When many think of “the works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-22), it seems they focus on what they consider to be egregious sins such as “fornication” or “drunkenness.” But what about “strife, seditions, heresies” which are also included in the list of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:20)? The word strife characterizes factious polarizing ambitions. The word seditions means dissensions. The word heresies is also translated “sect.” It refers to a body of people who follow their own tenets and become sectarian. The human traditions take priority and produce schisms, which are unbiblical divisions. It appears that with strife, seditions, heresies, one work of the flesh leads to the next.
In my observation as an evangelist of 34 years, I have noticed that beyond-the-Bible-only-isms fuel polarizing factions that unnecessarily divide, which the Bible includes in the works of the flesh. Several times in recent months I have observed first hand as an eyewitness beyond-the-Bible-only-isms demanded as if they were biblical “only’s.” The scene is often carnal because the position is carnal.
Paul gave the example of “I of Paul” and “I of Apollos” (1 Cor. 3:4). The implication is I of Paul only or I of Apollos only. Then Paul, under inspiration, labels these beyond-the-Bible-only-isms as “carnal,” which means fleshly. Paul and Apollos were obviously not the problem. The problem was in others taking something that was good and making it an only where God didn’t. The beyond-the-Bible-only-isms today do the same thing. Some take something that is good and legitimate, but then make it an only where God does not. This extra step becomes a tenet added by men. Positions that claim only where God does not produce the works of the flesh like strife [polarizing factions], seditions [dissensions], and heresies [sects that produce unbiblical divisions].
For example, there was a time when some considered it legitimate to sing “Psalms only.” While singing Psalms are wonderful, it is not legitimate to make this an only. In fact, in this case the Bible also refers to singing hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19).
The confusion comes when there is a lack of discernment on what is a biblical only and what is a matter of “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5). There are biblical only’s. These must be embraced. When God says only, man must not widen matters. But care must be taken not to let a tradition of man be given the status of the clear Word of God.
Basically, it comes down to discerning what is explicit in the Word of God and what is a step or more beyond what is explicit. The first step removed is what is implicit. This is often correct, but not always. Then there is inference. Then there is deduction and so forth. The beyond-the-Bible-only positions can usually be proven to be three and often four steps removed from what the Bible actually says. Often people think their only position, which is several steps removed from what the Bible says, must be taken as a matter of faith. But faith must be in the words of God, not the conclusions of man (Rom. 10:17).
It is legitimate to be persuaded of an only position for you that is not explicitly stated in the Bible. In fact, most have these applications and they can be Spirit-led—for you. The fleshly edge arises when you demand your only for all. In matters not spelled out clearly in Scripture, the biblical command is “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5). That’s a biblical only!
While individual soul liberty should defer to church leadership for the sake of corporate church unity, church leaders must not bow to the loud voices inside or outside of their congregations that demand their only for all. It seems the fear of man can get in the mix. Ironically, when a few demand their personal only convictions for all, it is often done in the name of spirituality, but demanding beyond-the Bible-only’s for all is actually fleshly because it produces strife [polarizing factions], seditions [dissensions], and heresies [sects that produce unbiblical divisions], which are all works of the flesh.
No wonder revival tarries when such flesh-righteousness condemns the innocent (Matt. 22:1ff). Manmade only-isms are placed on the level of God’s authoritative Word. When this is the case, the only-ism becomes idolatry, and those who demand their only for all become idol-makers as they eclipse the role of the Holy Spirit, the correct persuader, for others—not a small error.
There is safety in embracing only where God says only—wonderful safety, but there is danger in saying only where God does not.
John Van Gelderen
Post Author
