II Timothy 2.16
But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
Most of us here in the United States have experienced this in one way or another. You are busy doing whatever and you get a knock on the door. You open the door and usually there stands two people dressed up to the max. They begin talking and you quickly gather that they are either Jehovah’s Witness or Mormons. How should we respond?
In Paul’s days different cults/heresies were growing as quickly as the church. He gives us an insight in how we are to act. Verse fifteen states we need to continue our education of God’s Word so we can grow in Him. How does this education help us? Let’s take a look.
The word shun is to avoid deliberately or keep away from. Learning God’s Word helps us know what a cult or a heresy is. Avoid or stay away from anything that contradicts the Word of God. Scripture interprets Scripture.
I Peter 1.20-21
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Cult leaders are famous for twisting God’s words to deceive people. Satan did it with Adam and Eve.
Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
We are not to associate ourselves with those whose doctrine is different from the word. A number of reasons why but here are a few:
You probably won’t change their minds.
They could shake your faith.
They might shake someone else’s faith.
You may give into anger instead of responding in love.
You give them importance that they should not have.
Cultists will be encouraged that you talked to them and will continue in their religious zeal.
Remember the devil does not care how he throws you off as long as he does. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and let God be God and you be you. Does this mean we should not present the gospel to them if the Holy Spirit leads?
