WORD OF THE WEEK - DISCERNMENT- "CALLING" SERIES 5-31-26

DEFINITION: “Discernment is the ability to recognize, distinguish, and judge clearly between things that may look similar on the surface.”Add to word list
SCRIPTURES:Anchor Scripture:Romans 8:30 - “Moreover whom God predestined, these God also called; whom God called, these God also justified; and whom God  justified, these God also glorified.”

1 Corinthians 2:14  “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… they are spiritually discerned.”

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Transcript

Word of the Week:DISCERNMENT



CALLING SERIES – WEEK 2: DISCERNMENTIt is a glorious thing when people are willing to answer when called.
YC offered a one‑word response to our call: “Obedience.” We will explore that word more deeply when we discuss Response.
HB directed us to the period between Malachi and Matthew—a time when no prophet was speaking to Israel. Because of Israel’s disobedience, it appeared as though God had gone silent, even while preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah.
She reminded us that a spiritual calling is an assignment from God. Such a calling does not make one person more important than another; it is the fulfillment of a God‑given duty designed to maintain order among His people. Her reflection illustrates the discernment we need to understand why we respond to a particular calling.
Discernment is the ability to recognize, distinguish, and judge clearly between things that may appear similar on the surface. It helps us see the difference between natural and spiritual understanding.
Natural discernment does not require a relationship with God. It develops through intellect, observation, and personal experience. It is human judgment based on what seems right.
Spiritual discernment, however, is engineered by the Holy Spirit. It enables our inner self to distinguish truth from deception, good from evil, and to hear the voice of God more clearly. “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God… they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Through fasting, which quiets the flesh and quickens the spirit, and through prayer, which aligns our hearts with God, we create an environment in which the Holy Spirit brings discernment. Even then, discernment does not come automatically. We must ask God, “who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5).
But how can we ask unless we believe?“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms46:10)To be still is the intentional choice to surrender our thoughts and minds to the will and power of God.Through prayer, we become attentive to God’s voice and responsive to His leading through His Word.How can we pray in God’s will unless we know God’s will?The Word of God reveals the will of God.“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).As we understand how God operates, we can pray for the power His Spirit authorizes within us to accomplish His purpose.
The more we know God, the better we follow.The better we follow, the more honestly we connect with Him and become like Him.As we mature in God, “by constant use” we train ourselves to distinguish between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
The more we discern, the more effectively we pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer becomes our preferred communication tool, keeping us in a constant state of connection, awareness, and openness to God. Even in conversation, our hearts remain prayerful—lifting the person we are speaking with to God.
Our relationships become more meaningful because we operate in an atmosphere of love. We create a discipleship environment where discernment and spiritual growth flourish as we continuously validate and affirm one another. “Walk with the wise and become wise” (Proverbs 13:20).
Spiritual discernment confirms the calling of God.It helps us distinguish between ambition and assignment, between distraction and direction, between our voice and God’s voice.
DISCERN WHO IS CALLING…TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO ANSWER.
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling