Servants of Grace

Psalm 119:169–176, The Shepherd Who Seeks His Wandering Sheep

Show Summary

In this episode of Walking Through the Psalms on the Servants of Grace podcast,

Dave Jenkins walks through the final stanza of Psalm 119 (verses 169–176).

After 21 stanzas of longing, delighting, clinging, wrestling, hoping, praising,

and persevering in the Word of God, the psalmist closes with a prayer that combines

desperation, dependance, and devotion.

We see a man who has been shaped by Scripture crying out for understanding,

deliverance, worship, and sustaining grace. He acknowledges his proneness to wander,

yet clings to the Shepherd who never loses His sheep. This passage reminds believers

that true maturity is not independence from God but deeper dependance on His grace.

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Episode Notes

Passage

Text: Psalm 119:169–176

Outline

A Cry for Understanding (vv. 169–170)

Humility is the doorway to biblical clarity.

The psalmist knows, loves, and obeys the Word, yet still asks for more understanding.

We never outgrow our need for a deeper grasp of God’s Word and grace.

Praise as the Fruit of Learning (vv. 171–172)

“My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.”

Theology leads to doxology: doctrine fuels devotion and worship.

True worship flows from the truth God has revealed in Scripture.

Dependance Under Pressure (vv. 173–174)

Choosing God’s precepts does not remove the need for God’s help.

Longing for salvation and delighting in God’s law can coexist.

God’s finished work in Christ is the ground of our hope and obedience.

A Confession of Need and the Shepherd’s Pursuit (vv. 175–176)

“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant.”

This is not proud rebellion but humble acknowledgment of weakness.

Sanctification is not self-rescue; it is daily dependance on the Good Shepherd.

Theological Themes

Prayerful Dependance – The psalmist cries out for understanding, deliverance, and help.

Praise Shaped by Revelation – God’s teaching produces heartfelt worship.

God’s Help and Human Obedience – Our choice to follow God’s ways increases, not decreases, our reliance on Him.

Longing for Salvation – Present delight in God’s law and future hope in His salvation meet together.

The Shepherd’s Pursuit – We are prone to wander, but Christ, the Good Shepherd, seeks and restores His own.

Application

Self: Confess your weakness and ask God daily for understanding from His Word.

Others: Encourage weary or wandering believers with the promise that the Shepherd seeks His sheep.

Practice: Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Lord, give me understanding according to Your Word, and keep me close to You.”

Memorize: Psalm 119:176 – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”

Further Study

Psalm 23 – The Shepherd who leads and restores.

John 10:1–18 – Jesus the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

Hebrews 13:20–21 – The God of peace who equips His people.

Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray.”

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review on the Servants of Grace podcast

to help others find Christ-centered, Scripture-saturated teaching.

God’s Purpose in Our Pain

Show Summary

Suffering is one of the hardest realities of life in a fallen world. Yet for the Christian, our pain is never pointless. In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through key Scriptures to show how God uses suffering to humble us, refine our faith, bear witness to the world, and point us to eternal glory in Christ.

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Episode Notes

1. Suffering Reminds Us of Our Need for God

Trials strip away self-reliance and drive us to depend on the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 — God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

Suffering humbles us and reminds us that God is in control, not us.

2. Suffering Refines Our Faith

James 1:2–4 — “Count it all joy… for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Trials act like a refiner’s fire, purifying our character and growing endurance.

Romans 5:3–5 — Suffering produces endurance, character, and hope.

3. Suffering Witnesses to the World

When believers endure suffering with hope, the watching world takes notice.

1 Peter 3:15 — Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you.

The early church grew through persecution, showing that Christ is worth more than comfort.

4. Suffering Points Us to Eternal Glory

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 — “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Earthly suffering is temporary, but eternal life with Christ is forever.

Suffering loosens our grip on this world and lifts our eyes to heaven.

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and subscribe for more biblical teaching. You can also find additional resources our Anchored in the Word page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

Walking Through the Psalms

Peace Amid Pressure, Praise Amid Pain, Psalm 119:161–168

By Dave Jenkins • November 21, 2025 • Servants of Grace Podcast

Psalm 119:161–168, delight in God’s Word produces peace, praise, and perseverance.

Show Summary

In this episode of Walking Through the Psalms, Dave Jenkins opens Psalm 119:161–168 to remind us that delight in God’s Word produces peace amid pressure, praise amid pain, and perseverance amid opposition. Reverence for God’s Word conquers fear of man, love for truth fosters discernment, and hope in the Lord fuels obedience.

Awe before the Word frees us from fear of man, Psalm 119:161.

Love for truth produces hatred for deception, Psalm 119:162–163.

Peace grows where praise and obedience meet, Psalm 119:164–165.

Hope and holiness walk together, Psalm 119:166–168.

