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How Christians Grow in Discernment
Show: Contending for the Word Q&A Host: Dave Jenkins Date: December 3, 2025Show Summary
Today we’re answering an important question: how can Christians grow in discernment? In a time when truth is questioned and error is celebrated, biblical discernment is essential for Christian maturity. Dave Jenkins explains what discernment is, where it begins, and how believers can cultivate it through the Word of God, prayer, wisdom, and obedience.Listen
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Key Scriptures
- Psalm 119:104
- Romans 12:2
- Hebrews 5:14
- James 1:5
- John 16:13
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22
- Proverbs 13:20
- James 1:22
Episode Highlights
- Discernment begins with Scripture, not intuition or emotion.
- Wisdom and illumination are gifts God provides generously.
- All things must be tested against the Word of God alone.
- Mature believers and sound teachers help shape discernment.
- Obedience strengthens discernment through practice.
Full Article
We live in a time when truth is questioned, error is celebrated, and confusion often masquerades as spirituality. In such an age, biblical discernment is not optional for the Christian it is essential. Without discernment, believers are easily swayed by false teaching, cultural pressure, and emotional reasoning that sounds spiritual but contradicts God’s Word. So how can Christians grow in discernment? Scripture gives us a clear and practical answer.What Is Biblical Discernment?
Biblical discernment is the Spirit-enabled ability to distinguish truth from error and righteousness from sin. It is not suspicion, cynicism, or mere intellectual sharpness. True discernment flows from spiritual maturity rooted in the Word of God, guided by biblical wisdom, and expressed through obedient living. Hebrews 5:14 tells us that mature believers are those “who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Discernment, then, is something that grows over time through faithful practice.1. Saturate Your Mind in the Word of God
Discernment begins with Scripture. If we are not grounded in God’s Word, we will not recognize error when it confronts us. Psalm 119:104 says, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” God’s Word trains our minds and shapes our affections. Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation comes through the renewal of the mind—not through cultural conformity or spiritual trends. Christians grow in discernment by regularly reading, studying, meditating on, and applying Scripture.2. Pray for Wisdom and Illumination
Discernment is not merely a human skill it is a work of God’s grace. James 1:5 assures us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously and without reproach. Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit uses the Word of God to illuminate our understanding and shape our judgment. Prayer keeps us humble and dependent, reminding us that discernment is cultivated through reliance on God, not confidence in ourselves.3. Test All Things by Scripture Alone
Scripture commands believers to examine everything carefully. First Thessalonians 5:21–22 says, “Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” This means we must evaluate teaching, experiences, trends, and influences by the Word of God alone. Feelings, popularity, personal stories, or spiritual language are never sufficient tests of truth. God’s Word is the final authority.4. Walk with Mature Believers and Faithful Teachers
Discernment is not developed in isolation. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.” God has given the church pastors and teachers to guard sound doctrine and shepherd His people faithfully. Walking alongside mature believers and sitting under biblically faithful teaching helps sharpen our discernment and protect us from error.5. Practice Obedience Daily
Discernment grows stronger through obedience. James 1:22 exhorts believers to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. Knowledge without obedience leads to pride, not maturity. As we apply God’s Word in the real, everyday circumstances of life, our spiritual senses are trained. Obedience strengthens discernment because truth lived out becomes truth deeply understood.Conclusion
In a confused world, biblical discernment protects our souls, strengthens our faith, and guards the church. Christians grow in discernment by being shaped by God’s Word, guided by the Spirit, and faithful in obedience. Discernment is not simply knowing what is false it is loving what is true. Stand firm in the truth. God’s Word is enough.Takeaways and Reflection Questions
- Am I reading, studying, and applying Scripture daily?
- Do I test teaching, trends, and emotions by the Word of God?
- Am I surrounding myself with mature believers and sound doctrine?
- Where is God calling me to obey His Word today?
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend. For more biblical resources, visit the Contending for the Word Q&A page at Servants of Grace or our YouTube playlist. Stand firm in the truth, and remember God’s Word is enough.
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.
