Acquiring DiscernmentNäide

Acquiring Discernment: Part I
In Nehemiah, Chapter 6, Nehemiah’s enemies shifted their strategy from ridiculing and threatening the Jewish people to personal attacks on Nehemiah. On four occasions, Sanballat tries unsuccessfully to lure Nehemiah into a trap.
On one occasion, Sanballat uses rumors and lies to try to snare Nehemiah, and next, he hires prophets to deceive Nehemiah. Most men would have succumbed to at least one of these traps, but not Nehemiah. The reason for his success was his discernment.
In Nehemiah 6:12, when Nehemiah realizes Shemaiah has been hired to deceive, he writes, “I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.”
Shemaiah had told Nehemiah there were men coming to kill him and he should hide in the temple and bar the doors. Shemaiah had been stirring up trouble with false accusations against Nehemiah and the Jews of a revolt that could well have caused a militant retaliation.
However, Nehemiah was careful and untangled the lies and rumors Shemaiah was spreading, preventing a real conflict from occurring.
In this series, we will discuss three important elements for becoming people with discernment like Nehemiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What is discernment? Who would you call discerning? What is the opposite of discernment? In what do you need to practice more discernment?
- Have you ever had to combat false rumors? How did you handle them? How is discernment useful in tumultuous situations?
- What might you do to become more discerning?
Pühakiri
About this Plan

In this series we will discuss three important elements for becoming people with discernment like Nehemiah.
More
Related Plans

The Greatest of Joys

Prayer Initiative: Closer to Jesus

What Is the Fear of the Lord?

It Is Well

Living Above Labels

Who Is Jesus? 7 Days in the 'I Am' Statements

Small Yes, Big Miracles: What the Story of the World's Most Downloaded Bible App Teaches Us

"An INVITATION to FOLLOW : A 5-Day Journey Into Discipleship"

Discover God’s Will for Your Life