Reflection Verse: “Great peace have those who love your law, nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165.

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Scripture and Resources

Primary Text: Psalm 119:161–168.

Related Passages: Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6–9, Romans 15:13, John 14:27.

Support and Subscribe

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Theological Maturity, Growing in Christ

Podcast: Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins

Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Summary

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through what theological maturity is,

why it matters for every Christian, and how believers grow in it by God’s grace. Drawing from Hebrews 5:14,

Ephesians 4:13–14, and other key passages, Dave explains how maturity means being rooted in God’s truth,

steady in faith, discerning in practice, and Christlike in character.

Dave also highlights how theological maturity protects us from false teaching, strengthens our witness before

a watching world, and deepens our love for God as we grow in our knowledge of Him and obedience to His Word.

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Episode Outline

1. What Is Theological Maturity?

Theological maturity is not about knowing every Greek verb or winning debates.

It is about being rooted in truth so that we are steady in faith, discerning in practice, and Christlike in character.

Paul’s vision in Ephesians 4:13–14, maturity means being anchored in truth and not tossed about by every wind of doctrine.

2. Why Does Theological Maturity Matter?

Protects from false teaching.

Immaturity leaves us vulnerable to error, while mature believers can discern truth from error in light of Scripture.

Strengthens our witness.

A mature church reflects Christ well to the world, whereas shallow faith leads to shallow testimony.

Deepens our love for God.

Knowing God rightly fuels true worship and obedience, knowledge that is warmed by love for Christ.

3. How Do Christians Grow in Maturity?

Stay in the Word: Maturity requires consistent exposure to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Commit to sound doctrine: Do not settle for feel good teaching, pursue truth that accords with godliness (Titus 2:1).

Practice discernment: Train yourself by comparing all things to Scripture (Hebrews 5:14).

Pray in dependence on the Spirit: Growth is Spirit empowered, not self powered.

Stay planted in a local church: Christ gave pastors and teachers to equip His people (Ephesians 4:11–12).

Live out what you know: Obedience is the mark of true maturity (James 1:22).

Application

Are you growing in Christ, or simply coasting? Do you find yourself easily swayed by new trends and teachings,

or are you anchored in the truth of God’s Word? The good news is that growth is possible for every believer.

By God’s Spirit, we can move from milk to solid food, from immaturity to maturity, from instability to stability in Christ.

Scripture Referenced

Hebrews 5:14

Ephesians 4:13–14

2 Timothy 3:16–17

Titus 2:1

James 1:22

Colossians 1:28

Thank you for listening or watch this episode of Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins.

If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend and leaving a review to help others find the podcast.

For more from Anchored in the Word with Dave please visit our

page

at Servants of Grace or our

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Until next time, stay anchored in the Word of God.

Delight in God’s Word in Affliction — Psalm 119:153–160Walking Through the Psalms · By Dave Jenkins · Friday, November 14, 2025Show SummaryIn Psalm 119:153–160, the psalmist pleads for deliverance not simply for ease, but to live in faithful obedience to God.God’s Word is our shield, our refuge, and our life source in seasons of affliction. We consider how the Lord sustainsHis people by His promises and anchors us in unchanging truth.Listen & WatchRespondIf this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with a friend.

Exposing the New Apostolic Reformation: Standing Firm on the True Gospel

Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins · November 13, 2025

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins exposes the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a modern

movement claiming God is restoring apostles and prophets to govern the Church. Dave defines what the NAR teaches,

why it’s dangerous, and how Christians can stand firm on the sufficiency of God’s Word. This episode offers a clear,

biblical response that points believers back to Christ and His finished work.

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Show Summary

What Is the NAR? A loosely organized movement emphasizing modern apostles and prophets who claim authority over churches and regions.

What It Teaches: Ongoing revelation, dominionism (Seven Mountain Mandate), signs and wonders, and “spiritual warfare” over territories.

Why It’s Dangerous:

Undermines the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 1:1–2).

Confuses apostolic authority (Ephesians 2:20).

Promotes a worldly kingdom vision instead of gospel mission (John 18:36).

Encourages false prophecy and spiritual abuse (Deuteronomy 18:22; Matthew 24:24).

Distracts from the true gospel of Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

Biblical Response: Test everything by Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Reject self-proclaimed apostles, cling to the ordinary means of grace, and hold fast to the true Head of the Church—Jesus Christ.

“Christ is enough. His Word is enough.” — Dave Jenkins

Scripture References

Galatians 1:8–9 · 2 Timothy 3:16–17 · Hebrews 1:1–2 · John 18:36 · Ephesians 4:11–16 · Deuteronomy 18:22 · Matthew 24:24

For more from Anchored in the Word, please visit our

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YouTube playlist.

