Text: Romans 16:17
"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." (NIV)

'Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.' (KJV) 

Introduction:

Greetings, beloved. I want to share a verse that may seem simple on the surface but carries deep and significant meaning for the life of the Church. Romans 16:17 is a direct and urgent appeal from the Apostle Paul to believers to be vigilant and discerning about the influences within their Christian community. In this single verse, Paul provides us with timeless counsel for maintaining the unity of the body of Christ and guarding against the destructive power of division and false teaching.

As we examine this passage today, I want to explore three key points that Paul emphasizes in this instruction: 1) The Call to Watch Out, 2) The Danger of Division, and 3) The Response to False Teachers.

1) The Call to Watch Out

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions..."

Notice that Paul doesn’t say, "consider" or "think about" or "ponder over" these issues. He uses the word "urge," which is strong and urgent. He is pressing the Roman believers, and by extension, us today, to be vigilant. The church is under constant pressure, not just from external forces, but from within as well. False teachers and divisive individuals can rise up within the church, subtly introducing teachings that distort the gospel or bring division to the body.

What does it mean to “watch out” in this context?
To “watch out” is to be alert, to be aware, and to be prepared. It is not just about noticing the obvious threats, but recognizing the subtle ones as well. The danger is not always blatant heresy or gossip but sometimes a small shift in doctrine or behavior that begins to have a ripple effect on the whole Church.

As followers of Christ, we must be rooted in God’s Word so that when something contrary to it arises, we can discern it. We must ask ourselves: Are we rooted in Scripture? Are we knowledgeable about the truth of God’s Word? This vigilance is not a passive act; it requires active engagement with the Word of God, a willingness to confront error, and the courage to stand firm in the truth.

2) The Danger of Division

"...and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned."

The second part of the verse points out the effects of false teachings—division and obstacles in the way of the gospel. Paul clearly indicates that false teachers are not just offering alternative opinions; they are introducing things that contradict the gospel. These falsehoods undermine the message of Jesus Christ and can easily create disunity within the church. The early church experienced this firsthand—leaders like Paul and others frequently had to deal with people who were sowing discord by distorting Christian doctrine.

Why is division so dangerous?
In a family, when there is division, the whole household suffers. The body of Christ is meant to be united, with every part working together toward the common goal of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. But when division enters, it causes pain, confusion, and distraction. It weakens the witness of the church to the world around it.

Division often arises when individuals or groups begin to elevate their preferences, agendas, or opinions over the central truth of the gospel. This leads to an “us vs. them” mentality, fostering hostility rather than love and unity in the Spirit.

Paul is saying to us today: Guard against division. It might not always come from false teachers with blatant heresies. It can often come from small disagreements or selfish ambitions that we allow to fester. We must protect the unity that Christ has established among us.

3) The Response to False Teachers

"...Keep away from them."

This is a clear and direct instruction from Paul: "Keep away from them." It is not enough to simply identify false teachers or divisive individuals; we must take action and distance ourselves from them. This isn’t just about avoiding their company but about avoiding their influence. The reality is that if we continue to allow divisive voices into our lives, their influence will begin to seep into our thinking and our actions, ultimately harming our faith and the unity of the church.

Why such a strong response?
Paul’s instruction is not about personal animosity or grudges. It is about the well-being of the church and the preservation of sound doctrine. If we allow false teachings and divisive behavior to spread unchecked, we endanger the entire body of Christ. The church’s witness is at stake.

But this response is also a gracious one. By keeping away from false teachers, we are protecting not only ourselves but also others in the church who may be vulnerable to their influence. We are called to love those who are led astray, to pray for them, and to speak truth in love to them. However, we are also called to protect the purity of the church.

Conclusion:

In this one verse, Paul gives us a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, unity, and discernment within the church. The call to "watch out" for those who cause division is not just for the leadership but for every believer. We all play a part in guarding the faith and maintaining unity.

Let us commit ourselves to:

1. Be vigilant—always on guard against teachings that do not align with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Guard the unity of the church—resist the temptation to allow divisions to grow, whether they are doctrinal or personal.
3. Respond appropriately—when we encounter false teachings or divisive behavior, we must take action, not to condemn, but to protect the body of Christ and preserve the truth of the gospel.

As we close, I pray we reflect on the importance of our collective responsibility to live in unity, to uphold sound doctrine, and to protect the fellowship we have in Christ. The strength of the church lies in our shared commitment to the truth, and together, we can stand firm against anything that threatens to divide us.

Let us pray.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear instructions You have given us in Your Word. We pray for discernment in our hearts and wisdom to recognize the voices that seek to divide us or lead us astray. Help us to remain faithful to Your truth and to guard the unity of the body of Christ. May we be vigilant, loving, and bold in protecting the gospel, and may we always stand firm in the faith. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.