Discernment digression
I need a break from the study and research I’m prepping for Wednesday night’s class over discernment, so I thought I’d just comment a bit on what’s going on with the preparation (not H) process plus whatever else comes to mind from the past few days.
I had a chance to chat briefly with a friend this weekend and I was sharing with my friend about the "teaching" opportunities put before me; and about how for the past few months I really felt this urging to address the young adults group about discernment. My friend who serves in a ministry capacity informed me that discernment is a big subject but gave encouragement. 
Well let me tell you, I can definitely appreciate my friends outlook. I must have spent at least 3 hours yesterday evening just trying to weed through notes and information gathered to come up with an outline of the materiel to be presented. Keep in mind this is a subject that I hope will cover the next 6 to 8 weeks of 1 hour Bible Study/discussion.
Initially my ideas were born more out of concern to specifically inform the young adults about some of the teachings and movements that are Biblically unsound or at least cause me to look on them with a skeptical eye. Thankfully, I quickly realized (thank you Lord, for your wisdom) that unless approached systematically, there was the potential for any study and or discussion to turn into several non-constructive and distracting practices such as:
- joy derived from witch hunting versus truth seeking
- us vs. them mentality
- an hour of self-righteousness and haughtiness
- discussion of a word with no weight to it (because no one understands from a Biblical perspective what, discernment is)
The last bullet is therefore going to be the base, with everything else discussed in the weeks to come originating from principles disclosed in that base topic (Discernment: What is it?). Below is an outline (for the curious or for anyone else considering engaging a similar study time)… for what it’s worth. This is simply a skeleton view of general ideas and questions to develop a broader study upon as it relates to defining discernment before jumping into examining doctrines and beliefs.
Discernment: What is it?
- What is discernment
- What is the purpose of discernment
- Why study the subject of discernment
- How does one become a discerning Christian
The Gospel and Christian Doctrines defined (via CARM resources)
- Essentials
- Secondary Essentials
Comparison of doctrines (not all inclusive nor exhaustive)
- Prosperity Gospel (Name it Claim It):
- Emergent Church/Social Gospel:
- New Age mysticism/spirituality/Contemplative prayer:
- Humanism
- Charismatic Movement
- Classic cults: Mormonism, Catholicism, Jehovah’s Witnesses
Anywho… just a few thoughts and ideas being kicked around the ‘ole noodle that I felt like sharing.
Proverbs 15:14
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.folly:
1: lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight
2 a: criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct obsolete : evil, wickedness; especially : lewd behavior
3: a foolish act or idea
4: an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking
5: an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste
Grace and peace be with you.