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Discernimiento: Una Disciplina Prática y Espiritual
El discernimiento espiritual es bueno para tomar decisiones excelentes según la voluntad de Dios, y es una actividad esencial del día a día. El discernimiento espiritual no solo es útil para la toma de decisiones importantes; también permite distinguir la verdad de Dios y el error, y el bien y el mal, en las situaciones cotidianas. Esta alentadora obra te enseña cómo aplicar la sabiduría de manera práctica, con el propósito de que todas tus conclusiones sean coherentes con la Palabra de Dios. // Spiritual discernment is good for making monumental decisions according to God's will, and it is an essential, day-to-day activity. Spiritual discernment is not just useful for making major decisions; it also enables you to distinguish God's truth from error, and right from wrong, in daily situations. This uplifting work teaches you how to apply wisdom practically so that all your conclusions will be consistent with God's Word.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2007
138 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Tim Challies
62 books1,568 followersTim Challies is a leading evangelical blogger. A self-employed web designer, Tim lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 20, 2018
Wow, this book was so good! I'll just say straight out of the gate that I highly recommend it to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!
Challies presents a really thorough look at discernment in this book, including all the ways that Christians use the word, like discerning God's will and discerning between right and wrong. The concepts he presents are all biblically grounded, and I felt myself convicted throughout.
One thing I really appreciated was how Challies does not call out any false teachers in this book but rather gives guidelines to believers on how to discern between a true and false teacher *for themselves*. I know personally I tend to get "lazy" in my discernment of different teachers by just looking up what has been said about them by someone I trust. Challies encourages believers to not let this become their default mode, but rather to read and listen while always exercising their OWN discernment.
Another point he brought up that I thought was excellent was that with of all the spiritual gifts, Satan seeks for a way to corrupt them, and in discernment, that often shows up as pride. I also appreciated what he said in the whole section about the "dangers of discernment", and he had great reminders on avoiding some of these dangers. He also talked about how it is impossible to have true discernment without immersing yourself in and examining God's written word, which I thought was a great and challenging point.
Discernment is a tricky topic in a culture that is constantly shouting "Don't judge!" and I thought Challies did a great job of challenging believers to exercise discernment in a biblical and loving way. I think this book is greatly needed in the church today, and I highly recommend it to all of my Christian friends and family!
Challies presents a really thorough look at discernment in this book, including all the ways that Christians use the word, like discerning God's will and discerning between right and wrong. The concepts he presents are all biblically grounded, and I felt myself convicted throughout.
One thing I really appreciated was how Challies does not call out any false teachers in this book but rather gives guidelines to believers on how to discern between a true and false teacher *for themselves*. I know personally I tend to get "lazy" in my discernment of different teachers by just looking up what has been said about them by someone I trust. Challies encourages believers to not let this become their default mode, but rather to read and listen while always exercising their OWN discernment.
Another point he brought up that I thought was excellent was that with of all the spiritual gifts, Satan seeks for a way to corrupt them, and in discernment, that often shows up as pride. I also appreciated what he said in the whole section about the "dangers of discernment", and he had great reminders on avoiding some of these dangers. He also talked about how it is impossible to have true discernment without immersing yourself in and examining God's written word, which I thought was a great and challenging point.
Discernment is a tricky topic in a culture that is constantly shouting "Don't judge!" and I thought Challies did a great job of challenging believers to exercise discernment in a biblical and loving way. I think this book is greatly needed in the church today, and I highly recommend it to all of my Christian friends and family!
January 10, 2017
Este libro debería ser examinado por toda América Latina, ya que nuestros países tienden a adormecer su discernimiento y son fácilmente engañados por cualquier viento de falsa doctrina.
February 11, 2017
Quiero que todos lean este libro. Es fácil de leer, útil y muy práctico. El tema del discernimiento es siempre necesario para cualquier cristiano, y pocos le prestan la atención que merece. Lo recomendaré sin cansancio.
