04-14-25 part 1: Truth, Heresy, and the Heart of the Gospel

1. Spotting a Heretic: More Than a Label

Dr. Spoon opens with Titus 3:10, a verse often debated in church circles: “Reject a divisive person after the first and second warning.” He breaks down the Greek word for “divisive” (heretikos), showing that a heretic isn't necessarily someone teaching full-blown lies—it’s someone who distorts truth by overemphasizing one part of Scripture while ignoring the rest. Like focusing on one corner of a painting while missing the whole image. These are spiritual cherry-pickers, dangerously imbalanced in their doctrine. Dr. Spoon urges believers to embrace the full counsel of God and recognize that real error often comes from partial truth wielded without context.

2. Scripture in Balance: Not Just One Verse

Dr. Spoon illustrates this with the story of Jesus and Satan in the wilderness. Satan quotes Scripture, but misuses it. Jesus responds with, “It is also written,” showing that balance in the Word is essential. That little word—“also”—is huge. It teaches us that no verse stands alone in isolation. Sound doctrine uses all of God’s Word, not just what suits an argument. Heresy is born when Scripture is twisted to manipulate or mislead. Paul preached the entire counsel of God, and we are called to be rich in biblical knowledge so we’re not easily deceived.

3. Decision-Making and Divine Flexibility

In a delightful pivot, Dr. Spoon highlights a rarely discussed verse from Titus where Paul says, “I have decided to spend the winter in Nicopolis.” The lesson? Not every decision requires a lightning bolt from heaven. Sometimes, we just need to make a choice. God doesn’t want us to be robotic or paralyzed by fear of “missing His will.” As long as our hearts are submitted, we can make decisions and trust Him to redirect us if needed. Like Paul, we are free to move forward in faith and adjust as God leads.

4. At the Cross, Everything Changes

Dr. Spoon closes with a powerful reminder: it all comes back to the cross. Through a trivia segment and a heartfelt call from a listener, he reflects on the crucifixion at Golgotha—the moment history changed forever. Shel, the caller, compares God’s sacrifice to the unthinkable idea of giving up his own son, highlighting the depth of God’s love. Dr. Spoon ties it together by reminding us this is the center of the Gospel. Jesus died for us while we were still enemies. That truth should never grow old. It’s what keeps the church anchored, humble, and always pointing back to grace.