“VARIOUS AND STRANGE DOCTRINES”

Thursday, April 24, 2025

"Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them." (Hebrews 13:9)

1. Do Not Be Carried About—Do Not Be Led Astray

It was not only possible but a present danger for Christians in the first century to be led astray. Why would some think there is no danger of Christians being carried away by error today? Why would some believe that sincerity alone is enough, regardless of what one believes?

Scripture repeatedly warns against deception and drifting from the truth. Jesus cautioned, “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4). He foretold of false christs and false prophets who would arise (Matt. 24:24). Paul warned the Ephesian elders that men would arise, speaking perverse things to draw disciples away (Acts 20:30). He instructed the Romans to “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).

The Corinthians were warned about false apostles and the danger of accepting “another Jesus” or a “different gospel” (2 Cor. 11:4, 13). The Galatians had turned away from Christ’s gospel to a different one and were at risk of falling away (Gal. 1:6-8; Gal. 5:4). Paul issued a storm warning to the Ephesians, warning that they should not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). He cautioned the Colossians against being deceived by “philosophy and empty deceit” (Col. 2:8).

Jude also warns of those who would “turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). These individuals distort grace into a license for sin, just as others distort the gospel to accommodate human traditions or personal preferences.

These warnings demonstrate the real and present danger of error. False doctrines can affect a Christian’s standing with God. The faith has not changed and will not change.

2. With Various and Strange Doctrines—The Appeal of Novel Teachings

The early Christians were to test every teaching against what had been delivered by the apostles. Paul wrote, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8, emphasis added). John reinforced this, stating, “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 Jn. 2:24). Jude also exhorts us to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). This faith, once and for all given, is the standard by which all teachings must be measured.

If a teaching doesn't align with this original faith, it is to be rejected—along with the one promoting it (2 Jn. 9-11).

3. It Is Good That the Heart Be Established—Firm, Secure, and Steadfast in Truth

The inspired writer contrasts two sources of establishment:

• “By grace”—the true source of strength and stability.
• “Not with foods”—likely referring to Jewish dietary laws or an ascetic form of self-denial.

Paul spoke of some who “forbid marriage and command to abstain from foods” (1 Tim. 4:3). He reminded the Romans, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).

While some even today bind dietary restrictions as religious requirements, others redefine fellowship and the work of the church around food and entertainment, replacing gospel preaching with coffee, donuts, and whatever satisfies the appetite. Paul’s sharp rebuke to Corinth still applies: “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” and “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment” (1 Cor. 11:22, 34).

Instead of seeking to establish the heart through outward practices, the Holy Spirit tells us that our hearts are established by grace:

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).
• “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).
• “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12).

Grace not only saves but also instructs us in righteous living. In God’s grace, we find stability, strength, salvation, and sustainment.

Conclusion

The warning in Hebrews 13:9 is as relevant today as it was in the first century. If we allow our hearts to be anchored in God's grace rather than human traditions or novel shifting doctrines, we will remain steadfast in the faith.

Let us hold to the gospel that was once delivered and be established in the unchanging truth of Christ. As in the first century, so it is today—many chase after new, appealing teachings rather than being rooted in God’s grace and truth. Human traditions and ideas come and go, but the gospel remains unchanged from the time it was first given.

To have our hearts established, let us not be carried away by strange doctrines, but rather be nourished in words of faith and good doctrine, taking heed to ourselves and the doctrine of Christ (1 Tim. 4:6, 16).

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