sunday, June 13, 2021
BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT
Discerning the times we are living in Biblically
a lot of religion, but without reality
a lot of Christianity, but without Christ
a lot of opinions, but without Scripture
Matt 16:1-4 Jesus’ reproved the religious leaders who could,
16:3 “…discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of
the times.”
16:1 “…asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.”
16:4 “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign…”
- same, follow signs rather than using spiritual discernment/wisdom
Biblically Discern – what is going on:
- spiritual battle/war on a collision course between two spiritual kingdoms
- need to see the unseen spiritual realm being unveiled
2 Kings 6:17 “Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, so that he may see’…”
Biblically Discern – what it’s called:
- call if for what it is – lawlessness creating chaos, anarchy
2 Thess 2:3 “…the man of lawlessness…”
2:7 “…the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…”
- lawlessness that allows the sinful nature of people to take over
Matt 24:12 “because lawlessness is increased…people’s love will grow cold.”
Biblically Discern – what is being attacked:
- Truth, the truth of God’s word
Isa 59:14 “…truth has stumbled in the street…”
59:15 “…truth is lacking;
and he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey…”
- amidst climate of intimidation, conflict & anger, attempt to silence
- Foundations, both spiritually and nationally
Ps 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Jer 6:16 “…see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is…”
Eph 2:20 “…built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ Jesus himself being the corner stone,”
- Doctrine
2 Tim 4:3 “…the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…”
- legitimatizing lusts, soulishness & worldliness (wants & works)
1 Tim 4:1 “…in the later times some will fall away…paying attention to…
doctrines of demons,”
Biblically Discern – what the duration is:
- things will get worse before they get better (in the end)
- do not fear, grow weary, or become disheartened
- continue to persevere in Jesus Christ who is our hope & be a voice of hope
Matt 10:22 “…And you will be hated by all on account of My name,
but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”
Matt 24:13 “…the one who endures to the end…shall be saved.”
Biblically Discern – what is coming
- a reaping of what has been sown
Gal 6:7 “…God is not mocked…whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”
6:8 “…to his own flesh…reap corruption…
to the Spirit…reap eternal life.”
- day of judgment & day of the Lord/wrath
2 Pet 3:7 “…present heavens and earth…reserved for fire…
kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Need for Biblical Discernment
Asking for the gift of spiritual discernment
a gift of the Holy Spirit
Lk 11:9-13 i.e. asking specifically in context of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor 12:10 “…the distinguishing/discerning of spirits…”
Discerning the times we are living in Biblically
a lot of religion, but without reality
a lot of Christianity, but without Christ
a lot of opinions, but without Scripture
Matt 16:1-4 Jesus’ reproved the religious leaders who could,
16:3 “…discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of
the times.”
16:1 “…asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.”
16:4 “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign…”
- same, follow signs rather than using spiritual discernment/wisdom
Biblically Discern – what is going on:
- spiritual battle/war on a collision course between two spiritual kingdoms
- need to see the unseen spiritual realm being unveiled
2 Kings 6:17 “Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, so that he may see’…”
Biblically Discern – what it’s called:
- call if for what it is – lawlessness creating chaos, anarchy
2 Thess 2:3 “…the man of lawlessness…”
2:7 “…the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…”
- lawlessness that allows the sinful nature of people to take over
Matt 24:12 “because lawlessness is increased…people’s love will grow cold.”
Biblically Discern – what is being attacked:
- Truth, the truth of God’s word
Isa 59:14 “…truth has stumbled in the street…”
59:15 “…truth is lacking;
and he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey…”
- amidst climate of intimidation, conflict & anger, attempt to silence
- Foundations, both spiritually and nationally
Ps 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Jer 6:16 “…see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is…”
Eph 2:20 “…built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ Jesus himself being the corner stone,”
- Doctrine
2 Tim 4:3 “…the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…”
- legitimatizing lusts, soulishness & worldliness (wants & works)
1 Tim 4:1 “…in the later times some will fall away…paying attention to…
doctrines of demons,”
Biblically Discern – what the duration is:
- things will get worse before they get better (in the end)
- do not fear, grow weary, or become disheartened
- continue to persevere in Jesus Christ who is our hope & be a voice of hope
Matt 10:22 “…And you will be hated by all on account of My name,
but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”
Matt 24:13 “…the one who endures to the end…shall be saved.”
Biblically Discern – what is coming
- a reaping of what has been sown
Gal 6:7 “…God is not mocked…whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”
6:8 “…to his own flesh…reap corruption…
to the Spirit…reap eternal life.”
- day of judgment & day of the Lord/wrath
2 Pet 3:7 “…present heavens and earth…reserved for fire…
kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Need for Biblical Discernment
Asking for the gift of spiritual discernment
a gift of the Holy Spirit
Lk 11:9-13 i.e. asking specifically in context of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor 12:10 “…the distinguishing/discerning of spirits…”
|
Lexington Foursquare Gospel Church
(PO Box 570) 21 Snowy Egret Lane Lexington, VA. 24450 |