Those who Cause Divisions and Offences

Romans 16:17-20

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

As much as Paul commends the members in Christ and greets them with a love that is sincere in Christ, he also warns the brethren of those that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that they have learned. He specifically asks the brethren to “mark them that cause divisions and offences”. As Paul says these are the ones that do not serve Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly. Philippians 3:18-19 Paul says “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” The ones that cause divisions are the ones who are enemies to the cross of Christ. Their God is their belly and what this means is they work for their own selfish needs and satisfy their own desires not minding the things that matter to Christ. I Corinthians 1:18 says clearly on the cross of Christ. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” To the enemies of the cross of Christ what is due is destruction; their glory is in their shame and they mind the earthly things. They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). Do you mind the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit? I think it is time we introspect ourselves. These men that cause divisions by their good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. I John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” These are the end days and many false prophets are out in the world. They use good words and fair speeches and deceive the simple at heart. But God has given us wisdom through His Word and let us use this wisdom to try the spirits whether they are of God.

The obedience of the brethren at Rome is come abroad unto all men. How magnificent and noteworthy was their obedience unto God, that it is known to all men. To obey is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22). Paul who labored in Christ with Romans was greatly taking pleasure on their behalf. But, he says that they ought to be wise regarding that which is good and simple concerning evil. Remember we are among the wolves and hence we are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). This should be our approach to keep up our faith and walk in the Lord, yet acting with wisdom of God and operating with simplicity!

I take great privilege in this promise that the God of peace shall bruise Satan under our feet shortly. Remember the verse from Revelation 1:7 that says, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” He is coming and He shall bruise the Satan under our feet pretty soon! Paul ends the warning with the grace of Lord Jesus Christ for without His grace we are prone to wander and fall for the deceptions of the enemy which appear to be alright on the surface but full of malice and ungodly within. Let us be mindful of the people that cause divisions and offences and go with God’s wisdom to make informed decisions based on the Word of God.

Next: Temple of the Holy Ghost