Mi única "queja" es que a veces Challies se extiende un poco en sus ilustraciones. A veces me quedaba pensando "¿va a llegar a algún lugar con esto?"; por supuesto, siempre lo hacía. Fuera de eso, una excelente lectura. Me encanta lo estructurado que Tim es. Algunos lo consideran seco o aburrido, pero para mí es brillante y claro.
***
I want everyone to get this book. It's an easy read, useful and very practical. Discernment is something that every Christian needs, but few give it the attention it deserves. I will recommend this book non stop.
My only "complaint" is that Challies sometimes goes a bit too long in his illustrations. I found myself asking "Is he getting anywhere with this?" a couple of times; of course, he always got somewhere. Apart from that, this is an excellent read. I love how structured Tim is. Some have said that he is dry and boring, but to me he is brilliant and cristal clear!
Mi única "queja" es que a veces Challies se extiende un poco en sus ilustraciones. A veces me quedaba pensando "¿va a llegar a algún lugar con esto?"; por supuesto, siempre lo hacía. Fuera de eso, una excelente lectura. Me encanta lo estructurado que Tim es. Algunos lo consideran seco o aburrido, pero para mí es brillante y claro.
***
I want everyone to get this book. It's an easy read, useful and very practical. Discernment is something that every Christian needs, but few give it the attention it deserves. I will recommend this book non stop.
My only "complaint" is that Challies sometimes goes a bit too long in his illustrations. I found myself asking "Is he getting anywhere with this?" a couple of times; of course, he always got somewhere. Apart from that, this is an excellent read. I love how structured Tim is. Some have said that he is dry and boring, but to me he is brilliant and cristal clear!
January 29, 2014
I have read books and blog articles from this author before. Generally, I enjoy his writing and appreciate his pastoral approach to his subject matter, and I have certainly been encouraged by his content before.
However, in my opinion, this book just wasn't very good. Here are some of my reasons.
1. The book was too long. - I know this gets said about every book ever written, but I really believe this book could have been much shorter. The author repeats his points again and again. In my opinion, this subject did not need another book. This would have fit as a series of sermons, a series of blog articles, or maybe just one blog article (chapter 10).
2. The currency illustration got very, very old. - The author began the book with an excellent illustration of the Nazi counterfeit currency that was discovered in an Austrian lake. But then the author brings up the counterfeit currency illustration in nearly every chapter. Finally, in chapter 8 the author admits his obsession with counterfeit currency, even attending a seminar on the matter. Now, that's fine if he is super interested in this - but enough already! Move on! After the third time, this because distracting and annoying. I found myself skipping through it. Too, too much.
3. The author exhibits a poor understanding of Fundamentalism. - Now, I am not equipped to be a defender of Fundamentalism (and nor do I want to be!!) but the author either doesn't understand Fundamentalism or is purposefully taking a pot shot in chapter 8. In a contrast with liberalism, the author states that the primary cause or philosophy of Fundamentalism is the exaltation of third-level doctrines to first-level important. WHAT?!?!?! No doubt, there exists those who call themselves Fundamentalists who do just that, but does the author truly believe that the foundational principle to Fundamentalism is this? Wow. Again, I'm no defender of Fundamentalism but I know full well that this is not the cause or foundation of Fundamentalism. The author is either exhibiting ignorance or a tremendous lack of discernment. Ironic.
All that said, I still appreciate this author and his work. I will gladly read more of his books, book reviews, and blog articles. He is my brother in Christ and I wish God's very best to him and his ministry. However, I am quite disappointed with this book. At the end of the day, this is all just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth!
However, in my opinion, this book just wasn't very good. Here are some of my reasons.
1. The book was too long. - I know this gets said about every book ever written, but I really believe this book could have been much shorter. The author repeats his points again and again. In my opinion, this subject did not need another book. This would have fit as a series of sermons, a series of blog articles, or maybe just one blog article (chapter 10).
2. The currency illustration got very, very old. - The author began the book with an excellent illustration of the Nazi counterfeit currency that was discovered in an Austrian lake. But then the author brings up the counterfeit currency illustration in nearly every chapter. Finally, in chapter 8 the author admits his obsession with counterfeit currency, even attending a seminar on the matter. Now, that's fine if he is super interested in this - but enough already! Move on! After the third time, this because distracting and annoying. I found myself skipping through it. Too, too much.
3. The author exhibits a poor understanding of Fundamentalism. - Now, I am not equipped to be a defender of Fundamentalism (and nor do I want to be!!) but the author either doesn't understand Fundamentalism or is purposefully taking a pot shot in chapter 8. In a contrast with liberalism, the author states that the primary cause or philosophy of Fundamentalism is the exaltation of third-level doctrines to first-level important. WHAT?!?!?! No doubt, there exists those who call themselves Fundamentalists who do just that, but does the author truly believe that the foundational principle to Fundamentalism is this? Wow. Again, I'm no defender of Fundamentalism but I know full well that this is not the cause or foundation of Fundamentalism. The author is either exhibiting ignorance or a tremendous lack of discernment. Ironic.
All that said, I still appreciate this author and his work. I will gladly read more of his books, book reviews, and blog articles. He is my brother in Christ and I wish God's very best to him and his ministry. However, I am quite disappointed with this book. At the end of the day, this is all just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth!
December 13, 2023
Fantastic introductory work to the discipline of discenrment. With this being recommended with those starting out on discernment, do not expect to instantly know the art of discerning, it takes time, and this book is fantastic on the process that should go through your head, and for questions you start to have.
This, apologetics, and a discernment podcast such as Fighting for the Faith (Lutheran), or Stand Up for the Truth (I don't know the denomination) these give you a solid base to be able to diagnose on the fly, and this book is great for seeing the process laid out simply.
This, apologetics, and a discernment podcast such as Fighting for the Faith (Lutheran), or Stand Up for the Truth (I don't know the denomination) these give you a solid base to be able to diagnose on the fly, and this book is great for seeing the process laid out simply.
December 20, 2022
Easy to read and understand, with practical ways on increasing in wisdom and discernment. A much needed book in our times of craziness.
July 16, 2025
Fantastic book about spiritual discernment!
August 18, 2020
"Discerning God's will is the skill of understanding and applying God's Word with the purpose of separating right from wrong. It is discernment in a moral or ethical dimension in which we attempt to act in a way that is consistent with truth and that brings praise and glory to God. It is here that we live out what we believe. It is here that we will prove whether what we believe is accurate. If what we do and how we act is consistent with the will of God as revealed in Scripture, we can know that our beliefs are also consistent with the truths of the Bible."
Wow, oh wow. For the Christian actively seeking a lively and robust spiritual life full of growth and maturity, I cannot really think of a more timely book than this one. Challies thoroughly examines the concept of discernment, enlightening the reader as to the definition, challenges, gifts and even the dangers of discernment. After discussing the call to discernment and how to develop this skill, he closes the book with a 17 step plan in the practice of discernment that is not only insightful but I think for me personally it is invaluable as well. Challies then exhorts us to act after we have discerned...discernment is not a passive thing. The two possible actions we are given are straight from scripture: we either 1) abstain if we discern evil or, 2) hold fast if we discern goodness (good being the perfect will of God). I REALLY enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend! Thank you to Crossway for the gifted copy 🧡
4.5/5
Wow, oh wow. For the Christian actively seeking a lively and robust spiritual life full of growth and maturity, I cannot really think of a more timely book than this one. Challies thoroughly examines the concept of discernment, enlightening the reader as to the definition, challenges, gifts and even the dangers of discernment. After discussing the call to discernment and how to develop this skill, he closes the book with a 17 step plan in the practice of discernment that is not only insightful but I think for me personally it is invaluable as well. Challies then exhorts us to act after we have discerned...discernment is not a passive thing. The two possible actions we are given are straight from scripture: we either 1) abstain if we discern evil or, 2) hold fast if we discern goodness (good being the perfect will of God). I REALLY enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend! Thank you to Crossway for the gifted copy 🧡
4.5/5
December 25, 2021
Discernment is something that I think we talk about in Christian circles as a side issue, or something that happens almost by accident as we progress in our faith. Tim Challies asserts that this should be a much more important topic in our lives... if not the most essential discipline as we grow in our knowledge and love of God.
