Step Up! – Discern – Proverbs 4:1c

Step Up!

A Study of Proverbs 4:1-3
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

Step Up! explores the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 4 that’s rooted in a father’s wisdom to his children. In a world full of distractions, confusion, and competing voices, we will uncover what it means to live with purpose, lead with wisdom, and walk in godly character. Through practical and biblical truth, we’ll wrestle with the importance of discipline, discernment, instruction, gentleness, and love—qualities that shape strong fathers, faithful believers, healthy families, and purposeful lives. Step Up! offers a challenge for us all to grow, mature, and take the next step God is calling us to.

June 21 – Be Purposeful – Proverbs 4:1a

June 28 – Discipline – Proverbs 4:1b

July 5 – Discern – Proverbs 4:1c

July 12 – Instruct – Proverbs 4:2

July 19 – Be Gentle – Proverbs 4:3a

July 26 – Be Loving – Proverbs 4:3b

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Discern

Proverbs 4:1c

…learn good judgment…

My father taught me, Proverbs 4:4a

1. Knowledge is information; is understanding that information.

But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Notes:

2. Wisdom is the application of knowledge; is discrimination of that application.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9

Notes:

3. Diligence is the continued application of that discrimination; is the confidence to continue in that endeavor.

²¹ My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, ²² for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. ²³ They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. ²⁴ You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. Proverbs 3:21-24

Notes:

is gained, not gifted.

Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Psalm 119:125

I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. Ecclesiastes 1:13

Notes:

Challenge:

How are you practicing discernment in your life?

The church must discern between truth and heresy. And wisdom demands that we continue to apply that discrimination between what is ‘truth’ and what is ‘heresy’.

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Growth Challenge:

This week do not be complacent with what you know, but be diligent in how you apply it to your life.

Reread Proverbs 4 in preparation for next week’s message.

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.