The Need for Spiritual Discernment in Today's Church
10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.
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 see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 17:10–11). Tyndale House Publishers.
"Where is discernment in today's church"?
In today's church, it's hard to find discernment. However, we can learn from Paul's praise of the Berean believers. Paul commended the Bereans for possessing qualities that many churches today lack. Firstly, Paul mentions that the Bereans were "more noble-minded" (Greek -eugenes / yoog·en·ace), which means they had high status. This high status was evident in their willingness to learn and fairly evaluate Paul's Gospel message. They were not hindered by prejudices, cultural influences, or the tendency to follow icons that were fashioned by the world system.
They loved truth, God's truth. Instead of dismissing, resenting or just passively accepting Paul's interpretation, they received Paul's message with "readiness of mind and eagerness".
The Berean's not only received the word but also examined Paul's message. The Greek word for examine "anakrino /an·ak·ree·no" which means, "to sift up and down, make careful and exact research as in a legal processes" or a forensic research
Robertson, A. (1997). Word Pictures in the New Testament. Vol.V c1932, Vol.VI c1933 by Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. (Acts 17:11)
. They thoroughly tested Paul’s teaching against their standard of truth, the O.T. In this sense they where more noble than those at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-5).
Another thing that has played a major role in the lack of discernment within the church is some pastors and teachers who do not systematically teach the full counsel of God's word (Acts 20:27) or ensure that a new believer is properly disciple. This failure has produced anemic, unlearned and unequipped saints.
The results, believers are struggling to live out their Christian life (Heb. 5:12-14; Heb. 6:1), are
not able to engage a fallen world for Christ (2 Tim 2:15), and they are not equipped to fight in the spiritual warfare we are in (Eph. 6:12-17).
We must be deep as well as wide in our understanding of Scripture. This mandates that any teaching program at its core must have the goal
to systematically teach all 66 books of the Bible (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4; 2Tim 3:16-17). Equally, we must practice the doctrine we teach and
preach, (James 1:22-25) lest we deceive ourselves, confuse others, and bear a false witness.
As the professing church descends into the depths of apostasy and the Church age draws to a close, it is
now time for God’s people to sound the warning as never before. It must also expose the deeds of darkness
(Eph. 3.8-20) and save others snatching them out of the clutches of apostate teachers (Jude 1:23).
There must be an intensified focus in the efforts of teaching the whole counsel of God, utilizing every
ministry within the church as a conduit for teaching Biblical truth. Biblical understanding and discernment
is not an option but a necessity that must be diligently applied during this age of darkness and deception,
lest the enemy gains a foothold and advantage over us.
It is only when we correctly interpret and obey scripture that we will be prepared to
effectively engage in spiritual warfare and productively carry out the
work that God has ordained for us. It's then will we be
prepared for the times we live in.
Biblical truth brings fellow-ship, error and false teaching brings confusion and dissension among brethren.
This is the biblical example that is given to both leadership and laity in the church today. Unfortunately very few practice according to the example of the Berean.
A lack of Noble-Mindedness
Unfortunately a large number in today's church lack the noble mindedness of the Berean's. Many not only do not receive the word of God with readiness of mind and eagerness, nor do they know how to properly examine what is told them by Christian teachers, pastors, priest, etc.
Some sit in the pew or Sunday school class and passively accept what is told them without any scriptural examination at all. I have been in churches and have listen to sermons where the most unscriptural practices, and outlandish statements have been made, i.e. a denial of the deity of Christ, Jesus did not pay for our sins on the Cross, Jesus is not the only way to God, spiritualizing biblical verses to the point where their original contextual setting bears no resemblance to what is being preached. The sad part of all this is having the congregation give a hearty AMEN, hand clapping and other gestures of encouragement / appreciation rather than a gasp of disbelief in response to what has been said.
In exercising discernment, we must be careful not to become "an accuser of the brethren” and be used by Satan to destroy the reputation of good folk, for our goal should be, to be a 'good Berean' . That is, determine whether what is said to you, is true. In this biblical mandate of examination, one can expect to be branded as one with impure motives, an accuser, a Pharisee, having a critical spirit, etc., despite the Biblical instruction to render a truthful assessment. (Gal 4:16), despite false accusations, which come with the territory, the Bible is exceedingly clear in its instruction to test the spirits(teachers) (1 John 4:1-2) and to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3).
