Growing Discernment Through Scripture

Discernment grows where Scripture is central.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105, Acts 17:11

Having discernment is not a spiritual gift reserved for a few, it is a spiritual discipline available to all. Like any other discipline, it develops over time through consistent practice. Scripture is the primary tool God uses to sharpen discernment in the life of a believer. For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Psalm 119 describes God’s Word as “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path”. This imagery reminds us that God and the Bible do not always reveal everything at once; they provide enough light for the next step. Having regular engagement with God’s Word trains our minds to recognize what is truth and what is error more clearly.

The Bereans were praised not because they doubted Paul, but because they examined what Scripture said daily. Their discernment came from devotion. They were in it enough that they knew God’s Word well enough to recognize whether teachings were aligned with it. Having this daily practice made them spiritually stable and resilient. The Bereans were considered judicious because they were devoted to Scripture. Spending regular time in God’s Word sharpens our spiritual awareness and builds confidence in truth.

The reason many believers struggle with discernment is not because they lack intelligence, but it is because they lack consistency. Occasionally spending time in Scripture does not sustain spiritual clarity especially in confusing times. Our Judgement, wisdom, and Discernment grows the best when Scripture is not just used for reference, but is studied, reflected on, and obeyed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

As we spend more time in God’s Word, the more familiar His voice becomes. The familiar we become will allow believers to begin to recognize when something feels spiritually off, not through instinct alone, but because of biblical awareness. Scripture trains our conscience and shapes spiritual our instincts. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11

Expanding our discernment also requires humility. God’s Word will correct us as much as it instructs us. If we will allow Scripture to challenge our assumptions and reshape our thinking, discernment deepens.

Thoughts to Ponder

1. How consistent is your Scripture intake?
   
2. What changes could deepen your study?
   
3. How does Scripture shape your worldview?
   

Commit to daily engagement with God’s Word. Discernment is cultivated, not inherited.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, deepen my love for Scripture and shape my thinking through it. Help me to be able to judge what Your thoughts are and not mine. In Jesus Name Amen.

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