Develop Discernment
Watch: Pastor Cam’s message entitled “Spiritual Discernment”, and then work through the following.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:1-12
Summary:
Jesus encounters two moments that reveal the difference between spiritual blindness and true faith. First, the Pharisees and Sadducees approach Him, demanding a sign from heaven to prove His authority. Their request is not made in genuine curiosity but in an attempt to test Him. Despite having already witnessed His miracles, they refuse to believe. Jesus rebukes them, pointing out their ability to interpret the weather yet failing to recognize the signs of the times—the very fulfillment of God’s promises unfolding before them. He tells them that the only sign they will receive is the "sign of Jonah," referring to His coming death, burial, and resurrection. This moment reminds us that faith is not about demanding proof but about trusting in what has already been revealed. Are we waiting for a supernatural sign before fully believing in God, or are we taking Him at His Word?
Later, as Jesus and His disciples travel, He warns them to beware of the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples misunderstand, thinking He is speaking about physical bread. Jesus corrects them by reminding them of the miraculous provision when He fed the 5,000 and the 4,000. If He could provide for their physical needs in such abundance, why were they so worried about lacking bread? His warning about leaven refers to the corrupt and misleading teachings of the religious leaders—false doctrines that, like yeast in dough, start small but quickly spread and influence everything. This passage calls us to examine the voices and teachings that shape our beliefs. Are we being influenced by culture, human traditions, or the truth of God's Word? Are we more focused on what we lack rather than remembering how God has already provided for us?
Through both encounters, Jesus challenges His followers to move beyond surface-level thinking and develop spiritual discernment. He calls them to recognize Him not just for His miracles but for who He truly is—the Messiah, the Son of God. We, too, must cultivate faith that is not dependent on signs and wonders but is deeply rooted in the truth of Scripture. Are we seeing with spiritual eyes, or are we missing God’s work because we are focused on the wrong things?
Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:1-12; Matthew 12:40-41; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17; John 20:29; Matthew 6:25; John 6:27-29; Colossians 3:2; Psalm 119:11, 105; Hebrews 5:13-14; Psalm 107:9
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think the Pharisees and Sadducees were unwilling to believe in Jesus despite witnessing His miracles?
What does Jesus mean by the "sign of Jonah," and how does it point to His ultimate mission?
How does the metaphor of "leaven" apply to false teachings today? What influences in our culture or personal lives could act as "leaven" in shaping our beliefs?
Why do you think Jesus reminded the disciples of His past provision when talking about faith? How does remembering God’s faithfulness help us trust Him in the present?
In what ways can we develop greater spiritual discernment to recognize truth and avoid being misled?
Personal Application:
Trust in God's Word Over Signs – Instead of waiting for proof, anchor your faith in Scripture and God's faithfulness throughout history (Romans 10:17).
Guard Against False Influences – Evaluate the beliefs and messages you absorb daily, ensuring they align with biblical truth (1 John 4:1).
Remember God's Past Faithfulness – Keep a record of answered prayers and divine provision to remind yourself of His continued care (Psalm 77:11-12).
Stay Rooted in Scripture – Make Bible study a priority to deepen your understanding and recognize when teachings stray from the Gospel (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Seek God’s Wisdom Through Prayer – Regularly ask God for discernment, guidance, and a heart that seeks truth above all else (Proverbs 2:3-5).
Prayer:
Lord,
Help me to trust in You fully, not because of signs or circumstances, but because of who You are. Give me wisdom to recognize truth, strength to stand firm in faith, and discernment to guard my heart against anything that leads me away from You. May my faith be rooted in Your Word and not in what I can see.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