It is also disheartening to see so many in the church who either fail or refuse to examine what is said or put to the test those who come to preach in their pulpits. They would rather please people, even if it leads to their downfall than obey God, to whom they will ultimately answer for their disobedience.
Jesus has said, "and you shall love your the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength' (Mark 12:30; c.f. Deut 6:5). This is the great and foremost commandment. (Matt 22:38). Love entails obedience to God (John 14:15), and obedience results in fellowship with the triune God (John 14:21, John 15:10).
Unfortunately, many people in the church do not follow God's commands. They either selectively obey or refuse to comply altogether, treating God's commands like a buffet table. Their obedience is often based on convenience, which reveals that they do not have a heart that is fully devoted to God. As a result, they fail to love God "with all of their heart."
Therefore, this lack of commitment to God is evident when they disobey God in the area of discernment.
Not only is there disobedience to God for not practicing discernment but it also demonstrates a lack of love for our fellow brethren by putting them at risk of wolves. Love is what should govern our relationship with one another and is reflective of the love Christ has for us (John 15:12). Christ would never put those whom he loves at risk or expose them to danger, God forbid, and by the way neither should we.
Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (emphasis mine) (1Sam 15:22)
Practicing Spiritual Discernment
Spiritual discernment is vital as we engage in spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10-12). One must understand that Satan doesn't limit himself to just the affairs of the church in the life of the believer but will attack the believer in any area he can gain a stronghold, to render them ineffective for the cause of Christ. Therefore, we must be actively cautious, watchful, and vigilant considering the prowling of Satan as he seeks opportunities to attack (1Pet 5:8). One mustn’t be ignorant of his schemes, Satan does and can disguise himself as an angel of light and his servants as servants of righteousness (2Cor 11:14-15). This is why it's paramount that one is not ignorant of their schemes and understands them so as not to be misled. Therefore, one must be fully prepared to engage in spiritual warfare by clothing themselves with our God’s full armor. (Eph 6:11). This will enable you to properly discern between good and evil and resist in the evil day that all those who are born again 'will encounter', count on it.
If we fail to engage in this spiritual fight, we are not obeying God's word and show a lack of spiritual discernment and maturity (Hebrews 5:13-14). Our refusal to obey God's word in this matter, reflects our love for Him. (John 14:15)
Christians need to test what they see, hear and read, by comparing it with the Word of God, to determine if it is divine in its origin (Ps119:105). This is necessary for the believer (1 Cor. 2:14) to do. Each believer has the responsibility to do this (cf. Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
Spiritual Discernment Become's Paramount When Looked at From The Prophetic view
In Matt 24:4-5, Jesus said the following "And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.
In Matt 24:4 the word misled (KJV deceive) is the greek word" planao /plan·ah·o/" , its the idea of misleading people as to proper views which they should have...for example, ‘to twist people’s thoughts,’ ‘to cause what is false to seem like what is true,’ ‘to make a lie appear true,’ ‘to dig away the truth,’ or ‘to cover the eyes with lies.’[2]
In Mark 13:23, Christ gave us an imperative command to, "Take Heed" (greek blepo /blep·o) in other words discern and observe, turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, weigh carefully, examine[3]. Those whom we are to consider and examine will do the misleading these are said to be false Christ and false prophets (Mark 13:22-23). The number of them will be many (Luke 21:8, Matt 24:5) that will viciously attack the church. It is no wonder there is an increasing wave of anti Biblical teachings and false teachers that are invading the church. Lack of caution is no mark of a saint of God. God gave us Biblical based wits for self-protection. Christ has warned us in advanced, therefore to be forewarn is to be forearmed.
Not only will there be "many false Christ and false prophets", they will, "show signs and wonders" in an attempt to validate themselves and their message in order to lead people astray (Mark 13:22).
