Discernment

How does a pastor/teacher know if God's people are getting it? You know, understanding the Word, the Gospel and various issues and theological positions.

One window into a person's mind is the comments that they might make in discussions, conversations or emails. One such recent conversation comes to mind. A few members and I had the opportunity to share comments on a speaker we had all heard. One member remarked favorably about the presentation of the gospel. The other member and I were not as enthusiastic. Yes, the gospel had been presented, but with a very strong bias in the direction of man-centered faith. For example, the speaker emphasized that “You are the only one who can reserve a place in heaven for yourself.” Christ is actually the one who does this. (John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:4,5)

Certainly some attenders and members of the church will never grow in their understanding. Yet there is hope, isn't there, for others?

ESV 2Ti 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

While I, as the under-shepherd, have responsibility to do these things listed, I must wait upon the Lord to give understanding to His people. He is the one who opens eyes spiritually.

And I do wait in hope, for eternal life is knowing God and the one he sent. (John 17:3) It is God's will that his people know him. So I teach, and pray, that these sheep might know God, know more about God, - might know him better, more accurately.

Is this important?

Yes. God's people bear witness in the church and in the world of who and what God is. God does not share his glory with man, and He gives grace to the humble. We do much better before God when we are not lifting ourselves up.

ESV 1Co 1:29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.