Discernment

Discernment We are beginning a new series of lessons covering topics that I believe will help us live affectively in the times that we are in. These are the last days, but God’s expectations toward us, as His Kingdom citizens, has not changed. We are here to impact the earth with Heaven’s culture. Recognizing the times we are living in, we want to be aware and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in discerning what we come in contact with on a daily basis. I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to look at this subject in greater detail because too many believers are being thrown off course by people who name themselves as Christians, but have never been converted. We are seeing the Apostate church in action.  We are living in the days described in: 1 Timothy 4:1-2 “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” We can see these scriptures fulfilled in everyday life in every spectrum of life. People lie on tv and other public arenas daily. The sad thing is that there is no consciousness of wrong done.  2 Timothy 3:1-7 NLT “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)”   2 Timothy 4:3-4 NASB “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” This is that time. People do not want to hear that God has a standard and that His Word is uncompromising.  Jude 1:16-19 NASB “These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.” Be aware of those with divisive spirits, especially in churches among the body of Christ. If someone calls themselves a Christian and is not Christ-like, don't be fooled. There is a prevalence of deception throughout society. Jeremiah 9:6 NIV “You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me," declares the LORD”. Because of this, we need to be even more sober and alert so we can hear the voice of the Lord and understand His Word clearly. We need to be able to clearly discern whether or not what we hear spoken by people is the Word of God or what lines up with the Word of God.  As believers and Kingdom citizens, we do not have to be anxious or fearful of the times we are in. God expects us to be well equipped to handle whatever we happen to encounter. Be encouraged that you are aware of the schemes of the enemy and rejoice in the fact that his time is short. We already have the victory.  2 Timothy 4:2 NLT "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."