Hebrews 5:14 — “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Introduction
In an age of spiritual confusion, shifting morals, counterfeit doctrines, and subtle deceptions, Christian discernment is not optional—it is essential. Scripture repeatedly warns believers that deception is a real and present danger. False prophets, false teachers, false brethren, and even “false christs” will arise. The enemy has always sought to imitate, dilute, and corrupt the truth of God. Therefore, discernment stands as the God-given ability to distinguish truth from error, righteousness from wickedness, and the voice of God from the voice of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
The Christian who lacks discernment is vulnerable. The Christian who cultivates discernment stands firm. This paper examines what biblical discernment is, why it is indispensable, and how believers can grow in this essential grace.
What Discernment Is
Discernment is the spiritual ability to perceive what aligns with the character, Word, and will of God. It is not suspicion. It is not cynicism. It is the fruit of a mind renewed by Scripture and a heart governed by the Holy Spirit.
1. Discernment Is Rooted in the Word of God
The foundation of all true discernment is Scripture. Hebrews 4:12 declares that the Word of God is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s Word cuts through confusion, exposes error, and reveals the motives beneath surface appearances. Without the Scripture saturating the mind, discernment is impossible.
2. Discernment Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit
As the Spirit of truth (John 16:13), the Holy Ghost illuminates the Scriptures, convicts the heart, and trains the senses to recognize what is of God and what is not. Discernment is not merely intellectual—it is spiritual. The natural man cannot receive the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14), but the Spirit-filled believer can judge all things.
3. Discernment Is Exercised Through Practice
Hebrews 5:14 reveals that discernment grows “by reason of use.” It is developed as believers apply Scripture, confront error, resist temptation, and walk in obedience. Discernment strengthens with use and weakens with neglect.
Why Discernment Is Essential
Discernment is not an advanced spiritual gift for the “elite.” It is a basic requirement for safe, faithful Christian living. Scripture offers several critical reasons why discernment is indispensable.
1. Because Deception Will Intensify in the Last Days
Jesus warned clearly: “Take heed that no man deceive you.” (Matthew 24:4). Deception is a hallmark sign of the last days, and it will become so convincing that it would deceive even the elect—if that were possible. Without discernment, the believer is unprepared for the end-time spiritual climate.
2. Because False Teachers Are Increasing
The apostles repeatedly warned of wolves entering the flock (Acts 20:29–30) and of false prophets who would secretly introduce heresies (2 Peter 2:1). False teachers often appear godly, use biblical language, and appeal to emotions—but deny the power and truth of Scripture. Discernment exposes the wolf beneath the wool.
3. Because Satan Masquerades as an Angel of Light
The enemy rarely presents himself as evil. He disguises destructive doctrines with spiritual language and cloaks temptation in attractive packaging. Without discernment, believers mistake darkness for light and evil for good.
4. Because the Flesh Is Naturally Inclined Toward Error
Jeremiah 17:9 teaches that the heart is “deceitful above all things.” Discernment confronts self-deception—our tendency to justify sin, rationalize compromise, and follow our feelings instead of God’s truth.
5. Because True Worship Requires Discernment
Jesus said the Father seeks those who worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Truthless worship is worthless worship. Discernment guards the purity of our worship by aligning it with Scripture rather than trends, emotions, or cultural pressures.
6. Because a Discerned Life Leads to Spiritual Maturity
Ephesians 4:14 warns that without discernment, Christians are tossed by every wind of doctrine. Believers develop stability, strength, and maturity only as they learn to test what they hear, read, and believe.
How Christians Grow in Discernment
Discernment is cultivated, not merely granted. Scripture shows several ways believers grow in this vital discipline.
1. By Immersing in the Scriptures Daily
The more a believer knows the true, the easier it is to recognize the false. Just as counterfeiters study real currency, Christians must study the real Word.
2. By Praying for Wisdom
James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom liberally to those who ask. Discernment begins with humility—recognizing our need for God’s insight.
3. By Submitting to the Leading of the Holy Spirit
Discernment increases as believers learn to obey the Spirit’s promptings, convictions, and warnings.
4. By Testing Every Teaching
1 John 4:1 commands believers to “try the spirits whether they are of God.” The discerning Christian does not accept every message at face value but compares it to Scripture.
5. By Walking in Holiness
A compromised life leads to clouded judgment. Sin blinds the spiritual senses. Purity clears them.
6. By Fellowshipping With Mature Believers
Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Discernment grows as believers learn from trusted, seasoned Christians who walk faithfully in truth.
Conclusion
Discernment is more than a skill—it is a spiritual safeguard. It protects the believer from deception, guards the purity of doctrine, and anchors the heart in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. In these perilous times, when lies are celebrated as truth and truth is dismissed as intolerance, discernment is not just helpful—it is vital.
The Christian who cultivates biblical discernment will walk safely, worship rightly, grow steadily, and stand unshaken amid the rising winds of deception. To neglect discernment is to invite danger; to pursue it is to walk in the wisdom and protection of Almighty God.