Romans 16:17(KJV)
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
The above Scripture admonishes us to mark and avoid those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine of Christ. Paul said that because the influence of such people is destructive and easily cancels out all virtues and good character in others, they must be avoided. Such people are not servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, but serve their own belly, by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. The Bible repeatedly warns children of God to beware of deceivers in the form of false teachers and prophets. These present their deadly errors as newly discovered secret information that was specially revealed by God, as the preferred way of relating with Him in this generation. It is written in Philippians 3:2 “Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they’re interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them.” God wants us to shun the evil activities of the ungodly just as much as He wants us to avoid every appearance of evil among Christians. The Holy Spirit teaches us that those who perpetrate backbiting, disobedience, rebellion and false doctrine among the brethren should be identified and avoided.
It is well known to us that there are certain people in the church who disseminate teachings different from the Gospel of Christ. For example some say ‘when you are saved, you are forever saved, your past, present and future sins are forgiven, so you can live any how and still make Heaven. That is a lie from the pit of hell, therefore avoid such deceptive teachings and preachers. Jude 3 says we should “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” We are custodians of the Gospel, and therefore should not allow false teachings pervert the mind of believers, therefore we should stay away from men who propagate false teachings, and keep those under our care far from them. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 says “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” The Heavenly order is holy and pure, the apostles followed this Divine order strictly to the end, so they could boldly declare that others should follow them. People saw Jesus through them. Many have found themselves in serious trouble for fraternizing with the wrong people. No wonder Apostle Paul said we should look out for and avoid the so-called “brethren” who cause division in the Church. In Mark 3:25, the Lord said a house that is divided against itself cannot stand. It is an open secret that the devil is so interested in the division of the church, either between two or more members or denominations of the body of Christ. And to see people who are part of the church aiding him is disheartening. Apostle Paul referred to the Corinthian church as babes because of the division, strife and envying that existed among them(1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
Beloved, don’t be deceived, no matter how wise or careful you are, continued association with anyone living contrary to the Word of God will eventually spell doom for you. Come out from among them, separate yourself and stay away from anyone who enjoys causing division that can corrupt your godly nature. Mark and avoid those who live contrary to the truth of the Gospel, the truth that you’ve been taught. Stop the spread of strife within the body of Christ. In serving God, you must do everything decently and in order. Today, learn how to do what is right, what is just and in accordance with godliness. Once again, beware of deceivers and avoid them!
O Lord, grant me grace to live by Your principles in this world and help me with wisdom to prayerfully avoid those who teach false doctrines in Jesus’ Name.