I know the basics of discernment. I receive it from the Holy Spirit quite often to give me understanding over an issue or to help me see the truth. However, I do have a few questions about it.
Here's the short version if you'd just like to answer the questions:
Convictions differ between Christians based on their faith. But does discernment do the same? Can one person discern something to be true that isn't true for someone else? Is it possible that something I discern doesn't apply to another person?
And here's the long version if you'd like some context:
Some time ago, a friend sent me a sermon from a preacher (who's name I won't disclose to avoid conflict) and asked me to listen to it. My friend said that this preacher was one that he listened to and trusted a lot. So I listened to the sermon and it did not sit well with my Spirit. I could feel that there was something wrong with what the man was saying, that though his sermon had pieces of truth, a great deal of it was heresy.
A few days ago, someone on Facebook shared a sermon from this preacher that revealed he is indeed a false teacher. But this man has a massive following and is seen as an incredible, godly man who promotes love above all. Many people that I respect and look up to are followers of this man's preaching. So I was disturbed. Was I discerning the truth or did I just not like what the preacher said? I never like to doubt any discernment, so I took it to prayer and I genuinely believe that God has revealed to me that this preacher is a liar.
So then I have to wonder about all the Christians who listen to and follow the teaching of this man. Has the Holy Spirit not given them discernment to see the truth? Are they blinded? Or is it possible that what one person discerns isn't applicable to someone else's life? I don't believe that anyone can simultaneously be a false preacher and not a false preacher, but what if I'm just discerning "wrong"?
I'm very new to having a deeper walk with Christ and so it's issues like these that I could use some advice on. I apologize if that wasn't very clear. I have a hard time articulating this issue.
Thank you for any responses and God bless
Here's the short version if you'd just like to answer the questions:
Convictions differ between Christians based on their faith. But does discernment do the same? Can one person discern something to be true that isn't true for someone else? Is it possible that something I discern doesn't apply to another person?
And here's the long version if you'd like some context:
Some time ago, a friend sent me a sermon from a preacher (who's name I won't disclose to avoid conflict) and asked me to listen to it. My friend said that this preacher was one that he listened to and trusted a lot. So I listened to the sermon and it did not sit well with my Spirit. I could feel that there was something wrong with what the man was saying, that though his sermon had pieces of truth, a great deal of it was heresy.
A few days ago, someone on Facebook shared a sermon from this preacher that revealed he is indeed a false teacher. But this man has a massive following and is seen as an incredible, godly man who promotes love above all. Many people that I respect and look up to are followers of this man's preaching. So I was disturbed. Was I discerning the truth or did I just not like what the preacher said? I never like to doubt any discernment, so I took it to prayer and I genuinely believe that God has revealed to me that this preacher is a liar.
So then I have to wonder about all the Christians who listen to and follow the teaching of this man. Has the Holy Spirit not given them discernment to see the truth? Are they blinded? Or is it possible that what one person discerns isn't applicable to someone else's life? I don't believe that anyone can simultaneously be a false preacher and not a false preacher, but what if I'm just discerning "wrong"?
I'm very new to having a deeper walk with Christ and so it's issues like these that I could use some advice on. I apologize if that wasn't very clear. I have a hard time articulating this issue.
Thank you for any responses and God bless