MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS

Romans 16:17-19 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.

This closing chapter of Romans is primarily salutations from Paul to certain members of the church of Christ at Rome, as well as from those that are with him. Specific names were mentioned in order to make these greetings more personal and meaningful. Doing so was one additional way to emphasize unity within the Roman church, but the lesson also serves to stress the importance of unity within all other congregations of God's children. Some think it odd that the lesson text would be included right in the middle of these salutations. However, in this chapter, Paul is introducing godly, dedicated, and zealous Christians one to another, who, no doubt, are members that would create and support unity within the body of Christ.

Amid Paul's praise of faithful fellow laborers, what better place would there be to admonish Christian brethren to mark them, which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine, which ye have learned; and avoid them? Based on the strife and dissention that existed among Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome, the lesson text is a strong admonition, not only addressing their particular situation, but a general admonition to churches of Christ, both then, now, and in the future. The same differences that caused divisions in the church in Rome may not have existed in other first century churches in Palestine, Asia Minor, Greece, or Italy. And there is little likelihood that divisions in the church today are caused by strong Jewish and Gentile customs and beliefs, that are being carried over into church doctrine.

However, differences do exist now, just as they have existed within the church of Christ since founded on the Day of Pentecost. Therefore, preachers, teachers, elders, deacons, and all members of the body of Christ, should take Paul's warning found in the lesson text. It is a very serious matter, and very damaging to the body of Christ. False teaching can, and often does, come from non-Christians preachers and teachers that attempt to draw away members of the church into their own personal following. However, division, referred to in the lesson text, comes from within the church.

Paul gave a similar warning to the church at Philippi. Those that caused division were to be marked. Paul said 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 (Phil. 3:17-19). The common element that exists in both of these warnings is the motivation that brings about the division. Enemies of the cross of Christ serve, not Christ, but their own belly (whose God is their belly). In other words, those causing division serve their own appetites. Whether they are seeking personal power or praise, to satisfy their own egos, or monetary rewards to satisfy their covetous desire for riches, all are selfish motivations that result from their greedy, lustful character. These must be noted and avoided. Christians must separate themselves from those that are self-serving rather than servants of Christ.

Paul warned the churches of Galatia, as well as all churchs today, that there are false teachers that profess another gospel, ...and would pervert the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6-7). To the church at Colosse, Paul gave this warning: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Col. 2:8). And how is this perversion and deceit accomplished? It is accomplished by good words and fair speeches (designed to) deceive the hearts of the simple. Peter said that it is accomplished through covetousness, which will, with feigned words, make merchandise of you (See 2 Peter 2:1-3). Regarding such divisive teachers, Paul instructed Timothy from such withdraw thyself (See 1 Tim. 6:3-5). Christians are to try and prove all teachings by God's word. If such does not complement and comply with the gospel of Christ, it, as well as its teacher, is to be marked and avoided. Study the word of God carefully and continually. Be sure to know the difference between what is good and what is evil. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good (Rom. 12:9).