Discerning with Others

God wants to speak us and us.

Proverbs 12:15 NIV
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

1. Why do we need communal wisdom?

a. In the Old Testament we often find the Hebrew term “Chokmah” חָכְמָה: Skill, wisdom, shrewdness.

b. We need wisdom to build the .

Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. 

c. God offers wisdom to a good life choice when the options are unclear.

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Proverbs 2:3-6 NIV
Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

d. In some instances, a of disciples is necessary for discernment.

Acts 15:28 NIV
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:

Romans 12:16 ESV
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

2. Why does wisdom seem unattainable?

a. Wisdom is a way of life that is by communing with God and others. 

b. Communal wisdom seems impossible because it is tied to .

3. How does Jesus make communal wisdom possible?

a. Jesus unites us Him.

John 17:20-23 NIV
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Ephesians 4:3-4 NIV
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.

4. How do we cultivate communal wisdom? 

a. Find wise people by their

James 3:13-18 NIV
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

b. Trust that if you for wisdom, you will find it.

James 1:5-6 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

c. on His instruction.

Psalms 1:1-3 NIV
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither–whatever they do prospers.

Answer Key: to, through; good life; discern; community; slowly formed; unity; in; fruit; ask; meditate