We Need It: Discernment

See full-text Scriptures below the devotion.

Dear Christians, many have chosen to “abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). We face increasing pressure from the world to conform, and many false teachers are influencing the Church. 

More than ever, we need discernment! 

1. We must know God’s Word! (2 Timothy 2:15)

As we move beyond the basics, we grow in “knowledge and depth of insight, so that [we] may be able to discern what is best” (Hebrews 5:11-14; Philippians 1:9-12). 

2. We must test everything by God’s Word (1 John 4:1). 

God’s Word “judges the thoughts and attitudes” of hearts, so we won't deceive ourselves and we won't let others deceive us with false teachings (Psalm 119:29; Hebrews 4:12). 

3. We must refuse to conform to culture (Romans 12:2).

Instead, we can renew our minds and train ourselves to think biblically (Proverbs 28:5). 

Let’s heed this important warning: 

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” ~ Colossians 2:8

💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more:

Below are the full-text Scriptures in the order they appear in the devotion plus additional passages about discernment.

1 Timothy 4:1: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." 

2 Timothy 2:15:  "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

Hebrews 5:11-14: "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Philippians 1:9-11: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." 

1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 

Psalm 119:29: "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions."

Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  

Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

Proverbs 28:5: "Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."

Let these additional Scriptures speak to your heart.

Solomon asks for wisdom.

1 Kings 3:9: "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong."  

James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

1 Corinthians 2:14: "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."  

John 7:24: "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

1 Timothy 6:3-5: "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

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