Transformation Requires Discernment

Transformation Requires Discernment
Romans 12:1-2
Discernment …
Discern: to perceive by sight or other sense; recognize, apprehend; distinguish mentally; to recognize the true value of …
Ability to discern …
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, ... 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove (discern) what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

God wants us to be alert ..
Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Biblical discernment …
The ability to see life as God sees it; to view life, with its values and choices, from a God-centered, Biblical point of view…
Spiritual understanding …
Colossians 1:9-10 For this reason we .. do not cease to pray … that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, …
Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, …
Biblical discernment …
To be led by the Spirit …
Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14-15 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

The Bible our basis of faith …
2 Peter 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue …
God’s revelation of Himself to mankind …
Psalms 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Psalms 19:7-14 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
God has put up clear warning signs …
If you continue to go down this path, the future will not go well with you…
Biblical discernment is the love of wisdom …
Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
Proverbs 2:1-7 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to under-standing; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.


Biblical discernment is proper critical thinking …
Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
John 7:24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
1 Corinthians 11:28,31 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup....For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.


Areas of discernment …
Truth and error …
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Areas of discernment …
Right and wrong / good and evil …
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.


Areas of discernment …
Good and best …
Phil. 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ ..
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

God’s will made personal…
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
For those alienated from God …
Hebrews 4:12-13 12 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. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Transformation Requires Discernment
Romans 12:1-2
God’s will made personal …

What is the goal of my God-given ability?
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Goal of Discernment ..
Know God - Philippians 3:7-11
Love God - Psalm 73:23-26
Obey God - John 14:15
Show God - 2 Cor. 3:2-3