DISCERNING THE TIMES ONLINE
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Frankly Speaking.....
Discerning the times.
Christians live with the expectation that prophecy will be fulfilled. And it's very hard to read most news without scenes from scripture entering our thoughts.

For those with a prophetic interest, this can be an exciting moment as the event is witnessed as it is being fulfilled. But not all news is a fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus referred to reading the signs in current events as discerning the times. Scripture offers some interesting guidance into how to "discern" matters.

Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Luk 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

It is interesting to note that Matthew used the word "diakrinō" for discern, while Luke used "dokimazō". Why or if these authors chose different words are subjects for another time. Suffice it to say that if scripture is inspired, in both instances, then each of these words must yeild information that would apply.

G1252
διακρίνω
diakrinō
dee-ak-ree'-no
From G1223 and G2919; to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively to discriminate (by implication decide), or (reflexively) hesitate: - contend, make (to) differ (-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.

Matthew uses a word that means to separate thoroughly. IOW, setting the time under consideration apart from all others in some way.

G1381
δοκιμάζω
dokimazō
dok-im-ad'-zo
From G1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: - allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.

Luke used a word meaning to test or prove these are the times. In these two words we have the structure of what constitutes discernment. The times are set apart from all others via proof and testing. It is not enough to think a news item sounds like what the bible says. Scripture must verify or deny that fulfillment exists.

The church was under attack continually, during Paul's day. And some were promoting the idea that the Day of the Lord had arrived. Many, seeing the times they were in, were giving the notion serious consideration. What type of witness would they prove to have if they started telling everyone the end was upon them? We are still waiting for the Day of the Lord.
Others were disturbed but investigated if it was true. Paul directed them to look to the lessons they had already been taught. [2 Th 2:5] Did all they were told concerning the Day of the Lord appear to be being fulfilled too? Paul reasoned if those things were not happening too, then those times couldn't be the Day of the Lord. Paul had already told them this:

1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

The world has had plenty to scoff at in the failed predictions that some, past and present, well meaning souls have supplied. A better witness would have been to heed Paul's instruction and maybe applies James' "swift to hear and slow to speak" approach to his walk. Discernment is an educated decision. And much needed in times like our own. It's a great witness when foreknowledge can be displayed in scripture.