All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
Heterodoxy
In the New Testament, Paul once took the Greek word translated "to teach" (didaskalia) and added the word heteros, which means "of a different kind." The English word heterodoxy means something that is the opposite of orthodoxy. The combination of those two Greek words refered to teaching heresy. I know most of you are aware that, not everyone that talks about God is serving Him nor His people's best interests. We have many warnings about deceivers entering the church. In fact, because of our population increases, the technological advances which allow for rapid dissemination of information, and the increased weight of sin in the world... These warnings are even more relevant today than when they were written.
2 Peter 2:1. But also [in those days] there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among yourselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines (destructive heresies), even denying and disowning the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2. And many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings; because of them the true Way will be maligned and defamed. 3. And in their covetousness (lust, greed) they will exploit you with false (cunning) arguments. From of old the sentence [of condemnation] for them has not been idle; their destruction (eternal misery) has not been asleep.
Listen to what Jesus says in Matt 24:4, "See to it that no one misleads you". He warned that many would falsely claim God had sent them. Christ was not talking only about events in the decades of the early church. His caution was directed at the generations to come—particularly those living during the present earth's last days.
Through Peter, Jesus gives us kind of a litmus test to evaluate teachers and preachers of Christ's Word. Let's look at His word now, to see what He says.
Through Peter, Jesus says, "a deceiver can be subtle and stealthily to introduce heretical doctrines". A deceiver attempts to manipulate and exploit his hearers through small, short little religious-sounding communications. They use half-truths, verses out of context, exciting promises, and flowery language to draw in followers. In particular, we're to be on guard against erroneous doctrine that denies the truth of the entire Bible.
For instance: We know James was a "show me the fruit" kind of teacher! Christ used James to teach us that "If" He indwelled someone, that you would "see" His fruit... and we believe it because it is His Word. However, for "a teacher" to only use a few verses from James to show that a Christian must perform this or that to prove they are a Christian, ignores many other passages from Paul, John, and others, which teach that, it must be Christ that directs the actions... and that we must be careful not to Judge... and that love must be at the core... etc., etc.
Christ, through Peter says that, "deceivers will even deny and disown the Master Who bought them". These people continue to put the work of salvation back onto the believer and away from Christ. If we observe these habits in the life of a leader or teacher, we must reject his or her teaching.
And then He says, "many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings"... Certainly, we see this happening right before our eyes. We see those who bend scriptures that seem on the surface (without deeper study) to support their behavior, and ignore more direct scriptures that admonish such behavior.
Their effort to justify themselves in-turn becomes teachings for others, weaker or new believers, whom may be less knowledgeable of Gods' complete Word.
Through Peter, Jesus warns us that, "in their covetousness (lust, greed) they will exploit you with false (cunning) arguments". Under their false teachings, we find that there is something selfish they want. Money, popularity, a great number of things may be at the root of their motive, even your approval or simpathy for "their" way of life can be seed.
It is the whole word of God that saves (e.g. Luke 8:11-12). It is the word of God that must be believed (e.g. Genesis 15:5-6; Romans 4:3). If you are directed away from faith in the word of God, whatever the issue, this can lead to the destruction of your soul. Because, Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:5-6; Romans 4:3). If you do not believe God, it will be accounted to you as wickedness (Psalm 119:118; 1 John 5:10).
Therefore, there are no Biblical issues we can agree to disagree upon, because Scripture warns and instructs, If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
If anyone teaches anything other than The Holy Word and does not heed Scriptural correction ("teaches otherwise and does not consent" 1 Timothy 6:3), then we are instructed to withdraw and turn away from such a person (1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Timothy 3:5). This is the opposite of agreeing to disagree. It is rather, agreeing to leave and not fellowship with them. Because, He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. (Proverbs 10:17)
Those who go astray from the word of God, are not in the truth, and "are not saved"; and their words are words of deceit, as Psalm 119:118 declares, You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood.
