How can we train our senses to discern good and evil daily? Root Text: Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” Why Discernment Matters The days are noisy with competing voices. Scripture calls us to move from spiritual infancy to maturity so that we are not “tossed about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Discernment guards your heart, guides your choices, and keeps your witness clear. Understanding “Senses” • Not merely physical eyes and ears, but the inner faculties—mind, conscience, affections, will. • Like muscles, they strengthen through repeated, intentional use. Training Tools God Gives 1. The Word—our solid food • Daily reading: Acts 17:11; Psalm 1:2 • Memorization & meditation: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11 • Let the Word judge thoughts and attitudes: Hebrews 4:12 2. Obedience in the small things • “Be doers of the word” (James 1:22). Discernment grows when truth is acted on, not just admired. • Practicing righteousness sharpens spiritual reflexes (1 John 3:7). 3. Prayerful dependence on the Spirit • The Spirit leads into all truth (John 16:13). • Ask for wisdom liberally (James 1:5). • Pray Psalm 139:23–24: invite God to examine motives. 4. Mind renewal • “Do not be conformed… but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). • Filter entertainment, conversations, and news through Philippians 4:8 criteria—true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable. 5. Fellowship and accountability • “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Submit ideas and decisions to mature believers (Hebrews 13:17). 6. Testing everything • 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22: “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” • Compare teachings, trends, and impulses with clear Scripture. 7. Practicing gratitude and worship • Thanksgiving refocuses the heart on God’s character (Colossians 3:15-17). • Worship recalibrates values, making counterfeit pleasures easier to spot. Putting It Into a Daily Rhythm Morning • Read a “solid food” passage—epistles, narrative, prophecy. • Note one truth to obey today. Throughout the Day • Turn verses into short prayers. • Evaluate conversations and media: Does this align with today’s truth? Evening • Brief review: Where did I sense good vs. evil? What choice honored Christ? • Confess, thank, and plan tomorrow’s Scripture portion. Perseverance Pays Off Athletes and craftsmen gain skill through repetition; so do believers. “Constant use” in Hebrews 5:14 promises that steady practice produces mature judgment. Over time you will spot deception quicker, choose holiness faster, and help others navigate the same path. Fruit of Trained Discernment • Stability amid cultural storms (Psalm 112:6-8) • Wisdom that blesses others (Proverbs 10:21) • Protection from subtle sin (Proverbs 2:10-12) • Increasing Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18) |
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