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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