It is a comprehensive, to say the least, and challenging book that has left me with a thorough understanding of the biblical definition and importance of discernment. But it is not just academic in nature, but intensely practical as well. The entire last chapter is a step by step process to using scripture to discern the biblical truth of an idea or proposition and to act on that truth (or falsehood if it may be).
I have been recommending this book left, right and centre. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.
I feel challenged to read and cling to scripture all the more and grow in my own discernment. I would call this a must read for any and every Christian, new or old.
It is a comprehensive, to say the least, and challenging book that has left me with a thorough understanding of the biblical definition and importance of discernment. But it is not just academic in nature, but intensely practical as well. The entire last chapter is a step by step process to using scripture to discern the biblical truth of an idea or proposition and to act on that truth (or falsehood if it may be).
I have been recommending this book left, right and centre. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.
I feel challenged to read and cling to scripture all the more and grow in my own discernment. I would call this a must read for any and every Christian, new or old.
January 13, 2024
This book‘s presupposition is that the Christian life is in essence to be understood as a series of judgements between good and evil, and that we master this God-given task of judging by reading the Bible. Especially in the beginning, Challies paints the picture of isolated individuals constantly encountering unambiguous situations (“truly gray situations are rare”) for which the Bible is the fitting handbook.
It is almost ironic that the book that calls his readers to biblical discernment is full of frustratingly over-simplified and theologically poor analyses of the Bible. He (constantly) takes verses out of context or draws unwarranted conclusions from the text.
Even though later Challies acknowledges the importance of prayer, the church, humility, instincts etc. this book would have benefited from a richer understanding of sanctification, worship, the formation of virtues, the narrative character of the Bible and human life, and a christocentric understanding of the knowledge of (the will) of God.
It is almost ironic that the book that calls his readers to biblical discernment is full of frustratingly over-simplified and theologically poor analyses of the Bible. He (constantly) takes verses out of context or draws unwarranted conclusions from the text.
Even though later Challies acknowledges the importance of prayer, the church, humility, instincts etc. this book would have benefited from a richer understanding of sanctification, worship, the formation of virtues, the narrative character of the Bible and human life, and a christocentric understanding of the knowledge of (the will) of God.
October 29, 2010
Really enjoyed this book. Easy to understand and sets out the basic principles all Christians should use in their everyday life to understand what real Truth is.
March 24, 2025
"Discernment is the skill of understanding and applying God's Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong."
"We should not be Christians who compartmentalize our lives so that some areas are given over to the lordship of Christ and others are held back for ourselves. We cannot have components of our lives that are religious while others are secular. Christians with a truly Christian worldview will know that all of life is to be lived in accordance with biblical principles. Everything we do- whether it is choosing a church, reading a book, watching television, engaging in evangelism, forming friendships, studying the Bible- everything requires discernment. Because there is no area in which we have perfect understanding, there is no area of life that is beyond our need or ability to be discerning."
Wow! I wish I knew about this book back when it was first published in 2007, but I'm certainly grateful to have read it now as I found it both timely and encouraging. Tim Challies is a go to resource when I am researching Christian books. He has written countless book reviews to help the discerning Christian reader navigate the reading landscape to find biblically solid books.
In this book he explains why discernment is crucial for the Christian life and outlines steps to practice discernment as a skill to be refined throughout our lives. If you have ever been dismissed, discouraged, or chastised for sharing biblical discernment with others, you will find encouragement within these pages. This is sure to be one of my favorite books of the year and is one that I know I'll revisit again.
Thank you, Crossway Books for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
"We should not be Christians who compartmentalize our lives so that some areas are given over to the lordship of Christ and others are held back for ourselves. We cannot have components of our lives that are religious while others are secular. Christians with a truly Christian worldview will know that all of life is to be lived in accordance with biblical principles. Everything we do- whether it is choosing a church, reading a book, watching television, engaging in evangelism, forming friendships, studying the Bible- everything requires discernment. Because there is no area in which we have perfect understanding, there is no area of life that is beyond our need or ability to be discerning."
