Contending for the Word Q&A

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why emotionalism cannot replace biblical truth in the Christian life. While emotions are gifts from God, they were never meant to function as our final authority. Drawing from key Scriptures such as Jeremiah 17:9 and Psalm 119:160, this episode explains why discernment, stability, and holiness must be grounded in the unchanging Word of God rather than in fluctuating feelings. For more episodes of 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 addresses a sobering and essential question: What does the Bible say about false teachers? From the warnings of Jesus to the letters of Paul, Peter, Jude, and John, Scripture repeatedly teaches that false teachers will arise, distort the gospel, and harm God's people. These warnings are not vague—they are clear, direct, and urgent. In this episode, Dave walks through key biblical passages and explains four major marks of false teachers: they distort the gospel, appear spiritual but lack godly fruit, prey on the vulnerable, and must be confronted for the protection of the church. Christians are called to grow in biblical discernment, remain anchored in God's Word, and stand firm in the truth of Christ. Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:15–20 2 Peter 2 Titus 1:10–11 Jude 3 Contending for the Word Q&A is a ministry of Servants of Grace that equips believers to stand firm on the truth of God's Word with clarity, courage, and conviction. For more episodes, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Theological drift is often subtle, slow, and spiritually dangerous. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how theological drift begins, what warning signs to watch for, and how Scripture calls believers to respond. From minimizing Scripture to redefining doctrine and yielding to cultural pressure, this episode calls Christians back to biblical faithfulness and careful attention to God's Word. For more episodes of 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 why false teaching appeals to the human heart and why it spreads so easily. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:3–4 and 2 Peter 2:18–19, Dave shows how deception often connects with sinful desires, personal fears, and misplaced hopes. False teaching rarely spreads because it sounds obviously wrong. Instead, it gains traction because it speaks to what the human heart naturally craves. This episode helps believers understand the deeper spiritual dynamics behind deception and offers biblical encouragement to guard the heart, remain grounded in Scripture, and embrace the cost of true discipleship in Christ. Key Scriptures 2 Timothy 4:3–4 2 Peter 2:18–19 Galatians 1:6 Luke 9:23 In this episode • Why false teaching sounds appealing • How sinful desires open the door to deception • How fear weakens discernment • Why misplaced hope fuels spiritual error • Why true discipleship requires surrender to Christ ________________________________________ Listen to more Contending for the Word Q&A Servants of Grace https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture calls believers to hold truth and love together when practicing biblical discernment. Drawing from Ephesians 4:15, Galatians 6:1, and Colossians 4:6, this episode provides a biblical framework for correcting error with humility, gentleness, courage, and grace while speaking the truth in love. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Scripture commands believers to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22). In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what it means to evaluate every teaching, claim, and spiritual experience by the authority of God's Word. In a world filled with competing voices, biblical discernment is essential. Christians are not called to accept ideas uncritically, but to examine everything carefully in light of Scripture. Following the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, believers must compare what they hear with the Word of God and reject anything that contradicts it. This episode explores how discernment begins with a firm commitment to the authority of Scripture, requires humility and spiritual discipline, and calls believers to hold fast to what is good while rejecting what is false. Listen to more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How does spiritual deception usually begin? Most believers do not drift from the truth overnight. Deception rarely begins loudly—it often starts quietly through neglect of God's Word, unchecked desires, subtle distortions of truth, and untested influences. Key Texts: Genesis 3:1–6; James 1:14–16; Galatians 1:6 In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the earliest warning signs of deception and how believers can guard their hearts through Scripture, biblical discernment, and faithful accountability in the local church. Scripture shows that deception often begins with small compromises that gradually pull a person away from the truth if they are not confronted early. This episode encourages Christians to remain anchored in God's Word, test teaching carefully, and pursue discernment within the life of the church. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Why does spiritual maturity strengthen discernment? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains from Ephesians 4:14–15, Colossians 1:9–10, and Hebrews 5:14 how spiritual maturity produces stability, sound judgment, obedience, and Christlike love. As believers grow in Christ through God's Word, their ability to discern truth from error deepens and their lives become anchored in biblical clarity. This episode helps Christians understand how growth in Christ protects believers from doctrinal confusion and spiritual instability while cultivating wisdom and faithful living. Learn more and explore additional episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What role does the Holy Spirit play in biblical discernment? How do Christians recognize truth, reject error, and walk wisely in a spiritually confused world? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains that discernment is not merely intellectual—it is spiritual. True discernment comes through the illuminating, convicting, and guarding work of the Holy Spirit as He applies the Word of God to the believer's mind and heart. Drawing from John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:12–14, and Ephesians 1:17–18, this episode shows how the Spirit of God helps believers understand Scripture, form biblical convictions, resist deception, and grow in obedient wisdom. Discernment is not something we manufacture—it is something God produces in His people by His Spirit through His Word. Key Themes: • The Spirit illumines Scripture. • The Spirit shapes conviction. • The Spirit protects from deception. • The Spirit empowers obedience. • Discernment rooted in Word and Spirit For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How does Scripture train believers to recognize truth and reject error? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how God's Word reveals truth, exposes deception, renews the mind, and equips Christians to walk in wisdom and biblical discernment according to 2 Timothy 3:16–17. Learn how Scripture shapes Christian thinking, strengthens conviction, and helps believers stand firm in a world filled with competing truth claims. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/