The Sect Spoken Against Everywhere People of the world everywhere may have negative things to say about those who walk in the way of the Lord – a way which they may view as a religious sect. But honest people will want to learn the truth, and the Lord’s people must remain steadfast, no matter what others say. Acts 28:16-22

The Meaning of “Sect” A “sect” is a “section” separated from others. “Sect” is translated from a Greek word that is also translated heresy or faction. It is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20) It is the product of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1) It is a separated religious body holding beliefs different from others. A denomination. We must stand opposed to sectarianism and denominationalism (Acts 20:30; Jude 18-19)

The Jewish View of Judaism Sadducees Christians Pharisees Essenes

The World’s View of Christianity Church of Christ Evangelicals Baptists, Pentecostals, etc. Catholics Mainline Protestants Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.

The “Sect” was Spoken Against Everywhere Although they could agree on nothing else, Pharisees, Sadducees, Romans and Jews united in their criticism of Christians. Christians were charged with… Worshiping contrary to Jewish law (Acts 18:12-13) Creating dissension (Acts 24:4-5) Teaching customs unlawful for Romans to keep (Acts 16:20-21) Turning the world upside down (Acts 17:5-6)

Lessons for Us People may say bad things about the “right” group. Honest people will want hear the truth. We must distinguish between false teachers that cause division and those that teach truth (Romans 16:1-18; 1 John 4:1, 6; 2 Cor. 4:2-5). We must remain steadfast regardless of what others say (Romans 8:31; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:14-16; 2 Tim. 3:12-14; Luke 6:26)