Psalm 119:145–152 — Delight in God’s Decrees (Part 12)

Series: Walking Through the Psalms |

Host: Dave Jenkins |

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025

Show Summary

In Psalm 119:145–152, the psalmist prays with his whole heart, rises early to seek the Lord, and

rests in God’s nearness amid opposition. This message highlights wholehearted prayer, meditative

longing for God’s Word, and confidence in the eternal truth of God’s commandments.

Key Verse: “But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” (Psalm 119:151)

Themes: Wholehearted prayer, perseverance, God’s nearness, the permanence of Scripture.

Watch & Listen

Scripture Reading — Psalm 119:145–152 (ESV)

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes.

146 I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.

148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life.

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.

151 But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.

152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.

Exposition & Outline

Wholehearted Prayer and Zeal (vv. 145–146) — Prayer joined to obedience.

Longing for God’s Word (vv. 147–148) — Seeking, hoping, meditating day and night.

God’s Nearness amid Opposition (vv. 149–152) — Comfort in His steadfast love and eternal Word.

Application

God: His Word gives life, truth, comfort.

Self: Seek Him with a whole heart in prayer and meditation.

Others: Encourage the weary with the nearness of God.

Christ: Jesus, the Word made flesh, draws near and gives peace.

Respond

If this message encouraged you, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app.

The Crisis of Biblical Illiteracy

Series: Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins

November 6, 2025

Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins

Show Summary

Dave Jenkins addresses one of the most pressing issues in the church today, biblical illiteracy.

He defines what it is, explains why it is dangerous for discipleship and witness, and gives

practical steps to grow in knowing, understanding, and obeying God’s Word.

Key Scriptures: Hosea 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Ephesians 4:14; James 1:22; Psalm 119:105

Topics: Definition, dangers, and practical steps to avoid biblical illiteracy

Speaker: Dave Jenkins

Series site: servantsofgrace.org/anchored-in-the-word

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Episode Outline

Introduction

Many of us own Bibles, yet do we know what is in them and live it out? Hosea 4:6 warns that

God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Neglecting Scripture leaves us open to

deception, discouragement, and shallow faith.

1. Defining Biblical Illiteracy

It is not the absence of a Bible, it is the absence of knowing, understanding, and applying it.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches that all Scripture is God breathed and equips us for every good work.

2. The Dangers of Biblical Illiteracy

Deception: Without truth we are tossed by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

Weak Discipleship: Faith reduces to feelings and trends.

Poor Witness: A church that does not know Scripture loses its salt and light.

Judges 2:10 shows how a generation can rise that does not know the Lord.

3. How We Can Avoid It

Read Scripture regularly, whole books and chapters for the big picture.

Study wisely, use tools but start with the text.

Memorize and meditate, let the word of Christ dwell richly (Colossians 3:16).

Obey what you read, be doers not hearers only (James 1:22).

Stay rooted in a sound local church under faithful preaching and community.

Application and Call to Action

Shape your worldview from Scripture rather than social media or cultural voices. Start small.

Read a chapter a day in the Gospel of John, pray, take notes, and ask questions.

Closing

Biblical illiteracy is dangerous but not inevitable. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a

light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Let us know the Bible, love it, and live it out for the

glory of Christ and the good of His church.

Resources and Next Steps

For more from Anchored in the Word please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

Share this episode with a friend who wants to grow in biblical literacy.

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🎙️ Walking Through the Psalms • Friday, October 31, 2025Psalm 119:137–144 — Delight in God’s Decrees (Part 11)Host: Dave Jenkins • Scripture: Psalm 119:137–144 (Tsadhe)Show SummaryIn this episode, Dave Jenkins examines Psalm 119:137–144, where the psalmist rejoices in the enduring righteousness and faithfulness of God’s Word. Even amid affliction, he finds delight and stability in Scripture, showing that God’s truth sustains the faithful through every trial.Key theme: “Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.” (v. 142)ListenWatch Stay ConnectedIf this episode encouraged you, please share it and leave a review. For more resources, visit our Psalm series page here at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

Anchored in the Word – October 30, 2025

Why a Biblical Worldview Still Matters

Series: Anchored in the Word – Clarity in Confusing Times

Show Summary

In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins unpacks why a biblical worldview still matters

in today’s confused and shifting culture. Drawing from Colossians 2:6–8 and Romans 12:1–2, Dave explains how being rooted in Christ and renewed in our minds equips believers to discern truth and live faithfully in every area of life.

Truth anchors us amid cultural confusion.

A biblical worldview begins and ends with Christ.

We are called to discernment and faithful obedience.

Transformed minds lead to transformed living.

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Scripture References

Colossians 2:6–8; Romans 12:1–2

 For more articles and resources, visit Anchored in the Word page here at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

Stay anchored in the truth of God’s Word.