Learn to Discern: Mental Checklist

Learn to do this rapid-fire mental checklist when hearing any bible teaching.

Is whatever is being taught:

a. Scriptural: The exact Bible verse (rightly divided) has been given, OR you know right where it is.

Action: Green flag it! But still find it. You may 'think' you know it well but it still could be something you've merely heard repeatedly and assumed is correct but you have not yet established as a Bible fact through your own study.

b. Familiar: The Bible verse given sounds like one you have read in the Bible, or something close to it.

Action: Yellow flag it! And find it. Confirm its actual wording and that it has been rightly divided.

c. Suspicious: You are not sure, and maybe even skeptical, that it's actually in the Bible, or if it is there that it has been rightly divided.

Action: Red Flag it! And check it out. Confirm with joy that what has been said is actually in the Bible and rightly divided, or confirm with grief that it is not Scriptural.

d. Unscriptural: You know instantly that it goes against what Scripture actually teaches.

Action: Black Flag it! And hurl the thing out of your mind. Disregard it as having any value to your beliefs. Petition God on whether or not He would have you challenge and refute it (as is appropriate and the opportunity is given).

Learn to Discern by John and Kim Namestnik  © 2005 (revised 2011)     www.givengrace.com

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