January 10, 2009

Avoid Those Who Cause Division and Offenses

“. . . Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine, which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.” Amen. (Romans 16:1-20 NKJV)

After mentioning several friends and acquaintances in verses 1-16, Paul warns the Romans to avoid those who cause divisions and offenses.

He describes those people as those who do not serve the Lord but their own belly. Their motive is gain and their methods are evil. They use flattering speech to deceive the simple. Flattery is insincere praise to gain an advantage.

Paul felt the need to warn them because their obedience had become know to all. Talk of their conversion was everywhere. Of course, anytime the wicked believe they have an easy mark they will flock to the feast. I suppose there was the possibility of some financial gain as the text talks about them serving their belly. If they did not seek financial gain, then maybe they sought power or the satisfaction of destroying the work of God.

Whatever their goal was their methods to gain a foothold where division and offenses. Whenever divisions take place, it provides the enemy a fulcrum to pry people apart. The fulcrum is created by sowing, gossiping about offenses, which polarizes people.

Therefore, Paul gives the best advise by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil. Focus on the Word of God and shun, run from, don’t listen to rumors, accusations, or gossip. How many brothers have separated because a third party spread lies between them?

My dear friends avoid this wickedness it like the plague, it is contagious among the envious. However, take heart for when you resist the devil he will flee. As Paul put it, “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” Until then hold fast. Amen.