⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Contending for the Word · Weekly Watch
The Subtlety of Deception: Seeing Through Almost-Truths
In a world where deception rarely shouts and often whispers, this episode shows how error arrives as something almost true questioning God’s Word, twisting context, and nudging hearts toward self. From Genesis 3 to Matthew 4, we learn why clarity is kindness and discernment is obedience, and how the Lord equips His people by His Word, His Spirit, and His Church to stand firm.
Listen & Watch
Key Scriptures
- Genesis 3:1–5
- Matthew 4:1–11
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- Acts 17:11
- 2 Peter 1:3
- Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12
- Jude 3
Outline & Takeaways
- Deception often begins with a question, not a denial: “Did God really say?”
- Twisted Scripture is still error: biblical context and the character of God matter.
- Discernment is Scripture-shaped clarity; biblical clarity is kindness.
- Test everything; hold fast to what is good (1 Thess. 5:21).
- God arms His people with His Word, His Spirit, and His Church.
- Apply the Word to real life suffering, fear, work, marriage, and witness.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
