During the believers’ time on earth, we often encounter various teachings and doctrines that claim to offer spiritual truth. But how can we discern between genuine biblical wisdom and dangerous heresies? This question is not just academic—it’s vital for our spiritual health and the well-being of the Church.
The Bible doesn’t mince words when it comes to heresy. In Galatians 5:19-21, we find a sobering list of “works of the flesh,” which includes everything from sexual immorality to idolatry. Nestled within this list is “heresy,” standing shoulder to shoulder with other grievous sins. This placement alone should give us pause and prompt us to take the issue of false teaching seriously.
But what exactly constitutes heresy? Is it simply believing something that’s incorrect? If that were the case, we’d all be heretics, as every one of us has held mistaken beliefs at some point in our spiritual journey. The biblical concept of heresy is more nuanced and involves two key components:
- False Belief: A fundamental error in religious thought or doctrine.
- Faction Formation: The active promotion of this false belief, leading to the creation of a sect or group around it.
It’s not enough to privately hold an erroneous view. Heresy, in the biblical sense, involves the public propagation of false teachings with the intent to draw followers. This is where the fleshly nature of heresy becomes apparent—it’s often driven by pride, a desire for prominence, or the pursuit of personal gain.
The apostle Paul warns about this in Acts 20:28-30, where he tells the Ephesian elders that “grievous wolves” will enter the flock, speaking “perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” This dual nature of heresy—false doctrine coupled with self-promotion—is what makes it particularly dangerous to the body of Christ.
Interestingly, Paul makes a startling statement in 1 Corinthians 11:19: “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Why would heresies be necessary? The answer lies in the refining process they trigger within the Church. False teachings challenge believers to dig deeper into Scripture, to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
In essence, heresies serve as a litmus test, revealing those who are grounded in sound doctrine and capable of defending the faith. They push us towards spiritual maturity and a more profound understanding of God’s Word.
However, this doesn’t mean we should welcome or tolerate heresy. The Bible provides clear instructions on how to deal with false teachers. In 2 Timothy 2:25-26, we’re encouraged to instruct those who oppose themselves “in meekness,” hoping that God might grant them “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” This patience isn’t endless. Titus 3:10-11 advises us to reject a “heretick” after two admonitions, recognizing that such individuals are “subverted” and “condemned of himself.”
As we navigate these treacherous waters of false doctrine, we must remember that none of us has a monopoly on truth. Our understanding of Scripture should be ever-growing, ever-refining. We must be willing to challenge our own beliefs, to “pitch doctrinal tents” rather than build immovable structures. This means being open to correction and growth, always measuring our understanding against the plumb line of God’s Word rightly divided.
The prevalence of heresy should not discourage us but rather spur us on to deeper study and more fervent prayer. As Paul warns in 2 Timothy 3:13, “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” This sobering reality underscores the importance of being firmly rooted in Scripture and discerning in our approach to various teachings.
In practical terms, how can we guard against heresy in our own lives and communities?
- Prioritize Personal Bible Study: Regularly engage with Scripture, seeking to understand it in its proper context.
- Be Part of a Sound, Bible-Teaching Church: Surround yourself with believers who are committed to biblical truth.
- Test Everything Against Scripture: Don’t accept teachings at face value, no matter how charismatic the speaker.
- Be Humble and Open to Correction: Remember that none of us has perfect understanding. Be willing to grow and change when presented with biblical truth.
- Pray For Discernment: Ask God to give you wisdom and insight as you navigate complex doctrinal issues.
- Address False Teachings with Love and Patience: When confronting potential heresy, do so with gentleness and respect, always aiming for restoration.
- Stay Alert: Be aware that false teachings can creep in subtly. Maintain a vigilant but not paranoid attitude.
As we conclude this exploration of heresy, let’s remember that our ultimate goal is not just to avoid false teaching but to grow in our knowledge and love of Christ. The apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:14-15 provide a fitting aspiration: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”
May we be a people deeply rooted in God’s Word, discerning in our approach to teachings, and always growing in our understanding of the glorious truths of the gospel. In doing so, we not only protect ourselves from heresy but also become beacons of truth in a world desperately in need of God’s light.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
March 28, 2025
Resources For Further Study
60) Galatians 5:20 The Works Of The Flesh, Part 5 (Heresies) (YouTube Video)
What Is The Flesh? (Blog Article)
The War Within: Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, & Lasciviousness) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 2 (Witchcraft) (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 3 (Hatred, Variance, & Emulations) (Blog Article)
The Work of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist, Part 4 (Wrath, Strife, & Sedition) (Bolog Article)