DISCERN SKILLFULLY

Introduction:

A. "Will You Ever Grow Up?!"

1. Have you ever asked or been asked this question?

2. Is the person being childlike or childish?

B. What About Christians?

Body: Hebrews 5: 12 - 14

I. Growth Requires Food (v. 12).

A. Must start with food easy to digest.

1. Milk refers to that which is easy to understand and accept.

2. Milk helps to nurture and develop the child.

B. With growth, food becomes tougher, more complex.

1. Growth brings the need for more food to get filled.

2. The body requires more nutrients and complex energy.

II. Growth Involves Increasing Skill.

A. Ability to handle rightly the word of righteousness.

1. Desire to know what the Scriptures say.

2. Knowledge of whether something is clearly condemned or approved.

3. Ability to determine if it is similar to something condemned or approved.

B. Involves exercise of the senses.

III. Growth Brings Discernment Of Good And Evil.

A. Understanding the importance of Christian influence.

1. Will I continue to have a "good report among those outside?"

2. Would they be more or less open to the gospel?

B. Concern for the well-being of fellow Christians.

1. Will it cause a brother to fall away?

2. Will it create a rift with a brother?

C. Desire to be a good Christian steward.

1. Of the talents and abilities God has given.

2. Of the work and place one has in the church.

Conclusion:

A. As A Christian...

1. Have you grown up yet?

2. Are you currently growing?

3. Are you even trying to grow?

B. Growth Requires Effort Combined With Nutrition.