This book by fellow blogger Tim Challies is one that I have been looking forward to reading since I first learned about it on Tim's site. I bought my son and I copies of the book and set out to read it in anticipation of gleaning much from the Scriptures. I was not disappointed either, because it reflected a lot of the same characteristics that I have come to appreciate at Tim's blog; which are level-headed, reasonable, Scripture-based discussions on this issue of spiritual discernment.
What I found in the first three chapters of the book gave me a sense of intrigue as I was awaiting the definition of the term. The word study was great. It was written in a way that most people can follow without becoming bogged-down in the language. It also clarified many passages in the Bible relating to discernment that needed to be addressed before the meaning of the term was given. Tim has done a wonderful service to the body of Christ, by following this design of his book, because, by the time he defines discernment for us, we have a clear understanding of the Biblical usage of the word.
Chapters four through six lays the groundwork necessary, in order for us to understand the gift of discernment, which is discussed in chapter seven. In these chapters he deals with the heart, truth and will of discernment. Like a great model-builder, Tim builds upon the framework he has already laid out for us and begins to put the sinews and muscles on design and we begin to see how discernment moves within individuals and the church. The one thing that I did find lacking was when the author refers to the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, he made no attempt to list them. I know that he is of the Reformed tradition, but it would have been helpful for those who have never really encountered that concept to have some reference to go to or list to ponder.
Finally he closes the book with a huge bang by detailing the essential detail of discernment and its use in everyday life. I also applaud his encouragement to every reader to practice discernment for themselves and not to depend on others for it.
This is the best book on the topic of Biblical discernment that I have ever read. Get yourself a copy and read it. Mark it up. Then read it again. God just might bless your socks off.
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