'... the Heresy of Heresies Is a Worldly spirit.'
A worldly spirit is the greatest heresy, threatening the spiritual life and the church's calling.
Andrew Murray emphasizes that every heresy, particularly a worldly spirit, undermines the spiritual vitality of the church. He warns that rejecting core truths about Christ and salvation weakens faith and places the church under the influence of worldly powers. The most dangerous heresy is the worldly spirit, which renders spiritual truths ineffective and hinders the church's divine calling. Murray calls for a deep understanding of what it means to be 'not of the world' and urges believers to seek revival as the remedy for the church's spiritual decline. He encourages prayer for clarity and a return to a supernatural life in Christ.
Text
Every heresy, every neglect or denial of God's truth, weakens the spiritual life. The rejection of the faith in the divinity of Christ, of the atonement through blood, or justification by faith, or regeneration by the Spirit, endangers the life of the church. But of all heresies the worst, the heresy of heresies is a worldly spirit. It disposesses the Spirit of God and makes every truth powerless. It brings the church into subjection to the god of this world. If there is one prayer we need it is this: Lord, show us what thou meanest: Not of the world!
As we see what it is to have a supernatural life and calling, and what a shame to sacrifice this to a worldly spirit, and are able to judge how far this is done in the church, our whole heart will cry out for revival as the one only thing that can help the church.
(Excerpted from The Coming Revival, by Andrew Murray , pg. 32).
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Heresy
- Every heresy weakens the spiritual life
- Rejection of God's truth endangers the church
Key Quotes
“The heresy of heresies is a worldly spirit.” — Andrew Murray
“Not of the world!” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- We must be aware of the dangers of a worldly spirit in our lives and in the church.
- A supernatural life and calling require a commitment to God's truth and a rejection of worldly influences.
- Revival is the only hope for the church to overcome the effects of a worldly spirit.