Definition and Importance: Discussion, in the biblical context, refers to the exchange of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs among individuals or groups, often with the aim of understanding, teaching, or resolving issues. It is a vital component of Christian fellowship and community life, as it fosters growth, unity, and the spread of the Gospel.

Biblical Basis: The Bible encourages believers to engage in meaningful discussions, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, understanding, and edification. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse highlights the role of discussion in spiritual growth and mutual edification.

Examples in Scripture:

1. Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus frequently engaged in discussions with His disciples, using these opportunities to teach and clarify His teachings. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus discusses with His disciples about His identity, leading to Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah.

2. Paul and the Early Church: The Apostle Paul often engaged in discussions to address theological issues and guide the early church. In Acts 17:2-3, Paul is described as reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.

3. The Jerusalem Council: In Acts 15, the early church leaders gathered to discuss the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. This discussion led to a significant decision that shaped the future of the church, demonstrating the importance of dialogue in resolving doctrinal disputes.

Guidelines for Discussion:

1. Seek Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs 4:7 advises, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Discussions should be approached with a desire for wisdom and a willingness to understand different perspectives.

2. Speak the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to "speak the truth in love," emphasizing the need for honesty and compassion in discussions. This approach helps maintain unity and fosters a spirit of cooperation.

3. Avoid Quarrels and Strife: 2 Timothy 2:23-24 warns against engaging in foolish and ignorant disputes, which only lead to quarrels. Instead, the Lord's servant must be gentle, able to teach, and patient.

4. Be Quick to Listen: James 1:19 advises, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Effective discussion requires active listening and a calm demeanor.

Role in the Church: Discussion plays a crucial role in the life of the church, facilitating teaching, discipleship, and decision-making. It allows for the exploration of biblical truths, the resolution of conflicts, and the strengthening of community bonds. Through discussion, believers can challenge one another, grow in their faith, and collectively discern God's will.

Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide a specific formula for discussion, it offers principles that guide believers in engaging in fruitful and edifying conversations. By adhering to these biblical guidelines, Christians can ensure that their discussions contribute to personal growth and the advancement of the Gospel.1. (n.) The act or process of discussing by breaking up, or dispersing, as a tumor, or the like.

2. (n.) The act of discussing or exchanging reasons; examination by argument; debate; disputation; agitation.

1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning
... 1261 (from 1260 , "") - reasoning that is self-based and therefore confused --
especially as it contributes to reinforcing others in discussion to remain in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1261.htm - 7k

2816. kleronomeo -- to inherit
... properly, to assign inheritance (inherit) by . See 2818 () for more discussion
on and . 2816 ("to assign inheritance by lot-casting ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2816.htm - 8k

4973. sphragis -- a seal, a signet
... "Seal" is often used metaphorically (Ro 4:11; 1 Cor 9:2; 2 Tim 2:19; Rev 9:4). For
more discussion see 4972 (), and the at "the Great Tribulation.". ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4973.htm - 7k

1062. gamos -- a wedding
... For more discussion, see 4394/ ("prophecy) and 110/ ("the divine investiture
of immortality") at the return of Christ. Word Origin a prim. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1062.htm - 7k

4716. stauros -- an upright stake, hence a cross (the Rom. ...
... not ! For more discussion on the untold suffering of Christ on the cross
see 4717 ("to on a cross"). [The "" (Mk 8:34) is . Rather ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4716.htm - 8k

2757. kenophonia -- empty talk
... chatter, empty talk. From a presumed compound of kenos and phone; empty sounding,
ie Fruitless discussion -- vain. see GREEK kenos. see GREEK phone. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2757.htm - 6k

4000. pentakischilioi -- five thousand
... 4000 -- 5,000. This term is also used with (ie with added ). For discussion on
this see: 4002 ("five"), 5507 ("thousand"), and 5070 ("4,000"). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4000.htm - 7k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... (4102).". 3. In sum, (4102) is that we as He grants impulse ("divine spark";
cf. the Heb form of believe, , in a later discussion). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

