ourselves in order to fully comprehend what the LORD is saying to His Church.  Only then can we be sure that we're learning the truth.  If you can find it in scripture; you know it is being taught accurately.  If not, that's a sign that the person preaching can have gone in error, or falsehood.  ***Please beware of false teaching.***
• God grants discernment (1 Corinthians 12: 10)-He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to prophesy.  He gives someone else the ability to know whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking.  Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.  So, we know based on this verse that God carefully gives these gifts to the people of His choice, so that they can work together, and to confirm that His Spirit is working through each Servant.  Once they are in agreement, they can affirm to the rest of the congregation what was said, what was understood, what the LORD wants from us, and what is needed to accomplish any of the Church's goals.  This is how the Church grows.  This is how they reach the level of growth and spirituality they need in order to be, or to get where God has planned for them.
• Discern between right and wrong behavior (Hebrews 5: 14)-Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.  Once a believer has reached a certain level of maturity, they are no longer in need of what we call baby food-or blended food (the word preached gently).  Once they have grown to the point where they can handle the raw truth of the Gospel, they can have the solid food (the truth about how they should act, behave, or live).  They will not be hurt by it, nor will they leave the Church for someone preaching it.  They will live according to what the word is commanding or saying for their own spiritual welfare or benefit.  So, of course, the Church Leaders must discern when to preach solid Gospel food/word to the people, and when to preach with a more gentle baby food-like approach.  Once we know better, we can receive the solid food, enjoy it, and live by it.
• Ask God for help in discerning his will (James 1: 5)-If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you.  He will not resent your asking.  It is important that believers understand the power that they have.  God's children have the ability to have a direct relationship with the Creator.  They have the power to get on their knees and ask our living God for help in discerning exactly what His will is for their lives.  And they can have confidence in knowing that He will reply to their requests.  He will speak to your heart and mind; or give you a vision or a dream to confirm what His perfect will is for your life.  Or, He could give a message to give to you from another Servant to confirm what His will is for your life.  Just like a father hears his child's request, and joyfully gives to his children, so does God hear the prayer of a fearful child, and answer them accordingly.  He will bless them.  

Life is full of endless opportunities.  We are faced with making decisions on a daily basis.  Not all opportunities in life will benefit our lives both as believers, and non-believers alike.  However, It is important as believers, that we seek God and His will when making any decisions concerning both our spiritual and physical well being.  When we lean on Him for His understanding and direction, we guarantee victory and success in whatever we do.  We know that His spirit will not mislead us, or take us down the wrong path.  We know that He will guide us to a place of peace, prosperity, health, love, and wealth both spiritually and materially.  So, if any of you lacks in discernment, ask God to give it to you so that you will know what is right for you, and what is wrong.  What to surround yourself with in your environment, and what to keep away from.  Until next study, Happy Discerning!  Live well!  And may God guide you with His Holy Spirit and wisdom!!  God bless you!