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What Is Biblical Discernment and Why It Matters
Show: Contending for the Word Q&A (Servants of Grace Podcast) Host: Dave JenkinsBiblical discernment helps Christians distinguish truth from error by testing everything against the Word of God and growing in spiritual maturity.Show Summary
What is biblical discernment, and why does it matter for every Christian today? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains that biblical discernment is the God-given ability to recognize truth from error by testing everything against the Word of God. Anchored in Hebrews 5:14, this episode walks through four pillars of discernment and shows how discernment is essential for Christian maturity, protection from deception, and love for God’s people in a confused age.Audio Player
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Episode Notes
Today’s Question
What is biblical discernment, and why does it even matter?Anchor Text
Hebrews 5:14 — “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”Central Truth
Biblical discernment is the God-given ability to recognize truth from error by testing everything against the Word of God, and it is essential for Christian maturity, protection, and love.Four Pillars of Biblical Discernment
1) Biblical Discernment Begins with the Word of God
Discernment is not suspicion, personal preference, or being critical. Discernment begins with Scripture as the standard, the filter, and the final authority.- 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
2) Biblical Discernment Grows Through Spiritual Maturity
Discernment is not merely information. It is wisdom that grows through obedience, humility, and spiritual stability as believers mature in Christ.- Philippians 1:9–10 — Love abounding in knowledge and all discernment.
3) Biblical Discernment Protects Us from Deception
False teaching rarely begins loudly. It often comes subtly—replacing Scripture with feelings, elevating personalities, and sounding spiritual while drifting from truth. Discernment exposes what is false so believers can cling to what is true.4) Biblical Discernment Is an Act of Love
True discernment is not harsh, arrogant, or graceless. Real discernment reflects the heart of Christ, speaking the truth in love and guarding God’s people for their good.- Ephesians 4:15 — Speaking the truth in love.
Application
- Let Scripture shape your thinking and convictions.
- Pursue maturity through daily obedience and humility.
- Evaluate ideas, teachers, claims, and experiences through God’s Word.
- Practice discernment as an expression of love for truth and for others.
