Just what is “Discernment”? (Notes on Discernment)
Throughout our study on spiritual discernment I’ve kept coming back to a couple of key verses, as well as a more general definition.
First, from a wonderful chapter on discernment in Ephesians, this summary. The full sentence (in the ESV) from Ephesians 5:8-10: Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
That last part – try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord – is a great summary of what discernment is (even though it’s cheating to use the word “discern” in the definition).
Next, if we had a motto for the study this might be it. From 1Thessalonians 5:21-22: test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
It’s all there – test, hold fast, abstain.
Finally, this general and descriptive definition from Canadian pastor Tim Challies in his book The Discipline of Discernment:
of understanding and applying God’s Word
with the purpose of separating truth from error
and right from wrong
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Next time we’ll continue our look at discernment by thinking through our response to sin and error, goodness and truth.