Spiritual Discernment
Spiritual discernment is the skill of catching the voice of the Lord amidst distractions, and obedience is the condition of becoming a saint.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment in recognizing the voice of the Lord amidst life's distractions and challenges. He highlights the need for believers to develop a keen ear to hear God's voice in times of sorrow and joy, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Him. Obedience to the Lord's call is essential for spiritual growth and sharpening our ability to listen to His voice, resulting in a life filled with vitality and eternal significance.
Text
"_My sheep hear My voice!_"
--JOHN x. 19-30.
This is spiritual discernment. We may test our growth in grace by our
expertness in detecting the voice of our Lord. It is the skill of the
saint to catch "the still small voice" amid all the selfish clamours of
the day, and amid the far more subtle callings of the heart. It needs a
good ear to catch the voice of the Lord in our sorrows. I think it
requires a better ear to discern the voice amid our joys! The twilight
helps me to be serious; the noonday glare tends to make me heedless.
"_And they follow Me!_" Discernment is succeeded by obedience. That is the
one condition of becoming a saint--to follow the immediate call of the
Lord. And it is the one condition of becoming an expert listener. Every
time I hear the voice, and follow, I sharpen my sense of hearing, and the
next time the voice will sound more clear.
"_And I give unto them eternal life._" Yes, life is found in the ways of
a listening obedience. Every faculty and function will be vitalized when I
follow the Lord of life and glory. "In Christ shall all be made alive."
My Saviour, graciously give me the listening ear! Give me the obedient
heart.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
- The Condition of Becoming a Saint
- The Result of Listening Obedience
- Vitalized Faculties and Functions
- Eternal Life Found in Listening Obedience
- The Role of Obedience in Spiritual Growth
Key Quotes
“_My sheep hear My voice!_” — John Henry Jowett
“_And they follow Me!_” — John Henry Jowett
“_And I give unto them eternal life._” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Develop a listening ear and an obedient heart to become more attuned to the voice of the Lord.
- Following the Lord of life and glory gives us eternal life and vitalizes every faculty and function.
- The key to becoming an expert listener is to follow the immediate call of the Lord and obey His voice.