February 24
Are You Following Heresies?
by Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.
Today’s big question: are you
following heresies?
Before you answer this question,
allow me to explain how the term is being defined for this devotional. The word
translated as “heresies” is derived from the Greek term haireseis, which
refers to divisions or factions within a group. A heretic is someone who
adheres to beliefs contrary to what has been commonly accepted by that group.
In Scripture, it refers to someone who introduces or follows doctrines contrary
to the teachings of Christ and His apostles (2
Peter 2:1).
Does this mean there is no room for differences within
Christianity? Even Paul recognized that there will be disputes among Christians
(2 Timothy 2:23), and the early church showed us
how to handle these disagreements (Acts
15). We are called to be of one mind (Philippians
1:27), but we are sinful people with limited understanding. So
while we are united in the gospel of Christ, sincere, Bible-believing
Christians may reach different conclusions on other matters.
So, at what point do disagreements move into the realm of
heresy? We may not be able to give a definitive answer on every debated
doctrine, but we can look at principles in Scripture for guidance. Paul stated
that heresies were a work of the flesh. I believe this point is crucial in
discerning between true and false teaching. If one’s view is derived from a
desire to please mankind rather than trying to faithfully interpret the Word of
God, then that belief would be a work of the flesh.
Elsewhere Paul wrote, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through
philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to
the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians
2:8). Paul told the Colossian saints to make sure they did not
follow teachings of men that were rooted in worldly thinking. Similarly, John
wrote about people who believed in Jesus, but were afraid to confess Him
because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John
12:42–43).
The problem in each of these cases is one’s focus. Do you
desire to follow human ideas, which may include your own? If so, you are
committing a work of the flesh because you are exalting someone other than God.
This is heresy, and it causes division in the church.
As Christians, we must be willing to humble ourselves and
allow God’s Word to determine our beliefs. Instead of using man’s fallible and
ever-changing ideas to reinterpret Scripture, we need to base our beliefs on
the Bible. At times, we will disagree with other Christians, but if we allow
Scripture to be the authority then we will be united, even if we don’t agree on
every detail. Today’s big idea: humbly approach God’s Word and ground your
beliefs on the Bible.What to pray: ask God for humility so you do not bring
destructive heresy into the church.
