⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
Guarding the Church from False Unity
Show: Contending for the Word Q&A |
Speaker: Dave Jenkins |
Episode: Guarding the Church from False Unity
Show Summary
Many today redefine unity as simply getting along or avoiding hard conversations. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how the Bible calls Christians to a unity that is rooted in doctrinal truth, centered on the gospel, and shaped by love that refuses to compromise what God has spoken in His Word.
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Key Scriptures
- Ephesians 4:1-6
- Philippians 1:27
- Ephesians 4:15
- 1 Timothy 3:15
Episode Highlights
- True Christian unity is created by God through the gospel and anchored in His revealed truth.
- Unity without truth is not biblical unity. It is deception and compromise.
- Speaking the truth in love is essential for guarding the church from drift and error.
- The local church is a pillar and buttress of the truth, so doctrine cannot be treated casually.
- Real unity keeps the gospel central rather than building on personalities, causes, or cultural similarity.
Full Episode Content
From Ephesians 4:1-6, Dave unpacks what it means to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This unity is built on one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, which means it is doctrinally defined and Christ centered.
He then outlines four anchors that guard the church from false unity: rooting unity in the truth of God’s Word, speaking the truth in love, refusing to minimize doctrine, and keeping the gospel central in the life of the church.
False unity avoids correction, minimizes doctrine, and treats peace as the highest value. True unity corrects in love, honors the authority of Scripture, and stands together on Christ and His gospel, even when that is costly. The goal is not comfort but faithfulness that honors the Lord and protects His people.
Reflection Questions
- Where have you seen “unity” used as a reason to avoid biblical clarity or hard conversations?
- How does Ephesians 4:1-6 reshape the way you think about unity in your local church?
- Are there areas where you are tempted to trade conviction for peace or acceptance?
- How can you pray for and encourage your pastors and elders as they guard the flock?
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review where you listen to podcasts,
and consider subscribing to Contending for the Word Q&A. For more biblical resources, visit the Contending for the Word Q&A page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is 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 find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
