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DISCERNMENT

1. Introduction.

    1. Hebrews 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
    2. The problem with temptation is two-fold.
      1. Improper motives. I call them "Yellow Teeth."
      2. Inability to discern good and evil.
    3. TV, movies, music, magazines, etc. have clouded our vision of good and evil. Homosexuality, abortion, drugs, drinking, profanity, divorce, and many other moral issues are no longer viewed with disgust.
    4. "Discern" means to see and identify by noting differences. This is not a problem of choosing between pleasant and unpleasant.
    5. "By reason of use" describes a constant practice, continued habit. This is not automatic. It is not easy.
    6. Great men have blundered because of faulty discernment. (Job 32:6-10)

2. Good and Evil.

    1. The majority are against any attempt to classify good and evil. (Proverbs 14:12)
    2. So, the right or wrong of a thing is not just a matter of personal thinking. (Isaiah 5:20-21)
    3. The Bible freely speaks of good and evil.
GOOD EVIL
Men Matthew 25:23 Matthew 7:11
Works 1 Peter 3:11 Galatians 5:19
Words 2 Thessalonians 2:17 Galatians 5:19
Name Proverbs 22:1 Proverbs 10:7
Fruit Matthew 3:10 Matthew 7:17
Heart Acts 23:1 Hebrews 3:12
Morals 1 Corinthians 15:33 Jude 7
Report Philippians 4:8 Numbers 13:22
Deeds 1 John 3:18 John 3:19

3. Biblical failures in discernment.

    1. The young prophet deceived by a lie. (1 Kings 13)
    2. Rich farmer. (Luke 12:16-21)
    3. Tricky Pharisees. (Matthew 22:15-22)
    4. Martha. (Luke 10:38-42)
    5. The "Uplift Society". (John 8:3-11)
    6. The hypocrites. (Matthew 23)

4. Guideposts to Wise Discernment.

    1. Faith. (Hebrews 11:24-25) God said it. That ends it.
    2. Hope. (Hebrews 11:26) Look to the reward.
    3. Love. (John 14:23) Love God? We want to do His will.
    4. Courage. (Matthew 10:28)
      1. Threats? Persecution? Peer pressure?
      2. Right is still right. Wrong is still wrong.
    5. Example of Jesus. (Hebrews 4:15)
    6. Caution. (1 Corinthians 16:13) Watch, stand fast.
    7. Investigation. (Acts 17:11) Study.
    8. Principles. (Stick by them.)
      1. Many "throw out the baby with the bath water."
      2. We throw out principles when they are abused.
      3. We must discard the abuse and enforce the principle.
    9. Examine closely the case of Joseph. (Genesis 39:7-9)
      1. We might say: "NO, BECAUSE ..."
      2. AIDS, Sexually transmitted diseases
      3. Danger of pregnancy and need of abortion
      4. Hazard of getting caught
      5. Bring shame to family, parents
      6. Joseph gave the ONLY valid reason. "How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"

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