Daily Devotional
Practicing Discernment
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”
2 Peter 2:1
June 23, 2025
Ponder This
When you are listening to a pastor, a Bible teacher, or even another Christian, you need to ask: Is the primary teaching source the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). That is the basis. That is what the Bible is all about: the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament says somebody is coming; the New Testament says somebody has come; the Book of Revelation says somebody is coming again; and that person is the Lord Jesus. He is the hero of the Bible.
The Bible has one theme: salvation. There is one hero: Jesus. There is one villain: the devil. When you listen, practice discernment. Ask, “Is this proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ or making much of Man? And is it the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith, or is it some other gospel that relies on Man’s initiative and strength?” The teaching we receive is serious, and we must be discerning. The popular church is not necessarily a church focused on Christ. A pastor with great charisma does not always equate to faithful teaching. This is vital because it influences eternal destinies.
- Who are the people you are most influenced by right now? How do you practice discernment when listening to them?
- What danger is there in neglecting discernment when listening to the teaching of others?
Practice This
Pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment as you go throughout this day and week.
For Your Gift to the Ministry
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