Spiritual Discernment (2)
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT (2)
Read Hebrews 4:8-13
MEMORISE
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two - edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
EXPOSITION
As we discussed yesterday, spiritual discernment is the ability to see life from God's perspective. It requires that we know how He thinks and acts. The Bible is His unchanging, infallible revelation of Himself. However, the Lord does not simply give us a list of facts about His character and ways. All throughout the pages of the Scripture, He illustrates and shows who He is and how He operates.
Of course, the Bible is ancient. Yet, it is not obsolete in any way. Its stories may have taken place centuries ago,but its principles and applications are still very relevant, offering discernment about situations and guidance for decisions.
God's Word, which Ephesians 6:17 refers to as The sword of the Spirit, is active and piercing, like a surgeon's scalpel. The words do not simply sit on the page; rather, they penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and motives (Heb. 4:12). This convicting quality is why some Christians avoid reading the Bible. They prefer to live on a surface level but never understand why they react to situations the way they do. If we do not want to keep making the same mistakes all over, it is essential that we become discerning about ourselves, by approaching the Word of God with open spirit. Then God will bring to light our hidden motives and unrecognised sins.
Spiritual discernment involves seeing not just circumstances but also ourselves from God's perspective. Have you learnt how to embrace the piercing Sword of the Scripture? Or have you avoided doing so, because it makes you uncomfortable? Remember, whenever the Lord uses a surgical knife, His purpose is always to make us healthier.
PRAYER POINTS
1. I refuse to live on a surface level again in my walk with God, in Jesus' name.
2. The grace to see things in God's way, endow me today, oh Lord.
3. Lord, let Your Word guide and moderate the actions of the leaders of Your people, so that they are not continually misled.
Read Hebrews 4:8-13
MEMORISE
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two - edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
EXPOSITION
As we discussed yesterday, spiritual discernment is the ability to see life from God's perspective. It requires that we know how He thinks and acts. The Bible is His unchanging, infallible revelation of Himself. However, the Lord does not simply give us a list of facts about His character and ways. All throughout the pages of the Scripture, He illustrates and shows who He is and how He operates.
Of course, the Bible is ancient. Yet, it is not obsolete in any way. Its stories may have taken place centuries ago,but its principles and applications are still very relevant, offering discernment about situations and guidance for decisions.
God's Word, which Ephesians 6:17 refers to as The sword of the Spirit, is active and piercing, like a surgeon's scalpel. The words do not simply sit on the page; rather, they penetrate our hearts and judge our thoughts and motives (Heb. 4:12). This convicting quality is why some Christians avoid reading the Bible. They prefer to live on a surface level but never understand why they react to situations the way they do. If we do not want to keep making the same mistakes all over, it is essential that we become discerning about ourselves, by approaching the Word of God with open spirit. Then God will bring to light our hidden motives and unrecognised sins.
Spiritual discernment involves seeing not just circumstances but also ourselves from God's perspective. Have you learnt how to embrace the piercing Sword of the Scripture? Or have you avoided doing so, because it makes you uncomfortable? Remember, whenever the Lord uses a surgical knife, His purpose is always to make us healthier.
PRAYER POINTS
1. I refuse to live on a surface level again in my walk with God, in Jesus' name.
2. The grace to see things in God's way, endow me today, oh Lord.
3. Lord, let Your Word guide and moderate the actions of the leaders of Your people, so that they are not continually misled.
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