TOOLS FOR THE TIMES (Part 3)

I Thessalonians 5:16-22

1. (v.16) Joy

2. (v.17) Prayer

3. (v.18) Thanksgiving

4. (v.19) The Holy Spirit

5. (v.20) The Word of God

6. (v.21-22) Discernment

I. BE DISCERNING

  1. What this means – examine carefully
  2. Why this is necessary – there is good and there is evil
  3. How this is done
  4. What this includes – all things
  1. (v.20) Use the Scriptures as your standard
  2. (v.19) Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
  1. II Corinthians 13:5 – Salvation
  2. I John 4:1-4 – Beliefs
  3. Ephesians 5:10 – Moral choices

II. MAKE DECISIONS

  1. Hold fast what is good
  2. Abstain from what is evil