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Works of the Flesh Part 10: Heresies

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MercyMe: “Word of God Speak.”

 

Gal 5:19-21 (KJV) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Works of the Flesh Part 10: Heresies

Heresies means “disunions.” According to Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary, heresies pertain to divisions with respect to sacred things (see on 1Co 11:19). It means self-constituted parties from the Greek root, to choose. Furthermore: “A schism is a more recent split in a congregation from a difference of opinion. Heresy is a schism become inveterate [AUGUSTINE, Con. Crescon. Don., 2,7].”

The Bible takes disunity seriously. All the works of the flesh we have studied thus far: “hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,” involve disunity. The body of Christ is created to function harmoniously, even as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit move in unity. Heresies, the tenth element mentioned in works of the flesh, also has disunity or schism as a major characteristic. The word evokes memories of the Inquisition, and the excommunication of Copernicus and Galileo. There was a time when the church reacted wrongly against men of science, but that does not mean that the church should now embrace every modern thought or scientific advancement.

Religion overthrowing Heresy and Hatred I

Religion overthrowing Heresy and Hatred I (Photo credit: Nick in exsilio)

Heresies occur when people use differences of opinions as an excuse to break away from the church in a way that is false and malignant. There are people who go from one church to another in order to literally stir up trouble. There are church leaders who resist everything a pastor may say or do because they are envious or power hungry. Then there are those who study to abort the growth of promising leaders in the church because they want to be in control. Egos get out of control whenever we allow our focus to be shifted away from Christ. When Jesus is not Lord, truth goes out the window and anything can happen. The Christ centered mind and heart, will live a Christ centered life. A Christ centered life is one that praises God in all things, is thankful at all times. It is a life that seeks peace and pursues it.

So how do we avoid falling into heresies and other works of the flesh? Ignorance of the word of God is one sure way to fall into heresies and other works of the flesh. When we don’t know the word of God, we remain ignorant regarding the will of God. Ignorance is fertile soil for doubt, and where there are doubts there will be disagreements, where there are disagreements there is disunity. To remain strong in Christ, it is important to know the word of God, seek the will of God and obey the word of God. It is written:

2 Timothy 2:15 [Amplified Bible (AMP)]
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
2 Corinthians 10:5 [Amplified Bible (AMP)]
5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

May everything you do this day be filled with the peace and wisdom of God.

Until next time: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

Your friend in Christ,

Verneda

© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

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