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INTRODUCTION

DISCERNMENTThe God-given ability to understand why things happen

Discernment

Have you ever seen cashiers hold money up to the

light? They are trained to examine the money and deter­mine whether it is real or fake. In the light, the cashiers can see details on a genuine bill that could not be repro­duced on a counterfeit. Did you know that God’s Word is a light, too? You can learn to distinguish right from wrong by using the light of God’s Word. Because God’s Word is truth, as you study your Bible, your spirit will begin to “spot” the counterfeit, or lie, when you see or hear it. Be alert to subtle messages that come through music, enter­tainment, and conversations. Discuss them as a family. The surest way to grow in discernment is to depend on God’s Word. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

The Jerusalem Church Consults the Scriptures

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Discernment Overview

What Is Discernment?Read aloud, study, and discuss what descernment means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of discernment is “the God­given ability to understand why things

happen.” You may be dealing with circumstances in your life or in the world around you that you are trying to understand. What is the cause of such a devastating hurricane? Why would a loved one get cancer? Science may explain the happenings of the physical world based on universal laws of nature, but the purposes of God behind those events can only be understood, or discerned, by His Spirit. God, in His omniscience, has deeper reasons for each circumstance and is work­ing to fulfill His plans. As the Holy Spirit guides you through the study of His Word, you will be able to grasp

the deeper things of God. (See I Corinthians 2:10–16.) Having the mind of Christ (or thinking in accordance with Scripture) is the first requirement for learning discernment.

Lacking discernment leads to wrong judgments. With­out knowing the facts, an undiscerning person often arrives at incorrect conclu­sions. Someone who makes rash judgments about others often forms opinions about them based only on what he sees on the surface.

He is soon critical of others when he sees their faults, but he fails to realize that the failures he reacts to in

others are often identical to his own. Jesus alluded to this attitude when He spoke about being quick to see a speck in another’s eye while overlooking the plank that was in one’s own eye. (See Matthew 7:3–5.) One with an undiscerning spirit is focused more on faultfinding and finger­pointing than on under­standing another person’s heart or discerning ways to help him. Instead of judging others, look for ways to understand them, pray for them, and help them through whatever they may be facing.

Not only can we misjudge people, but we can also judge situations wrongly. Jesus pointed out this problem to those who came to Him asking Him to prove He was Who He claimed to be. (See Matthew 16:2–3.) While rightly discerning some factors, they failed to see the greater event. Similarly, when disciplined by your dad, do you accuse him of not loving you, or do you discern the reasons why he is correcting you and the greater purpose for his discipline? When you have a conflict with your friend, do you blame her alone, or do you ask God to show you your fault in the dispute? When devastating tragedy occurs, people often ask, “Why did God let this happen?” As you allow the Lord to teach you His perspective, you will begin to see His hand in the situations around you.

We may think that we see a situation clearly, but only with discernment from the Lord will we have the perspective necessary to draw accurate conclusions.

A judgmental person blames others without taking the time to discern what underlying factors should be considered.

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Discernment in ScriptureRead aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

Proverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive

my words, and hide my commandments with

thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and

apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest

after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for under­

standing; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest

for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand

the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh

knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege

to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in

your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths

are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty

of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s

Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you,

your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He

will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GODWe see examples of discernment in God’s character in

the following ways:

• God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge

needed for discernment. (See Daniel 2:20–22.)

• God is able to see beyond man’s outward actions

to the thoughts and intentions of his heart.

(See Genesis 6:5; Hebrews 4:12.)

• Before judgment, God establishes the facts about

a person’s heart. (See I Corinthians 4:4–5.)

• Jesus knew to reject evil and choose the good.

(See Isaiah 7:14–15.)

• Jesus could discern the true motivations behind

the questions He was asked. (See John 8:3–11;

Matthew 22:17–22.)

• Jesus helped His disciple identify the consequences

of having violent and destructive reactions.

(See Matthew 26:52.)

• The Holy Spirit freely gives the believer under­standing into the deeper things of God. (See I Corinthians 2:10–12.)

DISCERNMENT IN MY LIFENow let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out discernment daily.

• Before making a decision, do I thoroughly con­sider all the consequences that could result? (See Proverbs 22:3; Colossians 3:25.)

• How has God enabled me to understand His ways? (See I Corinthians 2:14–16.)

• How can I discern what is good? (See I Thessalonians 5:21; I John 4:1.)

