The Pursuit of Discernment

Peter Rufus
What Christians Pursue
The Pursuit of Discernment
John 10:24-30
26 August 2018

We teach children "stranger danger" to keep them safe, because not all friendly people are interested in doing us good. Likewise, just because someone claims to be Christian, or uses the Bible in their teaching, does not necessarily mean they teach truth. We must learn to discern.

Discernment is dependent on identity (v. 26 - 27), not religiosity, personal faith, or evidence. The Pharisees, though they were outwardly godly, did not discern that Jesus was the Christ. But all those who are true believers recognise that Jesus was God in human flesh.

True sheep believe what Jesus taught, not what people say he taught. Being aware of "stranger danger," they reject false Christs and keep close to the true Christ.

True sheep are known intimately and deeply by their Shepherd. Discernment is about knowing true love against the veiled greed of false teachers.

True sheep follow Christ. Discernment is about obedience, a commitment to holiness, and following Christ alone. "They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him." All true believers know Christ, and Christ knows them: this is the start of true discernment.