Was That Heresy of Truth?

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

2 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)

In my family growing up no one was afraid to tell you that what you said or did was wrong. I also learned to approach the Bible with humility. So I have a natural skepticism for people who make wild claims about their experiences. A little inner red light starts flashing when I hear some people talk about their "special revelation". 

I have this theory that every heretic was alone when they came up with their idea. No one was there to at least give them that "what are you talking about" look. Then they surrounded themselves with weak and needy people, also known as "yes men (or women)". 

Peter warns us about people who seek to deceive us and the denial of the sovereignty of God is at the heart of those teachings. Any teaching that increases me decreases God. For example, if a teaching emphasizes my faith over God's faithfulness, then that's taking away from God's glory, God's sovereignty. Isn't it telling that greed is at the heart of some modern teachings we hear? The prosperity doctrines talk of faith but it really centers on ones ability to have faith rather than on God's sovereign faithful nature. 

How do you know if you are being taught truth or heresy?

Father, give us humility and wisdom. Praise be to you in us today!