• Instead of making superficial changes to my appear­ance, what inward changes does God want to make in my heart? (See Matthew 23:25–26; Psalm 51:6.)

• How can I keep from rushing to judgment? (See James 1:19–20.)

• Do I carefully examine what I am taught to ensure it agrees with the Word of God? (See Acts 17:10–11.)

• How is my spiritual growth affected if I do not give heed to God’s Word and learn to use it skillfully? (See Hebrews 5:11–14.)

DISCERNMENT KEY VERSE

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” I SAMUEL 16:7

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Bible StoryTHE JERUSALEM CHURCH CONSULTS THE SCRIPTURES

The Apostle Peter would never have thought of preach­ing to Gentiles! However, God had other plans. God

used a vision and a visit to a Roman centurion named Cornelius to show Peter that Jesus died for all people. Now Peter knew that anyone—even these non­Jews—who believed on Him could have forgiveness of sins. At first, the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were wary of welcoming these “unclean” Gentiles into the Church. However, after hearing Peter’s testimony, the Jewish believers grasped God’s plan and praised Him for the new converts. In Antioch, about 300 miles from Jerusalem, a church was established which included both Jewish and

Gentile believers. This church sent Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey. After many months and many miles, the two men returned, reporting and rejoicing that numerous Gentile souls had been saved! However, a certain sect of Pharisees who had also trusted in Christ were greatly concerned. They believed that in order to be saved, adherence to the Law of Moses was required. These Pharisees approached the church in Antioch with a strict ultimatum for the new Gentile believers. What was this sect ordering the new believers to do? How would the church leadership discern if their demand was right or wrong?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONSRead Acts 15:1–31 together and discuss the following questions:

1. What were certain men from Judaea teaching the new Gentile converts in Antioch? (See Acts 15:1.)

What do some people today believe they must do to earn salvation? What does God’s Word say is needed? (See Ephesians 2:8–9.)

2. Did Paul and Barnabas agree with these Judaeans? To whom were they sent regarding the dispute? (See Acts 15:2.)

When you have difficulty distinguishing between right and wrong, to whom can you go for wise counsel? (See Proverbs 1:7–8.)

3. When this sect of Pharisees opposed Paul and Barnabas’ testimony, what did the apostles and elders do? (See Acts 15:4–6.)

Whenever someone has an opposing viewpoint, do you calmly take time to hear them before reaching a solution? (See Proverbs 17:14.)

4. How did Peter refute the Pharisees’ demands to keep the Law? (See Acts 15:9–10.) Did Paul and Barnabas confirm his testimony? (See Acts 15:12.)

When listening to differing perspectives, how do you discern which information is most valid? (See Acts 17:11.)

5. What did James refer to when seeking God’s wisdom in discerning the truth? (See Acts 15:15–17.)

How does the Bible help you correctly understand and settle questions, doubts, and problems? (See John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16–17.)

6. After hearing both sides of the matter, what did the leaders of the Jerusalem church decide was right? (See Acts 15:19–21.)

Why is considering the entire matter important before making a decision? (See James 1:19–20; Proverbs 15:22.)

7. In what ways did the Jerusalem leadership and brethren both confirm and communicate their conclusion? (See Acts 15:22–27.)

How do you respond when your parents make a decision? (See Hebrews 13:17.)

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Memory VerseI SAMUEL 16:7

Play the game together to help the children commit I Samuel 16:7 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of

his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man

looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

I SAMUEL 16:7

DOERS OF THE WORDIn the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “see beyond a person’s outward appearance,” or “ask questions to get to know someone better,” or “be a person after Your heart.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________ _________________________________________ ____________________________________________. I ask that You would develop discernment in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

MEMORY VERSE GAME

Category Stand-ups

Call out a category. Some examples of categories might be “whoever has already celebrated their birthday this year,” or “everyone who likes orange juice,” or “everyone who owns a stuffed animal.” When the category is called, those who fit the description stand up and say the verse together. Continue to play until the verse is memorized and everyone can say the verse without looking at it.

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Activity CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

INTRODUCTIONEnjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the discernment key verse and definition as you fill in the crossword puzzle below. Italicized words fit horizontally and underlined words fit vertically. One word is already done for you.

I Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on

the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord

seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

Discernment

The God­given ability

to understand why

things happen

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WorksheetCAUSE AND EFFECT TREE

Supplies:• A copy of

this page for each child

• Bible• Crayons• Pens

Instructions

The fruit that is seen in your life is determined by your attitudes, words, and actions. Noticing bad fruit in your life can be a signal to examine and correct the underlying reason it is there. Seeing good fruit can be an encouragement to you to continue in the ways of the Lord. Inspect the apples on the two trees below. Look up the verse written on each apple to discern a possible “root” that produced that good or bad fruit. Then draw a line from the fruit to the matching root. Finally, you may color your trees and apples. Which fruit do you want in your life? What do you need to do to bear that kind of fruit?

Fear of M

an

PrideLove of moneyFoolis

h friends

Dis

resp

ect

Arguing(See Proverbs 13:10.)

Trap(See Proverbs 29:25.)

Evil(See I Timothy 6:10.)

Difficulties(See Deuteronomy 5:16.)

Destruction(See Proverbs 13:20.)

Trust G

od Diligent

Meditate on God’s WordLove God’s W

ord

Teac

habl

e

Success(See Joshua 1:8.)

Leadership(See Proverbs 12:24.)

Wisdom(See Proverbs 19:20.)

Peace(See Psalm 119:165.)

Happiness(See Proverbs 16:20.)

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

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The Jerusalem Church Consults the Scriptures

“But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the

apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter” (Acts 15:5–6).

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Hymn History

“More About Jesus”Sing “More About Jesus” and read about the discernment proclaimed by the hymn writer, Eliza E. Hewitt.

Abrilliant student, Eliza Hewitt was the class vale­dictorian when she graduated from Philadelphia’s

Girls’ Normal School. Her high school trained young ladies to become teachers upon graduation. Thus, Miss Hewitt became a public school teacher in the town of her birth where she lived her entire life.

A short time later, however, Miss Hewitt had to leave teaching due to a spinal injury. The common understanding was that the injury resulted while she disciplined one of her students. The unruly boy struck a painful, damaging blow to her back with a heavy slate! Bedridden due to the pain, she could no longer do the normal, everyday things she had enjoyed.

During those months of suffering following the injury, Miss Hewitt spent much time with God in prayer and in His Word. She wanted to express to others her special relation­ship with Him. As a result, she began writing poems for children and for Sunday School resources. With the removal of the heavy, restrictive cast

required for her recovery, she is said to have written the hymn, “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today”! Miss Hewitt found that, in her time of suffering and rehabili­tation, God used something grievous to bring forth blessing in her life. How excited she was to tell others!

Many other classic hymns were written by Miss Hewitt,

including “Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown?”,

“Stepping in the Light,” and “When We All Get to

Heaven.” Though the severity of her injury prevented

her from teaching school again, once recovered, she

continued her Sunday school involvement and minis­

try in a local orphanage.

Her hymn, “More About Jesus,” speaks of a deep longing

to know more about our Lord Jesus and to understand

more of His ways:

More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me.

Even though Miss Hewitt’s spinal injury took her from

the job she had trained for, the months of pain and

deprivation served a greater purpose. If she had merely

become angry and bitter, God could not have used her

as effectively. But because she discerned that He had

a plan for her life and sought Him during her diffi­

culty, God was able to reach more people through her

hymns than she could have reached in her classroom.

When we encounter unexpected or grievous situations

as Miss Hewitt did, and we can’t understand “why”

with our human senses, we need to ask God to enable

us to view things from His perspective. As we draw

closer to Jesus and seek to know Him more, God will

enable us to understand His purposes and why

things happen.

Eliza E. Hewitt (1851–1920)

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

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Hymn Sheet Music

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show;cern;Lord;own;

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died for me.

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More About JesusJohn R. Sweney (1837–1899)

©

Eliza E. Hewitt (1851–1920)

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Crossword Puzzle Answer Key

Hymn History BibliographyMorgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson Publishers,

Nashville, 2003, p. 223.

Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications,

Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 181–182.

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Recommended Resources• 2019 Biblical Character Illustrated

Calendar

• Hymns for the Family CDs (“More About Jesus” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 4.)

• The Power for True Success

• Character Cards

• Character Cards Memory Game

• Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

• Achieving True Success

• Why Did God Let It Happen?

• Rekindling the Light of Our First Love

• Instructions for Our Most Important Battle

• “How Judgments Affect Family Harmony” (Message by Paul and Jenny Speed, available at embassymedia.com.)

• “Creation: Developing Discernment in a Culture of Deception” (Message by Dr. Jobe Martin, available at embassymedia.com.)

• “Small Decisions, Large Consequences” (Message by Matt Krause, available at embassymedia.com.)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org