The Power of Discernment

Good vs Evil

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The world is filled with conflicting messages and temptations.

Discernment enables you to distinguish between:

• God’s voice
• The world
• The flesh
• The enemy

Here’s how to develop the spirit of discernment:

1 / Seek Wisdom from Above

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Discernment starts with seeking wisdom from God.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Acknowledge your need for His guidance and understanding.

Pray and read God’s Word.

The Holy Spirit will help you know what’s right and wrong.

2 / Test the Spirits

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Measure every message or influence that comes your way, against the truth of God’s Word.

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Your thoughts and actions will start aligning with His principles.

You’ll be able to discern whether a voice is in line with God’s will or not.

3 / Build a Spirit of Discernment

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Knowing what’s right isn’t a gift you get automatically.

It’s a skill you can develop through spiritual growth.

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV)‬‬

You can do this by:

• Reading the Bible
• Spending time in prayer
• Seeking Godly mentors

4 / Guard Your Heart and Mind

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Protect your heart and mind from the deceptive influences.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

This means:

• being intentional about the media you consume
• the company you keep
• and the thoughts you entertain.

When you fill your mind with God’s truth, you protect yourself against the enemy’s tricks.

5 / Walk in Obedience

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As you develop discernment, you must also build a heart of obedience.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Surrender your will to God and align your actions with His truth.

In a world with lies and distractions, having discernment is super important.

Allow it to guide you in all areas of your life.

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