TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION WITH THOSE WHO DIVIDE

TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION WITH THOSE WHO DIVIDE

 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. —Titus 3:10-11

             We are in a battle, a spiritual fight and we have to be wise and obedient to our Lord and His directives.  Sometimes these directives are uncomfortable for us to carry out.  We do not like conflict nor want conflict.  But we must remember that we are in conflict, have been since sin entered through Adam and will be until Jesus comes back to set all things right. 

            Before we knew Jesus we did not understand this spiritual conflict that is taking place.  Satan blinded us, ensnared us and kept us prisoners to do his will (II Corinthians 4:4; II Timothy 2:26).  Once we called on our Lord for salvation (Romans 10:13) we learned that we are in spiritual conflict (Ephesians 6:10-20).  Now we need to be watchful and on guard (I Peter 5:8) of Satan’s schemes (II Corinthians 2:11).

            Beware of those who stir up division.  These are people who seek to drive wedges between God’s people.  Much of their work is done behind the scenes.  They gossip and slander and speak evil of leaders all the while seeking to bolster their position.  The Apostle Paul put it like this—

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” —Acts 20:28-30

            Yes, these will be people among us— professing believers who seek to divide those seeking to be obedient to our Lord Jesus.  When it is known that someone is seeking to make division within a local body of believers, they are be warned only twice and then that local body is to have nothing to do with that person.  Why?  Because we know “that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”  Wow!  Those are pretty strong words, but remember that this is a serious breach in the body of Christ.  Those who divide are like cancers that can destroy the life of a body.  So we are to have nothing to do with that cancer, the one who divides.

            Spiritual conflict is difficult, but we are given the remedy, as painful as it may be at times to carry that remedy out.  Let us be faithful to what our Lord calls us to.  He does desire us to be obedient to Him, not out of a have to drudgery attitude, but of a loving attitude toward Him.

            Let us not forget that we are always in a spiritual conflict.  It will not cease until we see Jesus.  Let us be aware of Satan’s schemes and how he works through people to cause division.  Let us lovingly, faithfully and obediently carry out His prescription for those causing division.  Yes, Dear Father, as hard as it may be, as emotional as it may be, as painful as it may be— may we be faithful in carrying out Your will in this area.  May this be done by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son.  So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu2S9y3r0XE