Contending for the Word Q&A

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on the kind of character God forms in His people. Rooted in James 1:5 and Psalm 119:133, this episode reminds believers that wisdom, faithfulness, and courage are not self-produced, but gifts from God given to those who humbly depend on Him through His Word and grace. Rather than calling Christians to win arguments or carry unnecessary burdens, this episode encourages believers to walk faithfully, seek wisdom from the Lord, and stand courageously on the truth of Scripture. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Where should Christians place their confidence in a confusing and often hostile world? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reminds believers that our confidence does not rest in human leaders, cultural movements, or our own strength—but in the unshakable promises of Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares that He will build His church and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. In John 10:27–30, Christ assures us that His sheep are secure in His hands and can never be snatched away. These passages remind us that Christ Himself guards His people, preserves His truth, and faithfully builds His church. Because of this, Christians can live with steady confidence and courage—even in difficult times—knowing that the success and endurance of the church rest in the sovereign work of Christ. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Why is biblical discernment an act of love? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why discernment is not rooted in suspicion, harshness, or argument, but in love for Christ, love for His truth, and love for His people. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:6 and Ephesians 4:15, this episode shows that Scripture never separates truth from love. Biblical love rejoices in the truth, and biblical discernment protects the church by guarding the gospel and helping believers grow in spiritual maturity. Christians are called to test teaching, examine ideas in light of Scripture, and speak the truth with humility and grace. When practiced biblically, discernment becomes a way of caring for others, protecting the church from error, and reflecting the heart of Christ, who is full of grace and truth. Discernment shaped by love strengthens the church, preserves the truth of the gospel, and leads believers toward maturity, peace, and faithfulness in Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how biblical discernment protects and strengthens the believer's daily walk with Christ. Many Christians think discernment only involves identifying false teaching, but Scripture shows that discernment is far deeper. It anchors believers in God's Word, guards the heart from spiritual drift, and cultivates wisdom for faithful Christian living. Drawing from Psalm 119:9–11 and Proverbs 4:23, this episode demonstrates how discernment shapes how Christians think, live, and persevere in an age of spiritual confusion and doctrinal compromise. Biblical discernment is not driven by fear or suspicion but by a heart saturated with Scripture and grounded in the truth of God's Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What does it mean to contend for the faith biblically? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains Jude 3 and the biblical call for Christians to stand firmly for the truth of the gospel with humility, courage, and love. In an age marked by doctrinal confusion and theological drift, believers are called neither to compromise nor to be quarrelsome, but to faithful obedience rooted in God's Word. This episode shows how contending for the faith begins with submission to Scripture, requires courage without combativeness, and is motivated by love for Christ and His church. Christians contend not to win arguments, but to guard the gospel and shepherd hearts toward Christ. Key Themes: The meaning of "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" Why contending for truth is necessary today Courage joined with gentleness Loving the church through doctrinal faithfulness Depending on God's preserving grace For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How does a local church remain faithful to Christ in an age of confusion and compromise? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains from Titus 1:9 and Acts 20:28–31 how churches guard sound doctrine through biblical authority, faithful leadership, and loving discernment. This episode helps believers understand why doctrine matters, how the church protects the gospel, and what it looks like to stand firm in truth with grace and courage. For more biblical resources, visit: Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians respond when someone they love is caught in deception or false teaching? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture calls believers to help others return to truth with humility, patience, and Christlike love. Grounded in 2 Timothy 2:25 and Ephesians 4:15, this episode explores the biblical balance of conviction and compassion when addressing spiritual error. Christians are not called to respond with pride, harshness, or manipulation, but with faithful obedience to God's Word while trusting the Lord to grant repentance in His timing. In this episode, Dave discusses: • Why humility must shape biblical correction • Speaking truth clearly without compromise • Trusting God as the One who grants repentance • Loving patiently when change is slow • What restoration looks like according to Scripture Helping someone out of deception is an act of faith rooted in the gospel and sustained by Christlike love. 🔗 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

When deception touches someone we love, discernment becomes deeply personal. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses one of the most painful areas of Christian faithfulness: how to respond biblically when a spouse, child, friend, or fellow church member begins drifting from the truth of God's Word. Drawing from James 5:19–20 and Galatians 6:1, this message explains that Scripture calls believers to: • Recognize the spiritual seriousness of deception • Pursue restoration, not argument • Speak with gentleness and humility • Trust God with the outcome Faithful discernment is not harshness, and love is not silence. Christ calls us to hold truth and compassion together, trusting Him to restore wandering hearts. Stand firm in the Word. Love courageously. Speak truth patiently. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical difference between godly discernment and a critical spirit. Many Christians today hesitate to practice discernment because they fear appearing harsh or judgmental. Others excuse prideful criticism by calling it discernment. Scripture, however, makes a clear distinction. Drawing from Matthew 7:1–5 and Ephesians 4:29, this episode shows that: • Biblical discernment begins with submission to the Word of God • Discernment requires humility and self-examination • Discernment seeks edification and restoration • Discernment reflects the heart of Christ Biblical discernment is rooted in truth, humility, and love. A critical spirit flows from pride, self-righteousness, and careless judgment. Believers are called to stand firmly for truth without becoming harsh, prideful, or destructive. Truth without love becomes cruelty. Love without truth becomes compromise. Stand firm in the faith. Speak with grace. Follow Christ with clarity and conviction. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians confront error without becoming harsh or prideful? In this Discernment Month episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how 2 Timothy 2:24–26 shapes a Christ-centered approach to correction. Biblical correction is necessary, but the manner of correction matters deeply. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Guard sound doctrine without quarrelsomeness Correct opponents with gentleness Trust God to bring repentance Pursue restoration rather than personal victory Truth and humility belong together. Faithful discernment is not harsh or prideful—it is clear, patient, and grounded in love for God and His truth. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/