In an age filled with noise, opinions, and the idea of relative truth, discernment has never been more crucial for believers. But what exactly is discernment? In simple and functional terms, it's the ability to distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong, God-pleasing and God-grieving—not based on feelings or culture, but through the knowledge of God’s Word.
The basis and call for discernment hangs on the prerequisite that there is truth, and that it is not necessarily synonymous with feeling or a majority opinion. A Biblical understanding of discernment can be unpacked in 2 Peter 1:3–11 which shows us how our growth in godliness directly correlates to our spiritual clarity and decision making. Let’s dive into this connection through three key observations.
1. Discernment Is Divine Knowledge
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him..." (2 Pet. 1:3)
Discernment is not just a social skill or mental ability—it’s a gift of grace that comes through knowing God intimately by the renewed mind He grants (Eph. 4:22-25). Discernment in action is rooted in Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, and directed by the promises of God.
These promises of God guide us through everyday living and instruct our steps. When we feel confused, discouraged, or tempted, discernment helps us live according to God’s design for our lives rather than one confined to our own understanding.
As we know, leaning on our own understanding is not God’s design. Rather, He would see us escape from corruption by way of Christ in whom we now live and are free to partake of God’s great promises. (2 Pet. 1:4).
2. Discernment Leads to Discipline
"Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue... knowledge... self-control..." (2 Pet. 1:5–6)
While salvation is accomplished by grace through faith and in Christ alone, the Christian life requires effort. Discernment isn’t passive or automatic; it’s cultivated through a fight of faith that takes ground in every moment through confronting sin, resisting spiritual apathy, and holding fast to God's Word—especially when it's uncomfortable.
Peter continues to outline the benefits of this faithful fight in a series of spiritual virtues—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These Christian qualities are the fruit of living faith and active discernment that leads to joyful sanctification. Seeing this sequence of virtuous faith shows us that biblical discernment is not just useful for spiritual defense in the sin it keeps us away from, but is also positively compounding in the spiritual reality it grows us into; making us fruitful and effective in our knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:7-8).
Without discernment, we are left to wander blindly in our own devices. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Forsaking God’s way for our own leaves us in darkness. If we do not see this life through the eternal lamp of God’s word, we will be left to a temporal and worldly perspective that is so near-sighted it is described as being blind, neglecting the cleansing from sin that Christ accomplished. (2 Pet. 1:9).
3. Discernment Brings Deliverance
"Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." (2 Pet. 1:10)
Discernment doesn’t save us—only Christ does—but it is the visible reality and confirmation of our salvation. It keeps us from stumbling through life in our limited understanding or in spiritual confusion about what God would have us do or how God would have us live.
The call to be diligent in discernment means we must weigh everything—what we watch, read, think, say, and do—against God’s character and commands. Doing this is not salvific in nature, meaning it does not save us. However, it is the evidence of active faith that reveals we have been saved and have a true love for God that moves us to keep His commandments.
If the act of discernment can’t earn us our salvation, it also can’t lose us our salvation. The “fall” that Peter writes of here is not a reference to saving grace, but is in reference to falling away from God’s will and firm assurance of salvation. We will certainly fail in our pursuit of Christ and living according to His standard, but if we confess our weakness and rely on His strength, He will surely hold us fast and keep us from falling. There is great Christian confidence to draw on in loving the Lord, seeking His will, and holding fast to it.
Ultimately, a life of discernment leads to a richly provided entrance into the eternal kingdom as verse 11 describes. It is God who orders our steps and has secured our inheritance of glory in eternity, and how we follow His way before the world matters eternally. Discernment is a rutter of faithfulness that determines how painful or worshipful the path of sanctification along the way is.
Biblical discernment is needed now more than ever. Heed the call of God, Christian, to live with discernment, walk in discipline, and confirm your calling of election. May God’s grace carry us to a rich entrance in His eternal kingdom.