How can we discern "between the righteous and the wicked" today? Key Verse “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” The Context of Malachi 3:18 • Israel had begun to doubt that serving God made any real difference • God promised that a time was coming when the difference would be unmistakable • This assurance was not only for ancient Israel; it equips believers today to recognize genuine righteousness What Discernment Is and Why It Matters • Discernment is the Spirit-enabled ability to recognize what aligns with God’s Word • It guards against deception (Ephesians 5:6-11) • It directs fellowship toward those who spur us on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) Scriptural Criteria for Identifying the Righteous • Evident fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) • Consistent obedience to God’s commands: “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3) • Genuine love for fellow believers: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14) • Confession of Jesus Christ as Lord in truth and deed (Romans 10:9; Luke 6:46) • Humble repentance when sin is exposed (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9) • Perseverance in faith during trials (James 1:12; Matthew 24:13) Scriptural Markers of the Wicked • Persistent practice of sin without repentance (1 John 3:8) • Works of the flesh such as sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21) • Rejection of the authority of Scripture (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) • Empty, boastful words that deny Christ’s sovereignty (2 Peter 2:18) • Persecution or contempt toward God’s people (Psalm 1:1; John 15:18-19) Practical Steps for Daily Discernment 1. Measure everything by Scripture • Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily 2. Pray for wisdom • James 1:5 promises God will give wisdom generously 3. Observe consistent patterns, not isolated moments • Matthew 7:16: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” 4. Test the spirits • 1 John 4:1 directs believers to verify whether influences align with Christ 5. Seek counsel from mature believers • Proverbs 11:14: “Victory is won through many counselors.” 6. Guard your own heart • Proverbs 4:23 urges vigilance over personal motives and attitudes Living Out the Distinction • Stand firm in truth yet extend grace, remembering that Christ came to save the wicked who repent (Luke 19:10) • Maintain fellowship with the righteous for encouragement (Hebrews 3:13) • Shine as lights so others may see the path from wickedness to righteousness (Philippians 2:15-16) |
    |