“Discerning Between Good and Evil”
Scripture Read: 1
Thessalonians 5:12-22
Introduction:
The metallurgist refines basic ores into metals of value with great effort;
however, in every instance the process has the same goal; the removal of
slag or useless material so that all that remains is the valuable.
Sounds easy right? To many Christians it is not that easy?
Here we will look at the wisdom of God for discerning Good and Evil!
IS IT CLEARLY CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE?
Here are a couple of lists: Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:1-7
· To all of us, this is the final word on these subjects; however, this should not end our thought process,
as our adversary does not work just in these elements.
IS IT SIMILAR TO THINGS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE?
Galatians 5:21
“And the Like”;
The Apostle Paul demands that we additionally compare everything we come
across by this standard, is it closely related to
19-21, or
22-23.
Paul takes us through this process as he, himself often had to process the
choices:
Romans 14:20-23;
1 Corinthians
6:12-20.
DOES IT HURT YOUR CONSCIENCE?
First, we have to speak to the importance of an educated conscience:
1 Timothy 1:3-5;
18-20;
3:9
Then ask:
“Does it
benefit the work of the Gospel?”
“Will it
give honor to God or the Name of Jesus the Christ?” etc…
Yes, there
are gray areas in the area of liberties; however, only a godly wisdom will
help us ascertain the benefits verses the detriments.
Ephesians 5:15
“See then that you walk circumspectly
(carefully
– Grk. “Akribos”),
not as fools but as wise”
Other
Considerations:
·
Is it for
the Gospel’s sake? –
1 Corinthians
9:19-23
·
Not seeking
our own, but being a profit to many
–
1 Corinthians 10:24,
31-33
·
Will it be
a stumbling block to a weaker Christian –
1 Corinthians 8:9
·
Will it be
a good example, to those on the outside –
Colossians 4:5;
to our children –
Ephesians 6:1-4;
our spouse –
1 Peter 3:1-2;
this is truly not subjective to the honest!!!
·
If the Lord
were present, would we be ashamed?
“A disciple
is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like
his teacher.”
Luke 6:40