Welcome, friends, to another broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. When we read the word heresies, we most often think of it as a description of some form of unsound or contrary doctrine, which is in contrast to an orthodox line of thought. It is true that such deviations from the faith once delivered to the saints is often the cause of heresy, but the actual word which is translated as heresy or heresies actually means disunion or sectarianism. Paul admonished the Corinthians over this very matter. For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions, that is, schisms, among you, and I partly believe it. For there must also be heresies, that is, disunion among you, that they which are approved might be made manifest among you. Much of his writing to the Corinthian church was to correct the spirit of sectarianism that existed in their midst over baptisms, personalities, and social status. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. God's people are exhorted to love one another, forbearing one another, and each esteeming the other better than themselves. It is impossible that division and strife can exist when such is the manner in which the brethren conduct themselves. Such schism arises when men think they are something when they are nothing, and consider that they know something when in reality none knows anything as they ought to know. Only by pride cometh contention, but with the well-advised is wisdom. He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife. The psalmist speaks of him that flattereth himself. The same Hebrew word which is here translated as flattereth is most often translated as divide and or divided. So we can see a connection between that which is called flattery and the division which occurs as men rebel against the way of God and ultimately separate themselves from one another as brethren. Deceivers often used flattery to gain a foothold in the minds of the deceived, even as the serpent used flattery to beguile the woman in the garden. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet. So too do the prophets of free will flatter the minds of their hearers and give them the notion that they are the masters of their fate and that they can choose to follow the way of God whenever they please. Thus the net of self-righteousness is spread before them, and they are gladly swallowed up in its clutches. Many were the nets spread by deceivers before the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet he withstood them all, even the onslaughts of the master deceiver, the father of lies, which is Satan himself. Satan flattered him by recognizing his station as the receiver of all the promises of God. Yet Satan found no place within him whereby to ply his craft of deceit and destruction. The prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me. So that deceiver which causes the sons of God the greatest trouble is not to be found wandering around the countryside, but rather dwelling within this sinful heart of flesh which is prone to its own lies and feeds upon its own willingness to be deceived by those who bring a message which exalts that same sinful flesh. Cornal religion is the greatest net which is spread before their face. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies. Make thy way straight before my face, for there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their inward part is very wickedness. Their throat is an open sepulcher. They flatter with their tongue. The way of the natural man is described most clearly here by the psalmist. He will flatter himself with his own thoughts of self-esteem and the value of his own intellect, even dividing himself from clearly revealing truth, as Paul describes. Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. The psalmist goes on to set forth the result of his flattery of himself, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. This same thought is repeated by Paul when he says, and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient. No remedy for this condition exists in men. Thus the backdrop is set for Paul's declaration to the Corinthians. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. No flattering words need ever be spoken in the declaration of the absolute perfections of Christ as the Savior of sinners. Is not this the unity of the saints? For a free CD containing 15 of these radio broadcasts, send an email to forthepoor at windstream.net.