3150. mataiologia -- idle or foolish talk
... talking. Word Origin from mataiologos Definition idle or foolish talk NASB
Word Usage fruitless discussion (1). vain jangling. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3150.htm - 6k

2214. zetesis -- a search, questioning
... Word Origin from zeteo Definition a search, questioning NASB Word Usage controversial
questions (1), controversies (1), debate (2), discussion (1), how to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2214.htm - 7k

Theological Discussion
... THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION. ROBERT F. HORTON, DD How the Cross Saves 16mo, cloth, net
50c. "Will bring help and light to minds perplexed and darkened by doubt. ...
/.../jowett/my daily meditation for the circling year/theological discussion.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... DISCUSSION OF THE SUBJECT OF PERMISSION. As frequent mention of the permission
of sin has been already made by us, it will be a work ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

But in the Discussion which we at Present Maintain...
... Book IV. 30 But in the discussion which we at present maintain? But in
the discussion which we at present maintain, we do not ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/30 but in the discussion.htm

The Morning of the Discussion.
... Homily III. Chapter I."The Morning of the Discussion. Two days, therefore,
having elapsed, and while the third was dawning, I ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter i the morning of the.htm

The Point at which the Discussion Has Arrived, and what Remains to ...
... Book IX. Chapter 1."The Point at Which the Discussion Has Arrived, and
What Remains to Be Handled. Some have advanced the opinion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 1 the point at which.htm

Of the Order of the Discussion, which Requires that we First Speak ...
... Chapter 1."Of the Order of the Discussion, Which Requires that We First Speak of
the Eternal Punishment of the Lost in Company with the Devil, and Then of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 1 of the order of.htm

Messianic Discussion with John the Baptist.
... Sixth Book. 6. Messianic Discussion with John the Baptist. Then the Jews sent
priests and levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 messianic discussion with john.htm

Discussion of the Saying of Peter.
... Book XII. 40. Discussion of the Saying of Peter. But let us next see what
was the thought of Peter when he answered and said to ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/40 discussion of the saying.htm

Discussion of the Divine Generation is Continued. ...
... Book I. Chapter XIII. Discussion of the Divine Generation is continued.?
Discussion of the Divine Generation is continued. St. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii discussion of the.htm

He Continues the Discussion of the Difficulty He Has Entered Upon. ...
... Book V. Chapter XIV. He continues the discussion of the difficulty he has
entered upon? He continues the discussion of the difficulty ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv he continues the.htm

Discussion (29 Occurrences)
...Discussion (29 Occurrences). ... Mark 8:17 He perceived what they were saying, and He
said to them, "What is this discussion of yours about having no bread? ...
/d/discussion.htm - 15k

Debate (13 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating
truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the ...
/d/debate.htm - 11k

Mote (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (v.) See 1st Mot. 5. (n.) A meeting of persons for discussion; as, a wardmote
in the city of London. 6. (n.) A body of persons who meet for discussion, esp. ...
/m/mote.htm - 9k

Breeches (6 Occurrences)
... coats.") The rendering of the King James Version is the more likely, though the
meaning of the Aramaic sarbal is obscure (compare the thorough discussion in Ges ...
/b/breeches.htm - 12k

Immaculate
... avoided in the public statement of the dogma and in the defense of it by Roman Catholic
writers, but one has but to survey the course of discussion leading up ...
/i/immaculate.htm - 16k

Lawyer (5 Occurrences)
... the views of the individual scribe could not be taken as a standard; hence, the
several disciples of the law must frequently meet for discussion, and the ...
/l/lawyer.htm - 14k

Ir-ha-heres
... Most of the discussion of this name arises from this uncertainty and is
hence rather profitless. The starting-point of any proper ...
/i/ir-ha-heres.htm - 12k

Irhaheres
... Most of the discussion of this name arises from this uncertainty and is
hence rather profitless. The starting-point of any proper ...
/i/irhaheres.htm - 13k

Propose (8 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, or adoption; as, to
propose terms of peace; to propose a question for discussion; to propose an ...
/p/propose.htm - 9k

Conference (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or
discussion; interchange of views. 3. (n.) A meeting for ...
/c/conference.htm - 8k

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