How can I gain spiritual discernment?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible equates spiritual discernment with wisdom. Scripture shows that spiritual discernment comes from seeking to know God, asking Him for wisdom, studying and applying His Word, and relying on the indwelling Holy Spirit. The wisdom literature of the Bible shows how precious wisdom is (Proverbs 3:13–15; 8:10–11), more valuable than anything the world has to offer (Job 28:12–15; Proverbs 2:3–5; Ecclesiastes 7:12). Solomon recognized this, which is why he prayed for wisdom to lead Israel; God was pleased with his request and granted it (1 Kings 3:9–11). That example and other scriptures show that praying for wisdom is a way of gaining spiritual discernment (Colossians 1:9; James 1:5). The Bible also speaks of itself as a source of spiritual wisdom (Psalm 119:104–105; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). Scripture shows that the indwelling Holy Spirit helps believers to judge wisely in spiritual matters (John 16:13; 1 John 2:27). In short, God has provided believers with the means to become spiritually discerning.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Proverbs 2:3–5, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (besides our incarnate Lord), noted that spiritual discernment comes to those who earnestly seek it from God: “yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” Solomon knew this firsthand since he had asked God for wisdom and received it (1 Kings 3:9).
• Psalm 119:104–105 points to God’s Word as a source of spiritual discernment: “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Second Timothy 3:16–17 presents Bible study as a means of gaining spiritual wisdom: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work"
• Hebrews 5:14 indicates that practicing righteousness reinforces wisdom in spiritual matters: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
• James 1:5 states that we can gain spiritual discernment by asking God for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Knowledge is at our fingertips. With a few strokes of a keyboard, you can find out when Daylight Savings Time ends, which dog breed won at Westminster, and how to make homemade soap. But all that information can be overwhelming. Maybe you’ve felt the same about spiritual matters. One celebrity preacher tells you that God wants you to be happy, while another says that believers aren’t guaranteed happiness. A popular Christian podcaster urges the audience to donate, but some friends tell you not to get taken advantage of. How do you know what’s true? We can be sure that God is true, so we can pray to our Lord for wisdom—just as Solomon did and as the apostle James advises to do (1 Kings 3:9–11; James 1:5). We know that God’s Word is true, so we can read and study the Bible daily, becoming so familiar with the truth that we can easily recognize a lie when we hear it. But spiritual discernment is more than just knowledge of the Bible. The Jewish leaders of Jesus’s time were experts in Mosaic Law, but as Jesus (quoting Isaiah) said of them, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). We must apply the truths of God’s Word in our daily lives. Practicing righteousness reinforces spiritual wisdom. God has provided believers with the means to become spiritually discerning

UNDERSTAND

• Spiritual discernment comes from seeking wisdom from God, praying for it, and asking for understanding.
• The Bible is a key source of spiritual discernment.
• Practicing righteousness and applying God’s Word in daily life strengthens and reinforces spiritual discernment.

REFLECT

• How often do you pray for spiritual discernment in your daily life, and how do you expect God to guide you in those moments?
• In what areas of your life can you apply more of God’s Word to increase your spiritual wisdom and discernment?
• How do you practice righteousness in your life, and how does this contribute to your spiritual discernment?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage fellow believers to seek spiritual discernment in their lives?
• How can we ensure that we’re not just gaining knowledge of the Bible, but applying it to our lives to increase spiritual wisdom?
• In what practical ways can we help each other practice righteousness to reinforce spiritual discernment?