Jesus said they, "will arise" Mark 13:22 greek egeiro /eg·i·ro, means to cause to stand up...[4]. It is also in the passive voice. The passive voice conveys the idea that the SUBJECT (in this case false Christs and false prophets) is being acted upon by an outside force or power that causes them to arise. “Satan” and his demons are the ones that cause false Christ and false prophets to "arise" . It is the whole empire of evil spirits that is now working in the sons of disobedience, to energize them to carry out their heinous bidding. (Eph 2:2; 2 Cor 11:13-15), in this case false Christ's and false Prophets; i.e. tares (Matt 13:24-30).
The Need For Biblical Knowledge
Biblical knowledge is essential in practicing true spiritual discernment. This can be clearly seen in Jesus temptation by Satan in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-4). (1) Jesus' quotation from the Old Testament (Matt 4:4, cf. Deut 8:3) clearly showed he had knowledge of its content. (2) The second point is that Jesus had the correct contextual understanding of the usage of this passage unlike Satan who twisted the scriptures by using them out of context. (3) Jesus resisted Satan (James 4:7) through his knowledge and obedience to the word of God, ultimately ending in Satan leaving him (Matt 4:11).
When a person feeds off of Biblical knowledge spiritual growth occurs (1 Pet 2:2), when one applies what they have learned discernment occurs (Heb 5:13-14).
Prov 18:15
15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Prov 19:2
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs.
As believers we are to pursue the knowledge of God's word so that we are approved unto to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).
In today's church a lack of knowledge of God's word has led to a inaccurate interpretation. Pastor John McAuthor as written the following concerning 'inaccurate interpretation:
Exposing The Deeds of Darkness
11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
One who is faithful to the word of God will warn those in the churches,
not with faint hints, but a warning that equips and informs the people
of God of the danger ahead (1Tim 5:20). This is especially important to those who
are young in the faith, for they need clear instruction. Image seeing a
person walking on a railroad track and who is unaware that a train is
approaching him at a high rate of speed. One would not whisper to get
his attention of the impending danger. The situation demands that you
warn him by yelling loudly, wave your hands, point, etc. to get his
attention concerning the approaching train.
Paul said, in Acts 20:31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I
did not cease to admonish each one with tears. As followers of Jesus we should show the same love in perseverance as Paul
in warning those of the impending danger.
Can I / Should I name names? Well lets see what the bible says, and lets leave it at that.
Here are a few OT examples:
- Moses called the name of Balaam -(See Numbers 22-25" Numbers 22-25
- Nathan identified the man. - There was a man in a very high place who was a secret adulterer. Surely this man who held the highest office in the land could not be rebuked by a lowly unpopular prophet. Nathan went right into the presence of David, revealed the sin in a parable form, and then told the enraged David, Thou art the man " 2 Sam. 12:7
- Hanani named king Jehoshaphat. In many ways Jehoshaphat was a good king, but he mistakenly forgot to practice religious separation. He caused his son to marry wicked king Ahab's daughter. (See 2 Chron 18:1,21:1-6) He made an alliance with Ahab and went to the battle of Ramoth-gilead with him (2 Chron. 18). Hanani "said to King Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? " (2 Chron. 19:2).
In the New testament we have the following:
- Paul Names Peter - Gal 2:11ff
- Paul Names Hymeneus and Alexander - 1 Tim 1:19ff
- Paul Names Hymeneus and Philetus - 2 Tim 2:17ff
- Paul Names Demas - 2 Tim 4:10
- Paul Names Alexander the coppersmith -2 Tim 4:14-15
- John Names Diotrephes- 3 John 1:9
People’s faith is being ship wrecked, lives are being destroyed physically and emotionally, families are being spilt., etc. False brethren are dangerous. Simply generalizing about the things these false brethren are doing or hint at what is being said is inadequate in warning the body of Christ. It’s imperative that we name names so that others are warned and forewarn.
Summary
It is clear from a prophetic view that discernment is an imperative in light of the spiritual battle we are in (Eph 6:10-13).
To practice discernment is being obedient to Jesus where he instructed us to "Take heed" (Mark 13:23)and it reflects our
loyalty to God which pleases and delights him.(Hos 6:6).
We must be Berean's during this time of spiritual deception.
Biblical Ignorance"and a "Lack of Spiritual Discernment" provides fertile ground for deception, robs the believer of his ability to wage spiritual
warfare, enables the neutralizing of Christainity and hinders effective evangelism.