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True vs Counterfeit Spirituality: Biblical Discernment in a Confused Age
Author: Dave Jenkins Series: Anchored in the Word Date: May 20, 2026Show Summary
In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins addresses a critical question for Christians today: What is the difference between true spirituality and counterfeit spirituality?In a culture that constantly speaks about being “spiritual,” Scripture calls believers to exercise discernment. Not all spirituality comes from God. True spirituality is rooted in God’s Word, centered on Christ, and produces lasting spiritual fruit.Drawing from key biblical passages, this episode explains how Christians can recognize the difference and remain grounded in the truth.Audio Player
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Key Scriptures
- John 17:17
- Colossians 2:8
- John 16:14
- Galatians 5:22–23
Episode Highlights
- True spirituality begins with God’s Word, not human experience
- Counterfeit spirituality centers on the self
- Christ is the center of all true spiritual growth
- Spiritual language alone does not guarantee truth
- True spirituality produces the fruit of the Spirit
- Discernment protects believers from deception
Full Episode Overview
True spirituality is not about techniques, emotional experiences, or self-discovery. It begins with God revealing Himself through His Word and is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.Counterfeit spirituality, by contrast, shifts the focus toward personal experience, feelings, and self-fulfillment. While it may sound appealing and even use Christian language, it ultimately leads people away from Christ when it is not rooted in Scripture.The Bible calls believers to examine all things carefully. True spirituality produces humility, repentance, obedience, and Christ-centered worship. It results in transformed lives, not merely spiritual experiences.In a confused cultural moment, Christians must remain anchored in the Word of God, growing in discernment and walking faithfully with Christ.Call to Action
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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 (G3 Press, 2022), 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.