Wow! I wish I knew about this book back when it was first published in 2007, but I'm certainly grateful to have read it now as I found it both timely and encouraging. Tim Challies is a go to resource when I am researching Christian books. He has written countless book reviews to help the discerning Christian reader navigate the reading landscape to find biblically solid books.
In this book he explains why discernment is crucial for the Christian life and outlines steps to practice discernment as a skill to be refined throughout our lives. If you have ever been dismissed, discouraged, or chastised for sharing biblical discernment with others, you will find encouragement within these pages. This is sure to be one of my favorite books of the year and is one that I know I'll revisit again.
Thank you, Crossway Books for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 27, 2020
This book is introductory and definitional, which is needed since so little is written on this topic.
Challies gives some very important warnings against practicing discernment with wrong motives. He writes that discernment is not to be about winning debates or always looking to find fault with people; rather, biblical discernment is to be practiced with humility (as we are all learning from the Bible) and love (investigating what Scripture says because we love God and don’t want to sin against Him and because we love our fellow Christians and don’t want them to fall into error). Challies gives a really balanced theoretical (or theological) framework and method for how to be a discerning Christian.
Stylistically, he lost a star from me just because the book wasn’t too engaging. It was a bit technical and wordy, and the illustration of discerning between counterfeit and genuine money in each chapter became a bit repetitive.
Challies gives some very important warnings against practicing discernment with wrong motives. He writes that discernment is not to be about winning debates or always looking to find fault with people; rather, biblical discernment is to be practiced with humility (as we are all learning from the Bible) and love (investigating what Scripture says because we love God and don’t want to sin against Him and because we love our fellow Christians and don’t want them to fall into error). Challies gives a really balanced theoretical (or theological) framework and method for how to be a discerning Christian.
Stylistically, he lost a star from me just because the book wasn’t too engaging. It was a bit technical and wordy, and the illustration of discerning between counterfeit and genuine money in each chapter became a bit repetitive.
December 12, 2025
jared and I read this book together :)
We started out by reading the chapters on our own and then answering the questions at the back of the book when we were together, but we ended up figuring out that our conversations were better when we read the chapters together and just talked about our thoughts as we went. Perfectly timed to the end of the semester !!
I would say—we agreed with MOST of the things the author wrote in this book, and the things we didn’t fully agree on sparked really good conversations, so it worked nonetheless. Practicing discernment in real time 🤩. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a guide to being discerning BUT it does get a little redundant at times. Just a forewarning. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, cause it pounds in the idea.
We started out by reading the chapters on our own and then answering the questions at the back of the book when we were together, but we ended up figuring out that our conversations were better when we read the chapters together and just talked about our thoughts as we went. Perfectly timed to the end of the semester !!
I would say—we agreed with MOST of the things the author wrote in this book, and the things we didn’t fully agree on sparked really good conversations, so it worked nonetheless. Practicing discernment in real time 🤩. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a guide to being discerning BUT it does get a little redundant at times. Just a forewarning. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, cause it pounds in the idea.
June 9, 2021
This is a helpful book for our time when all too few believers are actively pursuing discernment as God requires. In basic terms, Challies defines biblical discernment, underscores its importance, and gives practical counsel as to how to put it into practice. Overall, I thought it was a good book, though not a great book; a recommended read, but not necessarily a must-read.
June 29, 2021
3.5
El uso de la metáfora de los billetes falsos fue muy repetitivo en todo el libro, una vez explicado no era necesario repetir la explicación en otros capítulos. Buenas referencias para considerar cuando evaluamos una enseñanza.
El uso de la metáfora de los billetes falsos fue muy repetitivo en todo el libro, una vez explicado no era necesario repetir la explicación en otros capítulos. Buenas referencias para considerar cuando evaluamos una enseñanza.
October 19, 2020
Read this book for a bible study and it is awesome. I will read again.
With so much false teaching going on in churches; knowing how to figure out Gods truth is necessary. God warns us about false teachings and false teachers. Growing in spiritual discernment is a must.