The only way you can you see past a false teacher's camouflage, cunning, and/or charisma is by filling your mind with Gods' Word. Your personal relationship with Christ and careful study of the complete scripture will enable you to compare what someone says and does with biblical truth. We should follow the Psalmist's example: treasure God's Word in your heart so that you will not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11).
I love you.
2 Peter 2:1. But also [in those days] there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among yourselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines (destructive heresies), even denying and disowning the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2. And many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings; because of them the true Way will be maligned and defamed. 3. And in their covetousness (lust, greed) they will exploit you with false (cunning) arguments. From of old the sentence [of condemnation] for them has not been idle; their destruction (eternal misery) has not been asleep.
Listen to what Jesus says in Matt 24:4, "See to it that no one misleads you". He warned that many would falsely claim God had sent them. Christ was not talking only about events in the decades of the early church. His caution was directed at the generations to come—particularly those living during the present earth's last days.
Through Peter, Jesus gives us kind of a litmus test to evaluate teachers and preachers of Christ's Word. Let's look at His word now, to see what He says.
Through Peter, Jesus says, "a deceiver can be subtle and stealthily to introduce heretical doctrines". A deceiver attempts to manipulate and exploit his hearers through small, short little religious-sounding communications. They use half-truths, verses out of context, exciting promises, and flowery language to draw in followers. In particular, we're to be on guard against erroneous doctrine that denies the truth of the entire Bible.
For instance: We know James was a "show me the fruit" kind of teacher! Christ used James to teach us that "If" He indwelled someone, that you would "see" His fruit... and we believe it because it is His Word. However, for "a teacher" to only use a few verses from James to show that a Christian must perform this or that to prove they are a Christian, ignores many other passages from Paul, John, and others, which teach that, it must be Christ that directs the actions... and that we must be careful not to Judge... and that love must be at the core... etc., etc.
Christ, through Peter says that, "deceivers will even deny and disown the Master Who bought them". These people continue to put the work of salvation back onto the believer and away from Christ. If we observe these habits in the life of a leader or teacher, we must reject his or her teaching.
And then He says, "many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings"... Certainly, we see this happening right before our eyes. We see those who bend scriptures that seem on the surface (without deeper study) to support their behavior, and ignore more direct scriptures that admonish such behavior.
Their effort to justify themselves in-turn becomes teachings for others, weaker or new believers, whom may be less knowledgeable of Gods' complete Word.
Through Peter, Jesus warns us that, "in their covetousness (lust, greed) they will exploit you with false (cunning) arguments". Under their false teachings, we find that there is something selfish they want. Money, popularity, a great number of things may be at the root of their motive, even your approval or simpathy for "their" way of life can be seed.
It is the whole word of God that saves (e.g. Luke 8:11-12). It is the word of God that must be believed (e.g. Genesis 15:5-6; Romans 4:3). If you are directed away from faith in the word of God, whatever the issue, this can lead to the destruction of your soul. Because, Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:5-6; Romans 4:3). If you do not believe God, it will be accounted to you as wickedness (Psalm 119:118; 1 John 5:10).
Therefore, there are no Biblical issues we can agree to disagree upon, because Scripture warns and instructs, If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
If anyone teaches anything other than The Holy Word and does not heed Scriptural correction ("teaches otherwise and does not consent" 1 Timothy 6:3), then we are instructed to withdraw and turn away from such a person (1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Timothy 3:5). This is the opposite of agreeing to disagree. It is rather, agreeing to leave and not fellowship with them. Because, He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. (Proverbs 10:17)
Those who go astray from the word of God, are not in the truth, and "are not saved"; and their words are words of deceit, as Psalm 119:118 declares, You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood.
The only way you can you see past a false teacher's camouflage, cunning, and/or charisma is by filling your mind with Gods' Word. Your personal relationship with Christ and careful study of the complete scripture will enable you to compare what someone says and does with biblical truth. We should follow the Psalmist's example: treasure God's Word in your heart so that you will not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11).
I love you.
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