Scripture Focus:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
Introduction
The body of the Messiah is called to be the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). From the beginning, God has set apart His people to be a light in the midst of darkness. Yet, throughout the ages, there have always been threats from within—false teachings, deceptive doctrines, and voices that seek to corrupt the simplicity of the message of salvation through the Messiah.
This danger is not a distant reality—it is a present battle. Just as the enemy sowed tares among the wheat (Matthew 13:25), so too has he continually sought to infiltrate gatherings of believers with teachings that appear spiritual but lead away from the truth of God’s Word. To remain faithful, we must guard the assembly diligently, ensuring that what is taught, practiced, and lived is rooted firmly in the Word of God.
What Is Heresy?
Heresy is not merely a difference in opinion or personal interpretation. At its core, it is a distortion of the truth of God’s Word that leads people away from the salvation message. Paul warned the elders at Ephesus:
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” – Acts 20:29–30
Heresy always has two primary goals:
- To distort the truth of God’s Word.
- To divide the body, causing confusion, strife, and destruction.
When unchecked, it spreads like a disease, corrupting faith and replacing devotion to God with human traditions, false promises, and teachings of men.
Why Guarding Against Heresy Matters
The danger of heresy is not simply doctrinal disagreement—it is spiritual destruction. Peter warns:
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” – 2 Peter 2:1
Notice that heresies are introduced “privily”—secretly, subtly, with just enough truth to sound convincing. A little poison in a glass of water still brings death. In the same way, just a small compromise in doctrine can open the door to complete deception.
The calling of God’s people is to be holy and blameless, set apart by truth (John 17:17). If truth is compromised, holiness is compromised. If holiness is compromised, the witness of the assembly is destroyed.
Identifying Heresy
The Word of God gives us clear guidance for discerning truth from error. Here are some signs that heresy is creeping in:
1. Denial of the Authority of Scripture
When teachers downplay or twist the Scriptures, replacing God’s Word with philosophies, dreams, or worldly wisdom, danger is present.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
2. Distortion of the Person and Work of the Messiah
Any teaching that diminishes His divinity, humanity, or saving work on the cross is heresy. Paul was clear:
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” – Galatians 1:8
3. Exaltation of Man Above God
When leaders seek glory, power, or personal gain instead of pointing people to God, they lead the flock astray.
“For we preach not ourselves, but Messiah Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” – 2 Corinthians 4:5
4. Lifestyle Contrary to the Word
False teachers often live in hypocrisy. Their fruit exposes them.
“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:16
Guarding the Church Against Heresy
The responsibility of guarding the assembly is not limited to pastors or elders. Every believer has a role to play in ensuring that truth is upheld.
1. Stay Rooted in the Word
The strongest defense against falsehood is deep knowledge of the truth. When Yeshua was tempted, He responded with, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4). Likewise, we must know the Scriptures well enough to discern lies.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” – Colossians 3:16
2. Test Every Teaching
Do not accept a teaching simply because it sounds spiritual or comes from a respected person. Test everything by the Word of God.
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21
3. Hold Leaders Accountable
Leaders are called to shepherd, not to exploit. Elders must be examined in light of Scripture, and no one should be exalted above God’s Word.
4. Live by the Spirit
The Spirit of God leads into all truth (John 16:13). A believer walking in the Spirit will have discernment to recognize error and strength to stand firm against it.
5. Preserve Unity in Truth
Heresy often thrives on division. Guarding the church means standing together in truth and not allowing the enemy to sow seeds of discord.
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
The Cost of Neglect
When heresy is not confronted, the result is devastating. In the Old Testament, when Israel embraced false prophets and idols, the entire nation fell into judgment. In the New Testament, Paul lamented over assemblies that had turned to “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6).
The cost of neglect is:
- Lost souls deceived by false teaching.
- Weakened witness before the world.
- God’s judgment upon those who corrupt His Word.
Guarding against heresy is not optional—it is a matter of life and death, of salvation and destruction.
Encouragement to Stand Firm
Though the danger is real, God has not left His people defenseless. He has given His Word, His Spirit, and faithful leaders who teach the truth. Paul’s charge to Timothy remains our call today:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” – 2 Timothy 4:2–3
Beloved, the time has already come. Many are turning aside to teachers who promise comfort without repentance, blessings without obedience, and glory without the cross. Our mission is to hold fast to the truth no matter the cost.
Practical Steps for Every Believer
- Daily Scripture Study – Build a personal habit of reading, meditating, and memorizing God’s Word.
- Prayer for Discernment – Ask God daily for wisdom to recognize truth from error.
- Sound Fellowship – Surround yourself with believers who love and live the truth.
- Boldness to Confront Error – Do not remain silent when falsehood is taught. Speak the truth in love.
- Faithful Witness – Live out the Word so that your life testifies to the truth.
Conclusion
Guarding the church against heresy is the duty of every believer. The enemy will continue to sow lies, but we are called to stand firm, clothed with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). Truth must be our belt, righteousness our breastplate, and the Word our sword.
Let us remember the warning of Jude:
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” – Jude 1:3
To guard the church is to guard the truth of God’s Word. To guard the truth is to guard the souls of men. May we be faithful watchmen, standing on the walls, warning, teaching, and protecting the flock until the Lord returns.