Category: Sectarianism

Being Deceived and Cheated

No one likes to be lied to, or to be cheated out of what they deserve. If this is so regarding worldly matters, how much more so spiritual concerns.

This concerned Paul, and he warned about those who would come in and do this to his brethren. He wrote in Colossians 2, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (8-10). Continue reading “Being Deceived and Cheated”

Mere Men

The heading found in my Bible (NKJV) in 1 Corinthians 3 is “Sectarianism is Carnal.” Now, the headings are not inspired, it is simply the translator trying to give a very quick and concise summary of the paragraph’s content.  But, in this instance, it seems to be well considered.  This is certainly true.

Let’s first talk definitions.  Sectarianism — excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion (Oxford Languages).  The word is not found in the New Testament writings, but the concept surely is.  In chapter 1 of the text, Paul admonished the Corinthians for following after different men, “Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Continue reading “Mere Men”