With so much false teaching going on in churches; knowing how to figure out Gods truth is necessary. God warns us about false teachings and false teachers. Growing in spiritual discernment is a must.
August 4, 2011
I recently finished this book by Tim Challies who is a web designer who hails from the Great White North. Although I have had my difference with Canadians over the years (they try to pawn of ham as "Canadian Bacon"...I'm not buying it...it is to different parts of pig) I was still very fond of this book.
This book does not have a misleading title...it is about the act of discernment which is a discipline that has not been the focus of much attention in recent years.
Challies attempts to engage the reader and spur them on to making discernment a daily part of their lives.
He also corrects the thinking that discerning is a spiritual gift that is given to some but not to all. It is clear throughout scripture that we are to discern what is right and pleasing to God. It is much like the spiritual gift of worship. Some might have been given a musical ability to lead other in worship, but that does not replace the fact that all Christians are called to be worshipers of God in spirit and truth.
In this book the comparison is made between discerning good and evil with discerning counterfeit currency. Apparently Canada is known for three things...1. Maple Syrup 2. Funny comedians (Mike Myers, Martin Short, The Kids in the Hall 3. Counterfeit Money. Sorry, Alanis Morrisette did not make the list.
Although this analogy wears thin at times it still makes a valid point. Sometimes Satan will try to trick us with something that looks and sounds good, but upon closer inspection and comparing it with scripture we see that there may be no good in it at all.
The book is nothing new...but still worth looking into.
This book does not have a misleading title...it is about the act of discernment which is a discipline that has not been the focus of much attention in recent years.
Challies attempts to engage the reader and spur them on to making discernment a daily part of their lives.
He also corrects the thinking that discerning is a spiritual gift that is given to some but not to all. It is clear throughout scripture that we are to discern what is right and pleasing to God. It is much like the spiritual gift of worship. Some might have been given a musical ability to lead other in worship, but that does not replace the fact that all Christians are called to be worshipers of God in spirit and truth.
In this book the comparison is made between discerning good and evil with discerning counterfeit currency. Apparently Canada is known for three things...1. Maple Syrup 2. Funny comedians (Mike Myers, Martin Short, The Kids in the Hall 3. Counterfeit Money. Sorry, Alanis Morrisette did not make the list.
Although this analogy wears thin at times it still makes a valid point. Sometimes Satan will try to trick us with something that looks and sounds good, but upon closer inspection and comparing it with scripture we see that there may be no good in it at all.
The book is nothing new...but still worth looking into.
May 27, 2010
Tim Challies writes an interesting and informative blog (challies.com) which I check regularly. I find that he is a good thinker and a decent writer, and I can tell that he puts a lot of effort into his blog posts. His book reviews have been particularly helpful to me.
I was disappointed in this book, however. Spiritual discernment is surely an important topic and one that is desperately needed within the church, and as it goes, Challies did a decent job handling this topic. However, two things struck me over and over throughout the book. First, this seems like a topic that wasn't quite book length but which was stretched out to fill a book. I thought there were several repetitive sections. Second, Challies' writing is much more suited to short blog posts than to a book. His writing is decent, but not captivating. It felt like a chore to stick with the book for more than 10 pages or so at a time. Maybe not all writing (or writers) are suitable for books.
There is good content here, but it could probably be communicated in a pamphlet of about half the length of this book.
I was disappointed in this book, however. Spiritual discernment is surely an important topic and one that is desperately needed within the church, and as it goes, Challies did a decent job handling this topic. However, two things struck me over and over throughout the book. First, this seems like a topic that wasn't quite book length but which was stretched out to fill a book. I thought there were several repetitive sections. Second, Challies' writing is much more suited to short blog posts than to a book. His writing is decent, but not captivating. It felt like a chore to stick with the book for more than 10 pages or so at a time. Maybe not all writing (or writers) are suitable for books.
There is good content here, but it could probably be communicated in a pamphlet of about half the length of this book.
July 6, 2018
Let it be known that I am not a natural born bookworm. Reading is something that I constantly have to work at. However, I had no problems reading this book. Very simple read, but also very profound in it’s message.
