How can we apply the lesson of discernment from Deuteronomy 32:28 today? The Setting of Moses’ Warning “For they are a nation devoid of counsel, and there is no discernment in them.” — Deuteronomy 32:28 Israel’s lack of discernment was a moral and spiritual failure, not a lack of information. Moses identified the root: hearts that refused to listen to God’s revealed word. What Discernment Means • Discernment is the Spirit-enabled ability to distinguish truth from error, good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). • It rests on God’s unchanging revelation, not personal preference (Psalm 119:160). • It guards against deception that can look spiritual but denies God’s authority (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Where Discernment Begins • Fear of the Lord: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). • Submission to Scripture: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). • Dependence on prayerful wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). Practical Ways to Apply Discernment Today 1. Measure every message by the whole counsel of God. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans because they “examined the Scriptures daily”. 2. Evaluate influences—news, entertainment, social media—through Philippians 4:8 filters (true, honorable, just, pure). 3. Test spiritual claims. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God” (1 John 4:1). 4. Seek wise counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). 5. Practice humility. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 6. Watch the fruit. Jesus said good trees bear good fruit (Matthew 7:17-20). Ongoing patterns reveal underlying truth or error. 7. Guard the local church. Leaders and members alike are called to “hold firmly to the faithful word” (Titus 1:9), protecting doctrine and lifestyle. Cultivating a Discernment Lifestyle • Regular Scripture intake—read, study, memorize. • Consistent prayer for insight and protection. • Fellowship that encourages accountability and truth-telling (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Willing obedience; discernment grows when truth is practiced (John 7:17). • Long-range vision—eternal consequences clarify present choices (Colossians 3:2). The Promise for the Discerning “Then you will discern what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Walking in God-given discernment brings protection, purity, and usefulness, the very opposite of the tragedy recorded in Deuteronomy 32:28. |
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