“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
(Hebrews 5:14 ESVi)
Because it is in our DNA. “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened.” Genesis 3:6-7. Our eyes were opened to evil.
Because Satan knows how to blind us “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. Satan is a liar by nature and is always seeking to deceive and blind.
Because discernment needs to be nurtured. Our passage above emphasizes that the evil in us has to be 1. redeemed for, 2. disciplined, and 3. the new righteousness in us from Jesus “practiced” by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
Because righteousness is not natural to us. “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Romans 6:16
Time everyday listening to the Holy Spirit in the word of God forms the new person, and, righteousness in us. From this time: 1. We learn to pay attention to what God says. 2. We find our heart more bent towards obedience. 3. We recognize deception that dances around us, inviting us once again into the sin of Eve and Adam. And, 4. we reject it for what it is: an invitation into trusting ourselves rather than believing (practicing faith in) God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
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