Podcast Summary: "Contending with Discernment"

Renewing Your Mind | Ligonier Ministries
Date: January 14, 2026
Featured Speaker: Jason Helopoulos

Episode Overview

This episode of Renewing Your Mind addresses the theme of "contending for the faith" from the biblical book of Jude. Jason Helopoulos discusses what it means for Christians to stand for truth while maintaining Christlike humility, gentleness, and love. The focus is on practical warnings and encouragements about how to defend core Christian truths without sowing discord, acting in pride, or losing compassion for others.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Call to Contend without Cynicism (00:00–01:32)

• Opening exhortation:
  Christians are called to contend for the faith without falling into cynicism or judgment, because no one is beyond God's grace. Even those deeply mistaken might yet be redeemed.

  • Quote: "No one is beyond his grace." (A, 00:29)

• Dealing with discouragement:
  As Christians grow in theological understanding, they often become more aware of error around them. Helopoulos discusses how to recognize and address false teachings compassionately.

Objections to Contending (01:32–09:00)

1. Does contending cause disunity?

   • Unity in the church is a biblical imperative (references: 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, John 17).
   • Counterpoint: It's false teaching that fractures unity, not contending for truth.
   • Quote: "It is not the contending that sows disunity. Rather, it is that false teachers have come in... and they are the ones that are sowing disunity." (A, 02:54)

2. Is contending unloving?

   • Genuine love sometimes requires difficult conversations and even confrontation.
   • Quote: "Sometimes being a lover requires that you are a fighter... The most unloving thing we can do is lose the faith." (A, 05:25)

• Theological triage analogy:
  Not all disagreements are equally important. Christians must discern what is essential to defend, recognizing the difference between foundational doctrines and lesser issues (illustrated with the story of a church’s conflict over a coffee table, 03:26).

Five Warnings for Contending (09:00–24:27)

1. Contend without being contentious (09:26)

   • Christians should not pursue conflict for its own sake. Both an unwillingness and an eagerness to fight are ungodly.
   • Be a "reluctant fighter," standing only for essential truths.
   • Quote: "It is godly to be a reluctant fighter. We only contend because we have to." (A, 10:50)
   • Example: The "gentleman theologians" of old Princeton Seminary were staunch defenders of the faith but were remembered for their gentleness.

2. Contend without being conceited (13:27)

   • Pride has no place in the Christian life. Even theological knowledge is a gift of grace, not a badge of superiority.
   • Quote: "Whatever I am, I am by grace. Whatever I know, I know by grace." (A, 14:11)
   • Daily reminders: Helopoulos humbly recalls his insignificance, referencing personal routines and cemetery visits to emphasize perspective.

3. Contend without being callous (16:25)

   • Even in disagreement, Christians should treat others with respect and gentleness.
   • Quote: "We contend, but not as the world contends. It does so callously. We're not to be like them." (A, 17:05)
   • Example: Samuel Miller of Princeton was "a man with a gentlemanly bearing," respected even by opponents.
   • Definition of meekness: "A godly gentleness informed by true knowledge of ourselves before God that manifests itself in our actions and attitudes towards others in life's circumstances." (A, 17:56)
   • Contending for the faith should be done with tears, not triumphalism.

4. Contend without being cynical (20:55)

   • Christians must be on guard but not presume the worst. Everyone, every church, even denominational groups, are within reach of God’s grace.
   • Quote: "No one, no church, no denomination is beyond his grace. He can work in a moment and snatch from darkness and bring them into the light." (A, 21:26)

5. Contend completely (22:09)

   • Wholehearted defense of core Christian truth is necessary—truth that protects Christ’s sheep and brings Him glory.
   • Pressing on even when it’s costly, as exemplified by Paul's willingness to be "poured out as a drink offering."
   • Quote: "Christ is worth contending for. This is worth being spent for Christ." (A, 23:04)
   • Memorable Story: The martyrdom of Polycarp. When told to curse Christ or face death at 86, he replied:
     • Quote: "For 86 years I have been his servant, and He has done me no wrong. How can I now blaspheme my King and Savior?" (A, 23:47)
   • We are called to enduring, joyful faithfulness because "He’s done me no wrong."

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "We contend without being cynical. We don't fall into the trap of thinking the worst of everyone out there. Why? Because Jesus is Lord and Master. He reigns. No one is beyond his grace." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 00:00)
• "It's not the contending that sows disunity. Rather, it is that false teachers have come in… and they are the ones that are sowing disunity." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 02:54)
• "The most unloving thing we can do is lose the faith, because people without the faith are destined to eternal darkness." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 05:30)
• "If everyone loves you, there's a problem. If everyone hates you, you're a problem. Don't be contentious." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 10:14)
• "Being conceited just has no place for you and I. We are not that important. God is." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 15:40)
• "We contend, but not as the world contends. It does so callously. We're not to be like them." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 17:05)
• "Contend without being callous… We are to do so with tears." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 18:54)
• "No one, no church, no denomination is beyond his grace." – Jason Helopoulos (A, 21:26)
• "For 86 years I have been his servant, and He has done me no wrong. How can I now blaspheme my King and Savior?" – Polycarp, as quoted by Jason Helopoulos (A, 23:47)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00–01:32 – Introduction: The call for gracious contending, not cynicism; importance of discernment in confronting error.
• 01:32–09:00 – Addressing common objections: disunity and lack of love.
• 09:00–09:26 – Transition to practical warnings.
• 09:26–16:25 – Warnings #1 & #2: Contend without being contentious/conceited.
• 16:25–20:55 – Warnings #3: Contend without being callous (+ illustrations/meekness).
• 20:55–22:09 – Warning #4: Contend without being cynical.
• 22:09–24:27 – Warning #5: Contend completely, story of Polycarp, closing exhortation.

Conclusion

Helopoulos closes by summarizing the five key warnings:

• Contend without being contentious, conceited, callous, or cynical—and instead, contend completely, pouring out your life for Christ and His church.
  He calls listeners to stand firm in the faith as an ongoing act of love, humility, and unity within the church throughout the ages.

Final thought: “He’s worth contending for. His church is worth contending for. It’s His bride. His word is worth contending for. This faith is worth contending for. Let’s just do it with a Christian ethic.” (A, 24:20)