“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” Heb. 5:13-14 Discern = Distinguish, Recognize

“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD” Prov. 17:15

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isa. 5:20

“As He who has called you is holy, be yourselves also holy” 1 Pet. 1:15

1. Is it clearly condemned in the Bible ? “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:19-21

1. Is it clearly condemned in the Bible ? “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” Eph. 5:3-5

2. Is it Similar to things condemned in the Bible ? Gal. 5:19-21 “and such like” Smoking marijuana - like drunkenness Gambling - resembles covetousness Gal. 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

3. Does it hurt your conscience ? “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” 1 Tim. 1:5 “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Rom. 14:23

4. What do mature Christians say about it ? Hebrews 5:14 “by reason of use” Phil. 3:17 “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Titus 2:1-7 Paul tells the younger to look to the older

5. Does it hinder your influence ? Paul stressed the importance of being concerned about our influence - 1 Cor. 9:19-23 “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct.” 1 Pet. 3:1

6. Is it poor Stewardship ? Stewards of our time, money and bodies Talents - Matt. 25:14-30 Bodies - 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Riches - 1 Tim. 6:17-19 Some activities require too much time and energy Matt. 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

7. Would Jesus do it ? If you think He would not, it is probably wrong ! Phil. 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Luke 6:40 “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.”

1.Do you have some older Christian to whom you feel free to go to for advice ? 2.Do you feel that you usually give enough thought to the effect of your actions on other people ? 3.Are you trying to keep a good conscience in all that you do ? 4.Will you ask, when in doubt, “What would Jesus do ?”

1.Is it clearly condemned I the Bible? 2.Is it similar to things condemned in the Bible? 3.Does it hurt your conscience? 4.What do mature Christians say about it? 5.Does it hinder your influence? 6.Is it poor stewardship? 7.Would Jesus do it?

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Heb. 5:13-14

In Christ = SAVED Baptized (Gal.3:27) Confess (Rom.10:10) Hear (Rom.10:17) Believe (Jn.8:24) Repent (Lk.13:3)