What is biblical discernment and why is it important? By John MacArthur In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically. First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required. The key to living an uncompromising life lies in ones ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living-a certain recipe for compromise. Be sure to see our next post for the conclusion of this!
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 22:01:59 +0000
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