“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
(Rom. 16:17-18)
Scripture refers to the collective group of believers as the “body” of Christ – and Christ as the “head of the body,” (Col. 1:18). One reason this is such a beautiful metaphor is explained by Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 12:12-27). In this passage Paul describes how we are all different… and how these differences are essential for making the body work together as one. A hand is not an ear, for example, but both are necessary for the body to be complete.
As he shows in Romans 16, differences among believers, therefore, should not be cause for dissention and division in the body of Christ but rather be something we celebrate and appreciate. The fact that another believer has gifts differing from mine is an essential truth for unity and wholeness and ability to carry out all the duties God has called us to.
As much as possible, therefore, we should seek to be of one heart and one mind in our local body of believers, the church. We should love one another. We should strive for peace among our members.
Where my brothers or sisters in the Lord differ in circumstantial concerns, I should be willing to allow those differences without causing disruption to the body. I should not censor those with differing opinions, as long as they are doctrinally sound, holding the foundation of the Gospel of God in their heart, and being blameless in their lives (Titus 3:2).
What right have I to cause division between members of Christ’s body if He owns them and receives them? This type of dissention and division has all but undone the church in times past and continues to do so in many churches today. Such behavior among believers brings shame on the name of Christ, our head, and causes those outside the body to scorn Christianity and turn to atheism. This ought not be!
Destruction, division, dissention… these are all tools of Satan to systematically dismantle the body of Christ and destroy the reputation of God and the influence of Christians in the world. A bundle of sticks can be easily broken one at a time but bound together they cannot… so it is with the members of the body of Christ. Let us then be careful that we not become the devil’s instrument for division in the church, as it is forbidden of God (1 Cor. 3:3, 1:10; Rom. 16:17).
Further, it is no small matter that the head controls the body. In order to function properly, the various members of the body must act consistent with the commands receives from the head. Christ is our head. He commands us to love one another. He commands us to “walk, even as He walked,” (1 John 2:6). He charges us to strive for unity and peace, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” (Eph. 4:3).
Multiple references in Scripture urge us to be at one with Christ and each other: 1) Blood-bought believers all belong to one body (Eph. 4:4). 2) We are united and governed by One Spirit (Eph. 4:4). 3) We are called into one hope of eternal life (Eph. 4:4). 4) We have the same Lord (Eph. 4:5). 5) We share in one faith (Eph. 4:5) and one baptism (Eph. 4:5). 7) And we have one God and Father. (Eph.4:6). Our gospel is the gospel of peace (Rom. 10:15). God is the God of peace (Rom. 15:33); Christ is the Prince of peace (Eph. 2:14); and He is our peace and peacemaker (Col. 1:10).
God would have us always endeavor for the peace of the church. “Have peace one with another,” (Mark 9:50). “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another,” (Rom. 14:19). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” (Heb. 12:14). “Finally, brethren… be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you,” (2 Cor. 13:11). As Thomas Mockett rightly said, “Many and great are the benefits of peace, but woeful are the fruits of contentions and divisions.”
- Lord, I know that until You return for Your church, seducing spirits and emissaries of Satan will be actively attempting to dismantle the body of Christ, making it ineffective. They deceptively disguise themselves as good and lead those weaker members astray. Help me learn to test all things as I hear them against the truth of Your Word so that I am not deceived by counterfeits.
- Lord, help me carefully avoid all causes and causers of divisions. Especially help me avoid false teachers and those who introduce heresies and errors into the church contrary to Your truth.
- Lord Jesus help me resolve with David that I will “not know a wicked person,” (Ps. 101:4) or approve of him. Such people are infectious and dangerous. I have enough sins on my own; I don’t need to complicate my Christian walk by falling into some error. Help me avoid all that undermine the gospel and strive to ruin the ministry. “They creep into houses and lead aside silly women,” (2 Tim. 3:6), “and by their fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” (Rom. 16:18), and will, if it were possible, “deceive the very elect,” (Mark 13:22).
Further References for Rom. 16:17-18
Eph. 4:3, 13; 2 John 1:10; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 3:10
