Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
In our quest to determine God’s Pattern for His Church, the Word of God has laid out somewhat of a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” for believers. Remember, the Church is not a building where we meet together. We ARE the Church. Each one of us is the Church. We are the Body of Christ and we each have the responsibility to live a Righteous life and be fruitful in the Kingdom of God.
Proverbs 6:17-19 is a list of the seven things God hates. It reads: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that swiftly run to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren. The last four things listed here all go together and if you have been in Church for very long, you have become associated with people like this.
God has always used people to build His Kingdom. He will use anyone who is willing to be used but He only has imperfect people because none of us is perfect.
Just as God uses people to build His Kingdom, Satan uses people to tear it down. The Devil is our enemy and he seeks to kill, steal and destroy everything of God. This is a spiritual war that has been going on for centuries and all people are involved whether we realize it or not.
Due to the sin nature we are all born with, it’s natural for us to side with Satan. However, the Holy Spirit of God draws us to God and IF we choose to be on God’s side and believe in His Son, Jesus, He will welcome us into His Kingdom. At that point, we have the opportunity to be on God’s side of the never-ending spiritual war.
Unfortunately, most believers have no idea about spiritual warfare so the enemy continues to use them to destroy the Kingdom of God even though they are a part of it. These are the people who believe in Jesus but are always looking for trouble, gossip about their fellow Christians, and cause division in the Church. As Solomon said, God hates this!
Although these folks are believers, they allow the enemy to use them to bring division and destruction to the Church. Jesus prayed specifically about this. After He prayed for His Disciples, He prayed for all believers. John recorded His Prayer. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:20-23)
The Apostle Paul addressed these issues in his letters to the various Churches. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote: Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. (Romans 16:17) This is sound advice as to the way we should respond to those who cause trouble. In short, we are to take note of who they are (note those who cause divisions and offenses) and then simply don’t associate with them. (avoid them)
Jesus prayed for unity in the Body of Christ. Satan works through people to bring division. The Word of God tells us to not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices. Seek unity in the fellowship of believers you are a part of.
Jesus is returning soon for His Bride. Be ready.
He is about to……….turn the tide
Praying for unity, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
