Need of Spiritual Discernment
By R.
1. What is said of the natural man? “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. 2:14. 2. How were the prophecies given? “The prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21. 3. Will the same Spirit teach that which is inspired? “Which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Cor. 2:13. 4. Is this true of all the Scriptures? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. 5. Are we to use our own judgment in interpreting the Scriptures? “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20. 6. How do some deal with the Scriptures? “In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16. 7. How should we receive the Scriptures? “For . . . also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God . . . ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” 2 Thess. 2:13. 8. What does it do for him who receives it? “Which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Verse 13, last part. 9. How powerful are its effects? “The word of God is quick [living] and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12. 10. Why do men not see spiritual things? “Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. 11. Has man any desire to see spiritual things? “Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be discovered.” John 3:20. 12. How are men kept from seeing the truth? “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ . . . should shine unto them.” 2 Cor. 4:4. 13. Can the natural man subject himself to the things of God? “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8:7. 14. What mind may we have? “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5. R.