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Recognizing and Resisting Subtle False Teaching
False teaching is not always obvious. It can use Christian language, quote Scripture, and speak about Jesus while quietly distorting the truth of God’s Word.
In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins considers Acts 17:11 and the example of the Bereans. They eagerly received teaching, but they also searched the Scriptures to see whether what they heard was true. Their example calls every Christian to test sermons, books, podcasts, and spiritual claims by the authority of God’s Word.
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Biblical Discernment Rooted in Scripture
Biblical discernment is neither cynical nor gullible. It is the loving practice of comparing every teaching with the Word of God. Christians are called to love truth, test what they hear, and grow in confidence as their lives are anchored in Scripture.
Dave explains why subtle false teaching is dangerous, why believers need the faithful ministry of the local church, and why the best defense against error is a growing knowledge of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scripture References
- Acts 17:11
- 1 John 4:1
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- Titus 1:9
- Romans 12:9
Every false gospel ultimately diminishes Christ or adds to His finished work. The biblical gospel points sinners to Christ alone, who lived without sin, died for sinners, rose again, and saves all who trust in Him by grace through faith.
Stay rooted in the Word of God and anchored in Christ.
For more from Anchored in the Word please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
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.
