I know we are to use discernment in fellowship, but how do we really know the truth?

Answer:

Good question. We know Jesus was a friend to sinners, lepers and prostitutes knowing He could make them whole.

The question to ask yourself, are you having more of an influence on them, or are they having more of one on you?  There are some people I associate with because I feel each time I am around them they come a little closer to Christ. There are others that try to drag me into their world more than know the truth. I avoid these people other than ministering to them in a group setting.

I also think you need to test the fruits these people bear…that is the one true test of where the heart lies:

Galatians 5:19-26  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, impurity, licentiousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, jealousy, wrath, selfishness, divisions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of which I tell you beforehand, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Again, the first group you should not hang around with unless you are making a strong and noticeable impact on their life. Jesus did hang out with sinners to make them whole, but you see Him quickly share the truth with them – they didn’t stay sinners long if they were going to be with Jesus.

Pastor Brad