TO DISCERN SPIRITUALLY By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Introduction:
Many people today live according to what they see in the physical realm, but true victory is found in the spiritual. God calls us not to fight with worldly tools but to discern with spiritual understanding. We must live with the eyes of faith, recognizing that God has given us the power to overcome every obstacle.
1. Do Not Choose the Easy Path:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12
It may seem tempting to choose the easy path, but God warns us that the path that appears easy is often the one that leads to destruction. We must trust in God's guidance, even when the way seems difficult. Through trials, God strengthens our faith and provides the way out.
2. God Provides a Way Out of Temptation:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
In every trial, God provides a way out. He is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. The key is to trust in His promise and rely on Him to lead us through every trial.
3. Control Your Tongue:
“Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so, the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.” James 3:3-5, 8
The tongue, though small, has great power. It can build up or destroy. We must guard our words carefully, as they have the potential to either glorify God or bring destruction. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your speech, using it for edification, not destruction.
4. Speak in New Tongues:
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-21
When we speak, we should be filled with the Spirit, praising God and building one another up. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to speak in new tongues, which is a powerful tool for worship and prayer, allowing us to communicate with God in a way that our minds cannot fully comprehend.
5. Do Not Accuse One Another:
“Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law.” James 4:11
God desires that His people live in unity, supporting one another and showing love. Accusations and gossip have no place in the body of Christ. We are called to build one another up, not tear each other down.
6. Power to Witness for Christ:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
God has given us power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. This power enables us to stand firm in truth, to boldly declare His glory, and to live out His righteousness in every area of our lives. We are empowered to share the gospel and demonstrate His love to the world.
7. The Spirit's Power in Deliverance:
“When a man or a woman comes to Him, full of various demons and troubles, the Lord, through His deliverance power, sets them free. However, if His people continue to embrace sin and desires that are more precious than their love for God, then those things will pull them away from the Lord.”
God desires to deliver His people from bondage, but we must be willing to surrender all to Him. The more we embrace His freedom, the more we will experience His transformative power and be able to discern His will for our lives.
8. God’s Provision in Christ Jesus:
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
God knows our needs and will provide for us according to His riches in glory. We may think we need certain things, but what we truly need is what God gives us through His son, Jesus Christ. We must learn to trust in His provision and rely on His sufficiency.
9. Spiritual Wisdom is Revealed by the Spirit:
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
The wisdom of God is not understood by the natural mind; it is revealed by the Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we are able to understand His deep truths and receive the guidance we need. The world may not comprehend God's wisdom, but those in the Spirit will recognize it and walk in it.
Conclusion:
To discern spiritually, we must rely on the Holy Spirit. We cannot understand the ways of God with our natural minds; we must be led by the Spirit. When we trust in God's provision, speak His truth, and walk in the power of the Spirit, we will live victorious lives, discerning His will and purpose for us in every situation.
