Spiritual Errancy I. Introduction A. 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:14 1. Recognition of need to accurately handle God's Word 2. Need to develop righteous conduct B. But what if people do not learn, or do not act becomingly? C. This is a major concern-- spiritual errancy! D. Let us consider this matter today 1. What is spiritual errancy? 2. What should be done about it? II. What is Spiritual Errancy? A. In one sense, all of us most likely have error 1. Romans 3:23 2. All of us still fall short of God's glory 3. None of us knows all that there is to know, or does everything right B. The Distinction 1. Should this mean that there is no distinction between those who err? 2. As we shall see, not according to the NT! 3. The distinction is humility and repentance C. Spiritual Errancy: Belief and Teaching 1. A large area of error is in regards to belief and teaching 2. What one believes and teaches does have consequences 3. James 3:1-2 4. False teachers spoken of many times in Scripture 5. 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Peter 2 6. Galatians 5:1-12 shows Paul's strong view on false teachers in Galatia 7. Not just those who teach it, but those who accept such persons: 2 John 1:11 8. Apostasy predicted: 1 Timothy 4:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 D. Spiritual Errancy: Practice 1. The other large area of error is in practice 2. Committing of sin is a deviation from God's intention 3. 1 Corinthians 5: sexual immorality 4. 2 Thessalonians 3: busybodies, not working 5. Revelation 2:20-23: "Jezebel" and her immorality in Thyatira 6. 1 Timothy 5:19-20: Rebuking of elder in sin 7. False teachers also known for false practices E. Such, then, represents spiritual errancy III. What to Do About Spiritual Errancy? A. What, then, is to be done? B. What do we do if we are in spiritual error? 1. Look into the Word of God to know what is right (2 Timothy 2:15, Galatians 5:19-23) 2. If we believe, teach, and/or practice something not according to God's Word, confess that before God and repent (change one's mind) regarding the matter (1 John 1:9, Acts 8:22) 3. Confession (Gk homologeo, "to speak the same word") should be specific, not general 4. Public, if necessary (James 5:16) 5. If a brother or sister addresses the matter with us, let us remain humble and patient, realizing that they do so out of love and not spite (Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:19-21) 6. By all means, however, let us change our beliefs and practices, that we may be continually in association with God and not condemned (1 John 1:5-10)! C. What do we do if we see brethren in spiritual error? 1. It is best to follow the guidelines of Matthew 18:15-17 2. Some believe it not always necessary; hard to think of a situation where it would not be best 3. First go to the brother or sister, explain concerns, hope to win them back 4. If that does not work, bring two or three witnesses to confirm every word 5. What then? D. What if brethren continue in spiritual error? 1. God has not left us without doubt in this circumstance 2. Matthew 18:17: such a one is to be as a "Gentile" or a "tax-collector" 3. Romans 16:17: watch out and avoid those who teach error 4. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13: disassociation from those who continue in iniquity, not even to eat with such a one 5. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15: take note of people not following Paul's instructions, have nothing to do with them; admonish as a brother, not an enemy 6. 2 John 1:9-11: do not receive those who do not teach truth 7. It is manifest, then, that we are to sever ties with those who persist in error, admonishing them to return to the truth, and not providing any form of approval of their deeds E. What is the fate of such persons? 1. We hope and pray that all brethren in spiritual error repent and return to the fold 2. If they do not, however, the Bible is clear about their fate 3. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9: condemnation for disobedient 4. Hebrews 3:12-14, 6:4-6, 10:26-31: fearful expectation of judgment, no more sacrifice for sin 5. 2 Peter 2:20-22: Worse state for them than at the first 6. It will not be well for them! 7. Importance, then, of working to restore such ones (Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:19-20) IV. Why Such Measures? A. Why is it that such actions are necessary? B. Why can we not leave such persons to their own devices? C. Concern for their souls 1. As brethren, we are to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) 2. We have the obligation to demonstrate disapproval of sin, since we know the consequences of the actions 3. If no line of division or distinction is made, such persons will feel justified in their teachings or actions, feeling "approved" by Christians 4. Hence the constant command to separate and have nothing to do with such persons (1 Corinthians 5:11-13, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, etc.) 5. They may continue on in their error, but they at least know our disapproval D. Concern for one another 1. Paul uses the same imagery speaking of both aspects of spiritual error 2. 1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9 3. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" 4. If false teachings or immorality are not addressed and condemned, others will find no problem with them, and begin teaching or practicing the same 5. Error, in whatever form, must be stopped quickly and not allowed to grow and spread! V. Final Exhortation A. We have seen the nature of spiritual errancy B. We have seen what it is and what should be done about it C. Let us each consider ourselves in our lives: what do we believe and/or do that is contrary to God's will? D. Galatians 6:1: we must watch for ourselves E. 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 John 4:1: we must test the spirits and ourselves F. Let us now purge ourselves of all error! G. Songbook/invitation