The Lost Art of Discernment. How Can I Help You?

Introduction:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Discerning Needs in the Church:

1. The idle need Admonished . (1 Thess 5:14a)
2. The fainthearted need Encouraged . (1 Thess 5:14b)
3. The weak need Help . (1 Thess 5:14c)

   Galatians 6:1 - Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.

4. You need Discernment . (1 Thess 5:14)
5. We all need Grace . (1 Thess 5:14-15)

   1. Be Patient .
   2. Be Merciful .
   3. Be Good .

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Small Group Discussion
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How can you tell the difference between the idle, the fainthearted, and the weak?
   

3. How can you specifically carry out the command to admonish someone in the church who is just attending and watching, but not getting involved (v14)? What would you say to that person?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

The Lost Art of Discernment. What is Best?

Introduction:

Philippians 1:9-11

1 Corinthians 6-8-10 Principle: Five Questions to Ask To Make the Best Decision in a "Grey Area":

1. Is it Permissible ? (1 Cor 6:12)

   1 Corinthians 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.
   "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

2. Is it Beneficial ? (1 Cor 6:12)

   1 Corinthians 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.
   "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

3. Could it get me under its Power ? (1 Cor 6:12)

   1 Corinthians 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.
   "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

4. Could it cause a brother to Stumble ? (1 Cor 8:12-13)

   1 Corinthians 8:12-13 - Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

5. Is it Glorifying to God? (1 Cor 10:31)

   1 Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Philippians 1:9-11 and 1 Cor 6:12, 1 Cor 8:12-13, 1 Cor 10:31

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why is it important to discern what is best, not just what is “right and wrong”? See Philippians 1:10.
   

3. Name a “grey area” you’ve personally struggled with. How does the 1 Corinthians 6-8-10 principle help you come to a conviction in that area?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

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If you are struggling with discernment in the form of an addiction. Check out the 5-part series where the church faces this series need head-on. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the pastors or elders of the church to get help!

The Lost Art of Discernment. What is God's Will?

Introduction:

What is God's Will for Me? (Romans 12:1-2):

1. Alter Get On It. (Romans 12:1)

   Psalm 116:12 - What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?

2. Bible Get In It. (Romans 12:2a)

   Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

   Psalm 1:2-3 - his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. ...In all that he does, he prospers.

3. Choices Get Making Them. (Romans 12:2b)

God's Will for His People:

1. It Is God's Will That I Am Saved. (1 Timothy 2:3–4)
2. It Is God's Will That I Am Filled With The Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:17-18)
3. It Is God's Will That I Am Morally Pure. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
4. It Is God's Will That I Submit To The Government. (1 Peter 2:13-15)
5. (Sometimes) It Is God's Will That I Suffer. (1 Peter 4:19)
6. It Is God's Will That I Am Thankful In All Circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Romans 12:1-2

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What ways, right or wrong, have you heard people try to discover God’s Will?
   

3. How would you explain to a nonbeliever what it means to be a “living sacrifice” for God?
   

4. Confession time: what are some negative things you fill your mind with? In what ways are you filling your mind with the Word of God?
   

5. How does being fully dedicated to God, and having your mind renewed by His Word, let you automatically know what His will is?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

The Lost Art of Discernment. What is True?

Introduction:

Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

What is True? How to Be Sure You Have the Truth (1 John 4:1-6):

1. Don't be Gullible . (1 John:1)

   Leviticus 17:7 - So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore.

   Deuteronomy 32:17 - They sacrificed to demons that were no gods...

   1 Timothy 4:1 - Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons...

   James 3:15 - This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

   1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 - Do not despise prophecies, but test everything: hold fast to what is good.

2. Be Discerning . (1 John:2-6)

Three Questions to Ask About the Preacher:

1. What is he saying about Jesus ? (1 John:2-3)
2. Is he glorifying God or glorifying Me ? (1 John:4-5)
3. How does he respond to the Word ? (1 John:6)

   James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

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Small Group Discussion
Read 1 John 4:1-6

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever believed wrong doctrine at some point in your life, and God’s Word corrected you? Explain.
   

3. How can you tell if someone quoting the Bible is quoting it accurately?
   

4. How would you approach a friend or a fellow church / SG member who is listening to a Podcaster/YouTuber that you know is teaching unbiblical things?

Breakout
Pray for one another to grow in discernment.

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Want more eschatology teaching?

Catch up on the previous verse by verse teaching through Revelation

Catch up on the previous verse by verse teaching through 2 Thessalonians