⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Gratitude Strengthens Biblical Discernment
Contending for the Word with Dave Jenkins
November focus · Gratitude, Perseverance, and Discernment in a Confused World
Key Scripture · Colossians 2:6–10
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Biblical Discernment Rooted in Christ
In Colossians 2:6–10, Paul calls Christians to walk in Christ, be established in the faith, and abound in thanksgiving. He then warns them against teaching that would take them captive. Remembering what God has given us in Christ helps us recognize claims that secret revelation, a special anointing, or an extraordinary experience can give us the spiritual fullness we supposedly lack.
Dave Jenkins explains how gratitude helps guard against pride, cynicism, and fear when we confront false teaching. As the Word of Christ dwells richly among us, we learn to weigh claims carefully, represent people accurately, and correct error with humility. The preaching of Scripture, prayer, and the fellowship of the local church help us grow in that kind of discernment.
Eight Steps for Testing Spiritual Claims
- Slow down. Take time to listen, pray, and gather the facts before responding.
- Open Scripture. Identify the doctrines involved and read the relevant passages in context.
- Examine the claim fairly. Check the original source and represent what the person actually taught.
- Distinguish the issues. Weigh whether the claim concerns an essential doctrine, a secondary disagreement, or a matter of Christian liberty.
- Check your motives. Ask whether your response serves Christ and the people you hope to help.
- Remember God’s grace. Receive biblical understanding as a gift and let it shape how you speak to others.
- Stay accountable in your local church. Seek counsel from faithful pastors and fellow believers, and be willing to receive correction.
- Give thanks to God. Thank him for his Word, the gospel, faithful teachers, and Christ’s care for his church.
Scripture in This Episode
- Colossians 2:6–10
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18–22
- 2 Timothy 2:24–25
- James 1:19
- Matthew 16:18
- Hebrews 13:8–9
- Colossians 3:16
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.
