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The Bible must be Read to be Helpful. It must be read Personally.

As you read the Word you will Increase your Discernment.

1. The Bible.

Read the Bible to:

a. Take Advantage of Pre-ploughed Ground.

b. Find Revelation, Not an Echo.

c. Develop a Biblical Mindset.

2. The Burden.

This comes by the Inward Leading of the Holy Spirit of God.

We are all called to Kingdom Work, Not Surveillance.

A burden is a Divinely initiated and Sustained Impression on my spirit that a particular matter is God’s will for me.

Discerning is an ability given by the Holy Spirit.

Working Definition:

Discernment is a Spirit given ability working in and through human Intelligence that Enables us to Identify God’s Word and God’s Will.

Some foundational spiritual disciplines that will allow us to grow in our Spirit given ability to have discernment.

1. Pray for Discernment.

We should ask for God’s Direction and ask for God’s Assistance.

2. Seek to Know God.

The Apostle Paul’s Primarily goal was Not seeking the Lord’s Directions and Will, but Knowing the Lord.

He knew Discernment due to his Relationship with Christ.

3. Surrender Your Will.

Submit your Plans and Desires to God for His Approval.

4. Walking in the Fullness of the Holy Spirit.

5. Trust God – Even when we don’t Understand.

Unbelief Hinders discernment.

We live by God’s Promises, Not by his Explanations.

6. Don’t Fret over Mixed Feelings.

Beware the Paralysis of Analysis.

Roughness on a road does Not necessarily mean you’re on the Wrong road.

7. Develop a Ministry Mindset.

Our Affections Drive our discernments.

They will Drive your Ability to accept a Ministry.

8. Learn on the Go.

9. Know your Bible.

Discerning is an ability given by the Holy Spirit.

Working Definition:

Discernment is a Spirit given ability working in and through human Intelligence that Enables us to Identify God’s Word and God’s Will.

Why are there so many substitutes for genuine discernment? Satan’s work.

Detours in no particular order:

1. Biblical “Chocolate Wheel”

You close your eyes and put your finger on a verse etc.

The Bible is not a magic book. Don’t treat it that way.

2. Peace as Ultimate Proof.

A subjective state of peace is the not the acid test of a decision.

The Word of God provides the acid test for a decision.

3. Laying Out A Fleece.

If you have a decision to make you say “God if you want me to do that, make this happen”

4. Seeking Signs.

In looking for signs, you try to interpret everything around you.

The problem with seeking a sign is it is highly subjective.

5. Bible By-Pass.

When God has spoken, do not ask him to give you a sign or to give you peace to violate what he has already told you.

6. Infatuation with the Unusual.

Something does not have to be bizarre to be of the Spirit.

7. Prophetic word syndrome.

I see a prophetic word is given for confirmation, not for guidance.

If God has it for you to do something, he will tell you.

Discerning the will of God correctly is very important.

Working Definition:

The will of God is His Ongoing Expression of Love through the Directives of the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Everything God does is an Expression or Extension of His Love.

We need never Fear the will of God because it is the ongoing Expression of Love for you.

3 Types of God’s will.

1. The Intentional Will of God.

This is what He Intends or what he Desires.

2. The Circumstantial Will of God.

The knowledge of God’s Circumstantial will should bring

Hope and Comfort to you.

3. The Ultimate Will of God.

This is the will of God that will Occur No Matter What we do.

Not Everything that happens Is God’s will.

But Nothing that happens can Ultimately Defeat God’s will.

Loving one another also means Bearing with one another.

To bear with one another shows the work of the Spirit of God in our lives.

2 primary definitions of what it means to bear with one another:

1. Forgiving One Another.

Bearing with one another describes an aspect of forgiving other people that is difficult, unpleasant and may involve suffering.

Instead of being bitter or resentful or vengeful, we can ask God to help us to bear with one another and help us forgive in spite of the pain we feel.

2. Restoring One Another.

Genuine forgiveness leads to restoration.

Restoration should be done by spiritually minded people who are manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in their life.

To restore a fallen person requires the ministry of God in our lives, and in their life.

It requires a loving gentleness and a genuine humility.

As difficult as restoring one another can be, when a person’s life is restored to usefulness what a powerful tool there is in the hand of God.

Loving one another also means Praying for one another.

1. We can more Effectively Pray for one another:

a. By Praying.

Prayer is a Conversation that Grows out of a Personal Relationship with God.

The Ultimate goal is to pray Continuously.

b. By Being Transparent.

This is required so there are No Blockages to Worship or Hindrances in our Spiritual life.

2. What will Happen when we Pray for One another?

a. Physical Needs are Met.

God Can and Does at times extend Healing to our Physical bodies According to his Will.

b. Spiritual Needs are Met.

Prayer is the Best Thing we can Do for each other.

c. Nations are Changed.

Prayer can produce Real and Powerful Change.

d. Individuals are Changed.

When we Pray for one another Needs are Met and People are Changed.

Loving one another also means Encouraging one another.

A NT example of an Encourager is Onesiphorus.

Some of the Characteristics of an Encourager:

1. Encouragers are Refreshing.

2. Encouragers take Risks.

- Onesiphorus was not a Fair Weather Friend.

- He took a Risk in Ministering to Paul.

3. Encouragers Work Hard.

- Encouragers go Out of There Way to be encouragers.

- They look for Opportunities to Encourage.

4. Encouragers are Consistent.

- His ability to do this was a product of a Spirit Controlled Life.

- Encouragers are producing the Fruit of the Spirit.

Encouraging one another allows us to Refresh and bring an Advantage to one another.

Loving one another also means Serving one another.

1. Why is it Hard to Serve one another?

a. Serving one another is Not Easy.

b. So Paul tells them Real/Genuine Spirituality looks like.

2. What Happens when we Serve one another?

a. We Experience true Freedom.

b. We Fulfil the Intention of the Law.

3. How do we Serve one another in Love?

The Challenge to serve one another is Actually an Invitation to Live by the Spirit.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Loving one another also means Comforting one another.

God is Pictured in the OT and NT as a God of Comfort.

1. What does it Mean to Comfort One Another?

The Greek word parakleto means “to Draw Near” “to Come along Side”

The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Comforter. Comfort involves Personal Presence.

2. Why is Comforting one another Important?

Bad things, Tragic things, happen to Christians too.

But Christians do not have to face Troubles and Difficulties Alone.

3. How do we Comfort each Other?

a. By Experiencing Personally God’s Comfort.

b. By Recognising that God is in Control.

Comforting one another Focuses on God’s Truth which brings Comfort.