Family Members Who Teach and Believe a Different Doctrine than the Fellowship of the Mystery
A Rightly Divided Bible Study
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1. Introduction
The fellowship of the mystery is the doctrine given uniquely to the apostle Paul for the Body of Christ in this dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:9). Sadly, not all believers know or accept this truth, and many openly teach doctrines that belong to other dispensations, such as the kingdom gospel, covenant promises, or works-based salvation. When these false teachings come from family members, it can be especially difficult to respond. Scripture gives clear instruction on how to handle these situations with truth, grace, and separation when necessary.
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2. The Standard for All Doctrine
Paul is crystal clear that our doctrine must align with what Christ revealed to him for the Body of Christ.
• 1 Timothy 1:3–4 — Charge some that they teach no other doctrine.
• Romans 16:17 — Mark and avoid those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine you have learned.
• 2 Timothy 1:13 — Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me.
This is not optional. Family ties do not change God’s instruction to separate from false doctrine.
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3. The Fellowship of the Mystery Defined
The fellowship of the mystery is the truth that Jew and Gentile are now one new man in Christ, with a heavenly calling, apart from Israel’s covenants, law, and prophecy (Ephesians 2:13–16; Ephesians 3:1–9; Colossians 1:25–27). Any teaching that mixes Israel’s kingdom program with the Body of Christ’s grace program is a rejection of this revelation.
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4. Family Members in Opposition to Pauline Truth
It is not uncommon for believing family members to reject Paul’s distinct apostleship and continue in denominational or covenant theology. This creates two problems:
1. They are saved but confused, teaching others error.
2. They are unsaved, thinking they are saved by a gospel that is not the gospel of grace.
Paul faced similar opposition from his “kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:3–4) who clung to the law and rejected the mystery.
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5. Scriptural Warnings and Commands
• Galatians 1:8–9 — Even if it’s an angel or a relative, another gospel is accursed.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14–17 — Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers; come out from among them.
• Titus 3:10–11 — Reject a heretick after the first and second admonition.
• Ephesians 5:11 — Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
These verses are not suspended because of blood relation. Truth takes priority over family comfort.
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6. Balancing Truth and Grace
While separation is commanded, we must remember to:
• Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
• Be patient (2 Timothy 2:24–26).
• Live honestly before them (Romans 12:17–18).
This means we do not compromise doctrine to keep peace, but we also avoid unnecessary quarrels. We aim for clear gospel presentation and rightly divided teaching, trusting God to open their eyes.
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7. When Separation Is Necessary
If family members actively promote false doctrine, bring it into your home, or seek to lead others astray, Paul’s command is to avoid them (Romans 16:17). Fellowship is based on truth, not bloodline.
• 1 Timothy 6:3–5 describes those who consent not to wholesome words given to Paul from such withdraw thyself.
• This includes spiritual fellowship. You may still interact on a family level, but spiritual partnership must end when doctrine is compromised.
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8. Our Responsibility
Our task is to faithfully stand for Pauline truth without fear of offense (Galatians 4:16). We cannot make others believe, but we can:
1. Clearly present the gospel of grace (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
2. Explain the fellowship of the mystery from Scripture.
3. Refuse to participate in or endorse teachings that deny it.
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9. Conclusion
Family relationships can be precious, but they must never override obedience to God’s Word. The Body of Christ is called to guard the doctrine given to Paul and to withdraw from any teaching even from family that corrupts the fellowship of the mystery. Standing for truth may cause division now, but it honors God, preserves sound doctrine, and may one day help open the eyes of those we love.