Self-willed opinion and not revelation

2 Peter 2:1 says, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

The Greek word for heresies is hairesis. The definition of hairesis is as follows:

(a) “a choosing, choice” (from haireomai, “to choose”); then, “that which is chosen,” and hence, “an opinion,” especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, Gal 5:20 (marg., “parties”); such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect of advantage; see 2 Pet. 2:1, where “destructive” (RV) signifies leading to ruin; some assign even this to (b); in the papyri the prevalent meaning is “choice” (Moulton and Milligan, Vocab.);

Peter in essence was speaking of false teachers that would secretly inject poisonous doctrine to those unaware. This faux doctrine was rooted on a self-willed opinion. Paul talks of false brethren in Gal. 2:4 who ‘privily’ or stealthily came in to spy out Paul and Barnabas’s liberty in Christ. It reminds me of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, making it difficult for people to detect¹. You need special detectors to sense the gas in the air. We have the revelation of Christ, the Spirit of truth and the gifts of the Spirit that easily expose this type of doctrine.

If my doctrine is mixed with works then when I hear this kind of doctrine I may not be able to discern it, but acknowledge it as good teaching. If my doctrine is based of the revelation of Christ, the gospel of grace and His faith then I will clearly see this false doctrine and its value.

A self-willed heresy or faux doctrine is based on self-strength and ultimately righteousness base on works. This doctrine can appear ‘right’ in almost every way, but without the right ‘sensor’ it will choke the life out of you, 2 Tim. 3:5, and you will end up with a tired, unfulfilled, uncertain, uninspired, dehydrated, and legally obligatory spiritual walk. You will not be walking in the Spirit, but under a type of Old Covenant continually offering sacrifices as a reminder, Heb. 10:2-4.