What practical steps help us "turn away from" divisive influences today? The Warning in Romans 16:17 “Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.” Why Division Is Serious • Division threatens the purity of the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). • God lists the one who “sows discord among brothers” with things He hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). • Strife grieves the Spirit who produces unity (Ephesians 4:3). Recognize Divisive Influences • Teachings that contradict clear Scripture (2 John 9-11). • Conversations marked by constant quarreling or speculation (1 Timothy 6:3-5). • Personalities that gather a following around themselves instead of Christ (3 John 9-10). • Media or platforms that stir outrage, suspicion, or cynicism toward fellow believers. Guard Your Heart and Mind • Daily Scripture intake trains discernment (Hebrews 5:14). • Pray for wisdom; God promises to give it generously (James 1:5). • Keep short accounts with God—confess envy, pride, or bitterness before they grow (Psalm 139:23-24). Practical Steps to Turn Away 1. Evaluate every message by the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 17:11). 2. Refuse to share or “like” content that mocks, belittles, or slanders believers (Ephesians 4:29). 3. Limit time in conversations or forums that consistently breed anger or suspicion (Titus 3:9). 4. If a teacher or group persists in error after scriptural correction, withdraw your participation (2 Thessalonians 3:6). 5. Build safeguards: accountability partners, filtered media feeds, intentional breaks from digital noise (Proverbs 13:20). 6. Replace divisive voices with edifying ones—sound preaching, Christ-exalting music, testimonies of God’s work (Philippians 4:8). Cultivating Unity • Speak truth in love, aiming for restoration, not winning arguments (Ephesians 4:15). • Celebrate gospel progress in other churches and ministries (Mark 9:38-40). • Practice hospitality; shared meals dissolve suspicion (Romans 12:13). • Serve together in tangible ministry—nothing bonds hearts like shoulder-to-shoulder labor (Philippians 1:27). Keeping a Watchful Eye • Test all prophecies, hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). • Stay alert: divisive influences often rebrand and resurface (2 Peter 2:1-3). • Remember that unity is maintained, not manufactured; keep the unity Christ already achieved (Ephesians 4:3). Encouragement to Stand Firm “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20) Turning away from divisive influences protects the church, honors Christ, and keeps us positioned to witness the triumph of God’s peace over every scheme of the enemy. |
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