2 Timothy 2:14-19 is the foundation of this portion of the research. The writer will be using scriptures from the NASB Updated Version 1995. Verse 14--strive about words--These groups are a representation of early false teachers who brought dissension instead of knowledge to the church of their time. They used human reason to distort the Word of God. Note that this is only foolishness. (Proverbs 14:7) Such efforts are futile (Matthew 7:6) It is dangerous (vv. 16-17; please note  verse 23) This is the first of three warnings.

Note I Timothy 4:6; 6:3-5; and 2 Peter 2:1-3. This section deals with ruin. Transcribing this word from the Greek, the English word is Genesis 1:1 overturned/overthrown. Truth replaced with lies. In this case, the ruin was eternal.

2 Timothy 2:15 says that we should "be diligent" rightly dividing the word of truth. In other words, speaking the Word of God straight and not polluted. Accurately preaching and teaching the Word of God to His sheep. Precision and accuracy are one of the requirements for proper biblical interpretation.

Verse 16 speaks of "shun profane and idle babblings. Note I Timothy 6:20 and Titus 3:6. Heresy cannot save or sanctify. Note 2 Timothy 2:17, the word used in the NASB is "gangrene." John MacArthur uses the word "cancer" in his commentary on this portion of scripture. The above sects became cancerous to the Body of Christ. Because of this, they led many astray with their smooth poisonous words. Lies flowed freely, and the church died a spiritual death.

The present day church cannot stand back in silence and allow cults and false doctrines to flow up and down our pews and aisles without fighting the good fight of Faith. There are too many witnesses, both past and present, who stand as firm witnesses and can testify of the truth of the God-Man Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God and fully man. Just because we cannot define, it with human speech does not mean it is untrue. Only spiritual things are understood by a spiritual mind. Unless we submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church will find itself unprepared for the catching away of the church. Some believers call this the "rapture." If the cancer of false teaching is allowed to continue to spread, then the church will grow smaller and smaller because death is in the camp. This can only accepted by those walking by faith and not by sight. If they leave us and go in the path of falsehood, then the question becomes whether they were ever a part of us. Were they truly walking by faith and not by human reasoning and philosophy?