Discernment

Vine's expository dictionary defines discernment as, “to distinguish or separate out so as to investigate by looking throughout (examine, scrutinize question).” For instance, Nehemiah used discernment to determine the prophet sent to him was false (Nehmiah 6:10-13).

Jesus Himself warned that a time would come when many would deceive many (Matthew 24:4,5). Paul warned that, “Savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29-31).

So how are we to discern if someone is false? By a knowledge of the truth contained in the scriptures appropriately applied with prayer and a willingness to be led of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also tells us that we can discern false teachers by their fruits. Galatians 5: 22,23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Is holy laughter, animal like behavior and repetitive jerks exhibiting self-control? The Bible also lists the fruits of the flesh in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

The prosperity preachers demonstrate themselves to be “lovers of money [and] lovers pleasure” rather than “lovers of God.” Liberal theologians fit, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Let us not fall into the temptation of allowing self-righteousness and pet peripheral doctrines cause us to unrighteously judge someone. Nonetheless, God has raised up discernment ministries such as Berean Beacon, Berean Call, Deception in the Church, Eastern Regional Watch, Personal Freedom Outreach, Lighthouse Trails, Moriel Ministries and Understanding the Times to warn and inform the church. (Like a sample? Buckle your seatbelt, watch Todd Bentley on YouTube than read about him in the forgoing, especially Moriel).