We can tend to be those that buy the ideologies and theologies of those around us, using our influences as spiritual crutches for our discernment. However, Challies uses his book to drive us into our own study of Scripture, our own walk in holiness, our own constancy in prayer, and ultimately our own practicing of this gift of the Holy Spirit we know as discernment.
I happily give this book 5 stars. I recommend it to any person wanting to take the first steps in tackling insidious doctrines or difficult questions from a biblical perspective. You will not be disappointed.
~ Jared
We can tend to be those that buy the ideologies and theologies of those around us, using our influences as spiritual crutches for our discernment. However, Challies uses his book to drive us into our own study of Scripture, our own walk in holiness, our own constancy in prayer, and ultimately our own practicing of this gift of the Holy Spirit we know as discernment.
I happily give this book 5 stars. I recommend it to any person wanting to take the first steps in tackling insidious doctrines or difficult questions from a biblical perspective. You will not be disappointed.
~ Jared
May 17, 2009
In my opinion Tim Challies has added a considerable contribution to the body of Christ by writing this book on the need of acurate, humble and timely discernment in the the world. Although the theme of discernment is by no means scarce in the Bible, there is comparatively very little literature on the subject. Challies has contributed a relevant and biblically accurate urgent call for discernment that is so needed in the church today. In a culture where excercizing biblical discernment is oftentimes labeld the 'unpardonable sin,' The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is a much needed wake up call that, if it is truly understood, will allow Christians to understand the will of the Lord in a way that will fine-tune the affections of the Body to be more and more fixed on Jesus Christ.
June 28, 2020
This was a really helpful book in many ways! I will go back to it. For me personally it could have been shortened, and also I wish that he quoted from a broader variety of brothers and sisters. 99% of the quotes were from Calvinist men. I love Calvinist men, but I immediately feel a hesitancy when that is ALL someone quotes.
However, I loved the study questions, and the chapter called Dangers of Discernment. That particular chapter stuck out to me above all others. I also enjoyed his example in the last chapter of how he wrote down a worrying song lyric and tested it. That was a practical help!
However, I loved the study questions, and the chapter called Dangers of Discernment. That particular chapter stuck out to me above all others. I also enjoyed his example in the last chapter of how he wrote down a worrying song lyric and tested it. That was a practical help!
October 30, 2019
Very organized in thought and actions for discernment!
This is very action as well as thought organized to understand and walk out discernment in your life.
Many great examples are given throughout the book. No slamming of any person as some writers do. He keeps to the subject through out the book.
Get steps to follow when prayerfully discerning something.
Each chapter builds on the next.
Very good teaching!!!
This is very action as well as thought organized to understand and walk out discernment in your life.
Many great examples are given throughout the book. No slamming of any person as some writers do. He keeps to the subject through out the book.
Get steps to follow when prayerfully discerning something.
Each chapter builds on the next.
Very good teaching!!!
July 29, 2019
Tim Challies offers an extensive and encouraging explanation (hey there, alliteration) on how to understand and practice biblical discernment. A wake-up call to the seriousness of “abstaining from what is evil and holding fast to what is good” is critical to our individual hearts and the life of The Church, and I’m grateful that Challies chose to write on the topic! 10/10 recommend.
April 21, 2019
Amazing! Read it with a pencil, take notes, finish it, and read it again! This is a book to read and then reference over and over again.
May 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It confirmed lots of things for me. It also taught me some things. If your Christian you should read this book.
June 1, 2019
Nice book
September 23, 2020
So good! So much underlining and Bible centered teaching!
December 29, 2020
I often cringe when I hear someone say ‘the Bible says don’t judge’ because I know that there is a sense in which this is true and a sense in which it is misinterpreted. After which, I spend the following moments trying to ensure that the difference between being judgmental and being Biblically discerning is appreciated. While in search of a book that surveys the topic clearly and comprehensively, I came across ‘The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment’ by Tim Challies.
“Discernment is the skill of understanding and applying God’s Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong.”
