Lead Like Jesus: Discerns

September 13, 2025

Bible Readings

  • Proverbs 2:1-15
  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Luke 6:12–16

Key Quotes

If Jesus himself needs to practice discernment, why would we think we can do it on our own?

Practice makes prepared.

Discernment is investing time in your relationship with God. God loves this.

Certainty is the enemy of discernment

4x4's of Spiritual Discernement

Four Practices of Discernment

  1. Pray
  2. Read Scripture
  3. Listen (to other Christians in your life)
  4. Wait

Four Rhythms of Discernment

  1. Day
  2. Week
  3. Season
  4. Life

Bible Verses on Discernment

Psalm 62:1-2 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.

Psalm 46

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

5-Day Devotional — Practicing Discernment

Scripture focus: Luke 6:12–16; Romans 12:2

🙏 Day 1 — Pause & Pray

Scripture: Luke 6:12

Reflection: Jesus faced a real problem — choosing the Twelve — and his first move was to withdraw and pray. When pressure mounts, our instinct may be to fix things immediately. Discernment begins with a pause: bringing our worries to God and listening.

Questions:

  • When you hit a wall, what is your go-to move?
  • Tomorrow morning, before checking email or starting work, ask: “God, what do you want me to do today?” and write what you sense down.

🔍 Day 2 — Practice Makes Prepared

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Reflection: “Practice makes prepared.” Discernment is a habit, not a one-time skill. Small pauses and daily checks with God form spiritual muscles so we’re ready when the big decisions come.

Questions:

  • What small daily habit could help you notice God’s leading more often?
  • For the next three days, pause once mid-morning and ask: “Is this what you want me to do, God?” and note any change in how you approach the task.

🕊️ Day 3 — Four Practices of Discernment

Scripture: James 1:5; Proverbs 3:5–6

Reflection: The sermon laid out four concrete practices: Pray (talk & listen), Read (Scripture), Listen (to trusted Christians), Wait (patiently). These are practical — not mystical — ways we learn to hear God.

Questions:

  • Which of the four (Pray, Read, Listen, Wait) do you do most? Which is hardest?
  • Choose one practice you rarely do and try it intentionally today (e.g., ask a wise friend for counsel, or simply wait 24 hours before deciding).

⏳ Day 4 — Rhythms: Day, Week, Season, Life

Scripture: Psalm 46:10

Reflection: Discernment happens in rhythms. Daily check-ins, weekly practices, seasonal reviews, and life-changing pauses shape how we follow Jesus. Slowing down on purpose helps us notice God’s patterns.

Questions:

  • What single rhythm (daily or weekly) can you add to stay aligned with God this month?
  • Try a simple weekly review this Sunday — what did God seem to be doing this week?

☕ Day 5 — Lead with Jesus (Take One Step)

Scripture: Luke 6:12–16; Romans 12:2

Reflection: The sermon ended reminding us of a promise: when we practice discernment we realize we are not alone — “we’re not just leading like Jesus, but we’re leading with Jesus.” Discernment reorients daily life: your work, relationships, and decisions begin to carry holy purpose.

Questions:

  • What’s one action this week that would show you are practicing discernment rather than simply reacting?
  • Invite a friend to ask God with you about a decision this week — and compare notes at week’s end.