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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

Warned and Safe [podcast]



“By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach

“Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28
Did you catch what the apostle Paul did to prepare the church to meet Christ?
  • Preach
  • WARN
  • Teach

Lynne Parker writes:

“I truly believe Christians will be tried by the Word in this hour. There is no more riding the fence or taking a neutral position. God Himself will place us all in a position to stand or fall according to the Word. “Deception” and its sister “delusion” are gripping the Body of Christ – like a dark cloud it is covering the land. The false dominion (NAR) theology and signs and wonders movement has effectively conditioned multitudes to forsake the authority of God’s Word and embrace their subjective feelings as guidance in discernment concerns. But in these latter days only those who divorce their feelings and trust only in God’s Word and have developed a love for the truth will overcome the devil’s schemes. Sadly many will be lost – it’s unfolding right before us.”

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His FeetThe 7 Sayings of Jesus on the CrossHow We Know the Bible is the Only Holy BookPrayerMaking Peace with God – Before it’s too late | The Return of Christ

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Abiding

Teach the Bible [podcast]


JESUS IS COMING AND THE TRUE BODY OF CHRIST IS “HOLDING FORTH (BOLDLY DECLARING) THE WORD OF LIFE”

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16

WHEN you speak God’s Word, you are speaking divine authority.

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6

“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

Nourishing the Body of Christ

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15

The best way to learn is to teach.

HOW well do you know your way around in God’s Word?

Jesus knew His way around God’s Word. Do you? If not, why not?

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he FOUND the place where it was written,” Luke 4:17 

The disciple of Christ must daily and diligently search, study, and learn God’s Word in light of His Great Commission command to us to teach His Word to others (Matthew 28:18-20). Our ability to minister is in large part based on our knowledge of God’s Word or the ability to navigate God’s Word (King James Bible).

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – OBEY GOD, “PREACH THE WORD.” (2 TIMOTHY 4:2)  

Tip: Always know WHERE you are reading in God’s Word – chapter and verse. You’ll be surprised at the repertoire that begins to build, making you, like Jesus, a good navigator of our LORD’s Word as you preach His Word (Luke 4:17).

Have you ever pondered why there is little or no Scripture being used when listening to someone pretending to be speaking about the LORD? You should wonder (Matthew 7:16, 20; 1 John 4:1).

“Preach the word” is the divine mandate, command (2 Timothy 4:2).

Let us cease to pretend that we represent the LORD when everything we say isn’t coming straight out of His Word. Read that again please.

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Think God is calling you to serve? Good. If He has saved you, He has called you (Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:7). Get lost in His Word every day (Jeremiah 15:16). Read it (Revelation 1:3). Study it (2 Timothy 2:15). Memorize it (Proverbs 4:4). Meditate upon it day and night (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). THAT’s your prep for ministry, not going to an antichrist seminary. Jesus inducted you into His school of the Holy Ghost and Word the moment He saved you.

“As I was listening I was thinking of Paul. Who was a very educated man in the law. But after he was saved he spent three years being taught exclusively by the Lord Jesus Himself. And he says he “conferred not with flesh and blood.” But he was taught “by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal 1:12-18). All of us should be taught by the Lord in His Word and not learned through mere men or books. But by a direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus is The Word of God (John 1:1, Rev 19:13).” Karen Cochran

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology |  Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Modern ChurchPeace with God

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