He aims to show that the Bible calls Christians to judge rightly and encourages the practice of spiritual discernment, “the skill of thinking biblically about life”. In pursuit of his goal, the author discusses the Biblical mandate to be discerning, describes its challenges, benefits, and dangers, and outlines characteristics of and practical steps toward becoming a discerning person.
“There are no Christians who are mature but undiscerning.”
“We can only know God’s will when we first know God’s truth, for what God desires and requires of us must always be consistent with his character.”
The scope of information is appreciated, particularly the author’s attempt to relate Spiritual discernment to Spiritual maturity (poorly pursued) and the Will of God (commonly misunderstood). After the early chapters, however, there is a slight but noticeable decrescendo in the convincingness of the discussion and the author misses an opportunity to directly exposit key passages (ex. Matthew 7:1-5). Nevertheless, the book is a solid introduction to the topic that I recommend to those who have never read a book on spiritual discernment.
Note. My review above was originally published at maygp.org/reviews
“Discernment is the skill of understanding and applying God’s Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong.”
He aims to show that the Bible calls Christians to judge rightly and encourages the practice of spiritual discernment, “the skill of thinking biblically about life”. In pursuit of his goal, the author discusses the Biblical mandate to be discerning, describes its challenges, benefits, and dangers, and outlines characteristics of and practical steps toward becoming a discerning person.
“There are no Christians who are mature but undiscerning.”
“We can only know God’s will when we first know God’s truth, for what God desires and requires of us must always be consistent with his character.”
The scope of information is appreciated, particularly the author’s attempt to relate Spiritual discernment to Spiritual maturity (poorly pursued) and the Will of God (commonly misunderstood). After the early chapters, however, there is a slight but noticeable decrescendo in the convincingness of the discussion and the author misses an opportunity to directly exposit key passages (ex. Matthew 7:1-5). Nevertheless, the book is a solid introduction to the topic that I recommend to those who have never read a book on spiritual discernment.
Note. My review above was originally published at maygp.org/reviews
January 8, 2019
Valuable.
I especially appreciated:
1. His position that our ability to discern is invariably linked to our engagement in the Word
2. In his chapter about the dangers of being discerning, he warns against guilt/honor by association. He also reminds us that, even if we discern that someone's teaching on a certain topic is incorrect, it does not necessarily follow that they will be incorrect about everything (and the corollary that those who generally teach truth will still sometimes teach error.) I find that these are things that many Christians in the West need to hear.
3. In the last chapter, Challies discusses how to proceed when we discern error. He stresses the need to find common ground first, then pinpoint where the statement departs from scripture. Here he is already preparing for how he will engage in conversation about the topic when the time comes. Christians need to give careful thought to how we will pursue gracious conversation with someone who disagrees with us. By reminding us to find common ground, he sets us up for just that.
Discernment is actually a lot of work. My greatest fear is that someone might read this book and think it pedantic or maybe even "overkill." The steps he provides for how to discern truth/error may seem rigid, but I think that with maturity they become much more fluid. He gives systematic approach to thinking something through thoroughly, which I think is lacking among a lot of Christians right now.
I especially appreciated:
1. His position that our ability to discern is invariably linked to our engagement in the Word
2. In his chapter about the dangers of being discerning, he warns against guilt/honor by association. He also reminds us that, even if we discern that someone's teaching on a certain topic is incorrect, it does not necessarily follow that they will be incorrect about everything (and the corollary that those who generally teach truth will still sometimes teach error.) I find that these are things that many Christians in the West need to hear.
3. In the last chapter, Challies discusses how to proceed when we discern error. He stresses the need to find common ground first, then pinpoint where the statement departs from scripture. Here he is already preparing for how he will engage in conversation about the topic when the time comes. Christians need to give careful thought to how we will pursue gracious conversation with someone who disagrees with us. By reminding us to find common ground, he sets us up for just that.
Discernment is actually a lot of work. My greatest fear is that someone might read this book and think it pedantic or maybe even "overkill." The steps he provides for how to discern truth/error may seem rigid, but I think that with maturity they become much more fluid. He gives systematic approach to thinking something through thoroughly, which I think is lacking among a lot of Christians right now.
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