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Developing Spiritual Discernment

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?  How can you think of saying to your friend,‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. MATTHEW 7:1-6 NLT

DISCERNMENT IS THE ABILITY TO JUDGE WELL

When a person has discernment, they possess the ability to perceive, understand, and judge things clearly, especially those things that are not obvious. This includes the capacity to make thoughtful, insightful decisions, identify subtle nuance, and discern between truth and error, right and wrong.

TO DEVELOP DISCERNMENT I MUST:

BE CAREFUL WHEN IT COMES TO JUDGING PEOPLE

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. MATTHEW 7:1-2 NLT

The first ones to tell their side of a story seem right until cross-examined by their peers. PROVERBS 18:17 VOICE

Discernment is having good judgment as a person, but not being judgmental about people.

LEARN GOD’S STANDARDS OF RIGHT AND WRONG

…The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. MATTHEW 7:2 NLT

Anyone who lives on milk cannot understand the teaching about being right with God. He is a baby. Solid food is for full-grown men. They have learned to use their minds to tell the difference between good and bad. HEBREWS 5:13-14 NLV

BE ABLE TO SEE MYSELF ACCURATELY

When a person has discernment, they possess the ability to perceive and the capacity to make thoughtful, insightful decisions.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?  How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. MATTHEW 7:3-5 NLT

When I see myself accurately, I see my:

IDENTIFY PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT INTERESTED IN TRUTH

“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. MATTHEW 7:6 NLT

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. PROVERBS 23:9 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet spot where you can tune out distractions. Ask God to help you focus your heart and mind on Him and to help you see your own heart clearly. Invite Him to show you any places where a critical spirit has taken root. It’s easy to spot flaws in others, but harder to see our own. Where have you judged too quickly? Confess those moments to God, and ask for a softened heart that sees others the way He does. Think back to a time when someone gave you feedback you didn’t want to hear, but needed to. What was it about the way they shared it that helped you receive it? Pray for the wisdom to be that kind of person for others. Ask God to give you eyes to see yourself honestly, whether that’s seeing your hurts, your patterns, or your blind spots. Acknowledge that only in knowing yourself can you love others well. Pray for the courage to speak truth in love, to be a safe place for others to bring their struggles, and to be a reflection of the grace God has shown you. This week, whenever you’re tempted to judge, pause. Remember that grace comes before correction. Let every conversation you have be shaped by the compassion and mercy that Jesus has for you.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading MATTHEW 7:1-6 NLT out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What stands out from the passage—that God might be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What’s one assumption people often make about you that isn’t true?
  2. START HERE: Is there a time when someone’s advice really saved you from making a poor choice?
  3. START HERE: Do you consider yourself a good judge of character? Why or why not?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 7:1-6. What stands out to you in these verses and why?
  5. KEEP GOING: What do you think the difference is between being discerning and being judgmental? How can we tell the difference?
  6. KEEP GOING: Why do you think it’s often easier to judge others than to evaluate our own heart?
  7. KEEP GOING: Think of a time someone gave you feedback that was hard to hear, but ultimately helped you. What made it helpful rather than hurtful?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: If Jesus were sitting with you today, what do you think He’d say the “log” in your life is that most needs to be addressed?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Before offering healthy correction, what questions can you ask yourself to ensure you’re coming from a place of love?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What's one way you can get better at seeing yourself more accurately?