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Biblical definition of a “heretick”

Biblically speaking, the word heretic comes from the Greek hairetikon, meaning “divisive” (Titus 3:10). A heretic is one who purposes to create disunity, fragmenting the body of Christ – this would include pushing non-essentials and things that are not according to the doctrines of Holy Scripture.

Any man who causes unnecessary division or strife, in the body of Christ by originating and perpetuating unprofitable arguments based on non-essentials and/or false doctrine, is an “heretick” and should be dealt with accordingly.

In verse 8 of Titus 3, the apostle is instructing Titus concerning the things that are “profitable.”

“These things are good and profitable unto men.” 

See verses 1-8 of Titus 3 to see what the LORD says are “profitable unto men.” 

Now he is going to address those who insist are causing division among the members of Christ’s body based on this that “are unprofitable and vain.” (v9)

The word “heretick” appears 1 time in God’s Word. Here’s the text in which it appears:

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11

As we can witness in the above passage, by definition, in Scripture, a “heretick” is one who causes strife and divisions by the use of “foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law” which Paul says here are “unprofitable.”

Those who cause divisions by believing and teaching things that are not according to God’s Word, are to be marked and avoided.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

“divisions”

dichostasia
dee-khos-tas-ee’-ah
disunion, that is, (figuratively) dissension: – division, sedition.

“That there should be no schism (division, rent) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:25

“schism”

schisma
skhis’-mah
a split or gap (“schism”), literally or figuratively: – division, rent, schism.

Living in God’s Peace

Have you found also that at times, living at peace with someone, means living at a distance from them?

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

It’s also important to create distance between yourself and any person who is drawing you away from the leading of the LORD, the calling, the thrust of ministry. This is the work of the evil – using “foolish questions,” nit picking, doubt casting, “and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (Titus 3:9-11)

Because of the chosen evil nature of some, whom I believe we can call “swine” and “dogs,” there will be no peace and so the choice must be made to cut them off. For myself, I’ve had to cut off – block – block certain people in order to remain in peace, to stay away from strife “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:16) Jesus commands:

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6

Dogs, swine are not to be allowed to be within range of stabbing us, rending us which means to tear or stab.

Based on the instructions of Holy Scripture, personally, I am quick triggered with people who refuse to hear truth after it’s communicated to them. Read Titus 3:10-11 and Matthew 7:6 and consider being obedient to these divine commands which are written to you.

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11

Here’s why you must study God’s Word – the whole of it – for yourself:

Perhaps the most insidious, dangerous thing false teachers do is that they over emphasize the minors while evading or under emphasizing or never mentioning the majors – the doctrinal majors of God’s Word.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” Matthew 23:23-25

Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! | Discernment

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Abiding

Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty [podcast]


Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:  Jeremiah 15:15-16

Dwelling “in the secret place of the most High”

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalms 91:1-2

“In the secret place of the Most High – Spoken probably in reference to the Holy of holies. He who enters legitimately there shall be covered with the cloud of God’s glory – the protection of the all-sufficient God. This was the privilege of the high priest only, under the law: but under the new covenant all believers in Christ have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus; and those who thus enter are safe from every evil.” Adam Clarke

“[Psalms] 91:1, 2 Jesus is the One who in a preeminent way dwelt in the secret place of the Most High, and abode under the shadow of the Almighty. There never was a life like His. He lived in absolute, unbroken fellowship with God, His Father. He never acted in self-will but did only those things that the Father directed. Though He was perfect God, He was also perfect Man, and He lived His life on earth in utter and complete dependence on God. Without equivocation He could look up and say, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him I will trust.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of ChristStewardshipApostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the WordWolves Exposed | Giving | Fellowship | Christology = the Study of Christ

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Abiding

The Warnings of the Book of Jude [podcast]

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Abiding

Attend to My Words [podcast]


IF THE WORD isn’t flowing into you daily, you are falling away. Flood and fuel your heart and mind and body with the pure, the holy light of God’s Word daily and you will never famish! All darkness will be vanquished (Psalms 119:130). All who have been saved and yet aren’t in God’s Word and prayer daily – have rejected Christ, with no exception. Re-turn to the LORD prodigal. There’s no good outside of Christ the KING.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

ALL who are not in God’s written Word daily are not hearing from God, do not have God’s wisdom and direction, and are walking in darkness – 100%.

The feeding of Christ’s flock would integrally involve exhorting them to diligently study and walk in God’s Word themselves, daily (John 21:15-17). Isn’t this exactly what the apostle Paul told Timothy to do? Yes. He told his understudy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

One of the ways we know who the false ministers are, is that they want people dependent on THEM, not God. So, they don’t constantly exhort the people to get into God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, for themselves. Run.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 

“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. … My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:4, 20-23

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

“Over the last 5-10 years I can see where He has done this for me already, but the problem is …. it’s not enough! I want even more! One hour of study and prayer in the morning is not enough!” Christine

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

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