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

Listen

Watch

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.

.sog-episode h1 { font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: .25rem; }

.sog-episode h2 { font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 1.5rem; margin-top: 1.75rem; }

.sog-episode h3 { margin-top: 1rem; }

.sog-episode figure { margin: 0 0 1rem 0; }

.sog-episode img { border-radius: 12px; display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; }

.player-wrap iframe { border-radius: 12px; }

.sog-episode ul, .sog-episode ol { padding-left: 1.25rem; }