DISCERNMENT: A Sharp TwoEdged Gift

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June 3, 2014 • 21:24

DISCERNMENT: A Sharp TwoEdged Gift

DISCERNMENT: Be Sure of What you Pray for.

DISCERNMENT FOR THE WATCHMEN

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
—Hebrews 4:12

If the Word of God can be likened to “a sharp, twoedged sword“, then the gift of discernment–discernment in general in the times in which we live–might be likened to a sharp twoedged gift.

Many today consider only the one edge of discernment.

Do You Have the Gift of Discernment?

Because of this Scripture contains many exhortations for Christians to test all teaching. John writes, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Just one verse earlier, in John 3:24, John has spoken of the fact that the Holy Spirit is given to us as evidence of God’s presence in our lives. And having spoken of the Spirit, John now ensures that his readers know that not every spirit is holy. We are tempted to believe and obey spirits, for they represent a spiritual realm that is outside of our experience, but many spirits are commanded by Satan, the father of lies. Because of this we need to test or prove the spirits to see if they come from God.

The original linked article is part of a 3-part series on discernment. Part 2 [http://www.challies.com/articles/the-gift-of-spiritual-discernment-part-2] states the following: “For those who continue to struggle with identifying how God has gifted them, here are a few principles that will prove helpful.”

One of the “helpful principles” provided is “Ask others.”

Is this how it works? Really?

Hold a meeting; form a committee; call your friends and neighbors; take a poll?

There are even classes in which one might enroll which purport, through various assessments and tests, to ascertain what spiritual gifts one has.

Much has been written on discernment.

Some is fantasy.

DISCERNMENT THE REALITY vs DISCERNMENT THE FANTASY

“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
—Charles Spurgeon

Watchmen on the walls need discernment.

But how many who fancy themselves watchmen count the costs?

Many pew-sitters imagine that upon receiving discernment of spirits, they might be hailed by the people sitting in their church as a hero, sent by God Himself to help them sort truth from deception, to protect the church from false spirits who seek to harm both them and their families.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
—Luke 21:17

Many Christians in the apostate American churches are so far removed from the Bible, the things of God and discernment. One website which published an article on “Discernment” was headlined with “Beauty. Food. Life. Yoga.” There was absolutely no sense of either irony nor discernment.

Another website with an article on “Discernment” flew the rainbow flag at the top of the site alongside of a cross. Again, no sense of irony nor discernment.

Discernment has become just another Christian word to be bandied about. A buzzword to be used to let others know that one is “in the club.”

DISCERNMENT: THE SHARP TWOEDGED REALITY

Discernment will not bring the world’s approval–and the world reigns in many American churches.

Does one imagine that those who like the darkness will embrace one who points out the stark differences between darkness and light?

As it was put forth some months ago, discernment means that one will be acutely aware of deception–especially of different spirits which dwell both within the church and within those who maintain that they belong to Christ. One will be acutely aware that many who profess Jesus don’t bear the fruit of such a profession.

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
—1 John 2:4

One will also notice a sharp difference between what’s popular and accepted in their church and what is written in the Word of God.

Discernment is very necessary, especially in the times in which we live.

But discernment draws a very vivid line between that which is God’s and that which is the world’s.

The believer should know that God gives His gifts not as it benefits the recipient, but as it benefits the kingdom of God. Not as the recipient or his circle of friends will, but “as [the Holy Spirit] wills.”

“All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”
—1 Corinthians 12:11

So much for the earlier advice to “Ask others.”

True believers should not labor under the deception that discernment will bring the beneficiary approval, acceptance or happiness.

“For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
—Ecclesiastes 1:18

Seldom does the one praying for discernment realize how often the watchman is dragged down from the wall by the very ones he seeks to warn.

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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

images:
1- tiverylucky, FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ETPR
2- Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ETPR

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