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Practicing Discernment with Humility and Courage
By Dave Jenkins | Contending for the Word Q&APracticing discernment with humility and courage means remaining teachable before God’s Word while standing firmly on its truth. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how biblical discernment brings together conviction, compassion, and devotion to Christ.Listen or Watch
Discernment Begins with Humility
In Philippians 1:9–10, Paul prays that believers would abound in love with knowledge and all discernment. Biblical discernment begins with recognizing our dependence on God’s grace, His Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit.Humility keeps us teachable, guards against pride, and reminds us that our goal is to submit faithfully to God’s truth. We must approach Scripture ready to receive correction ourselves as we seek to help others.Courage Stands Firm on God’s Word
Standing for biblical truth sometimes brings opposition. There are times when Christians must lovingly explain that a teaching is inconsistent with Scripture. Courage means remaining faithful when truth is costly.That conviction should be expressed with gentleness, wisdom, and concern for those affected by error. Faithfulness to God’s Word and compassion for people belong together.Speak the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 calls believers to speak the truth in love as they grow into maturity in Christ. Biblical discernment seeks the good of others by pointing them to the Savior and protecting them from spiritual harm.Our purpose is never to embarrass others, win arguments, or build a platform. Discernment should flow from love for God, His church, and those who are being led astray.Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Christ
Discernment grows as believers know God’s Word, treasure the gospel, and deepen their love for Christ. Recognizing error serves the larger aim of faithfully following the Savior.Discernment flourishes where Christ is exalted and Scripture is cherished.Putting Biblical Discernment into Practice
- Remain humble: Approach God’s Word with a teachable spirit.
- Stand courageously: Hold firmly to Scripture when truth is challenged.
- Speak lovingly: Address others with gentleness, wisdom, and care.
- Stay focused on Christ: Grow in your knowledge of His Word and devotion to Him.
Scripture References
- Philippians 1:9–10
- Ephesians 4:15
Continue Growing in God’s Word
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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 War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
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.
