Discernment: The ability to judge well, make wise decisions
Proverbs 14:15 – The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
Proverbs 3:21 – Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion.
Acts 15:1-2, 5-7,12-15, 19 – Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 5 …Some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them… 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me.14 Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this… 19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
Taking hold of deep discernment includes…
#1 – things down
Acts 15:2 – So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
Jeremiah 2:25 (MSG) – Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?
James 1:19 – Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Galatians 5:22-23 – 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
How well do I pause?
Taking hold of deep discernment includes…
#2 – Purposefully taking of each .
Acts 15:7 – After much discussion, Peter got up…
Acts 15:12 – The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul…
Proverbs 18:17 – In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
Acts 15:19 – It is my judgment, therefore, that we should…
Proverbs 18:13 – To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.
Taking hold of deep discernment includes…
#3 – Enlisting .
Acts 15:2 – So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
Proverbs 15:22 – Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Be strong enough to stand , smart enough to know when you , and brave enough to for it. ~ Ziad K. Abdelnour
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