Division in the church is not a new problem.
It existed in Paul’s day.
And it still exists today.
The question is not whether division will appear.
The question is how believers should respond when it does.
Thankfully, Scripture gives us clear instruction.
Paul writes:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
— Romans 16:17
Those are strong words.
But they are given in love — love for the truth, and love for the health of the Body of Christ.
Let’s look at what Paul is saying.
▪️“Mark Them”
To mark someone means to take careful notice.
It means to observe.
To recognize.
To identify those who are promoting teachings that conflict with the sound doctrine already delivered to the church.
This is not about personal disagreements.
It is not about personalities.
It is about doctrine.
Paul specifically says:
“divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned.”
When teaching begins to contradict the truth revealed through the apostle Paul, believers are instructed to recognize it for what it is.
Not ignore it.
Not excuse it.
But discern it.
▪️“Avoid Them”
Paul’s next instruction is equally clear.
After identifying those who persist in spreading divisive teaching, believers are told to avoid them.
That simply means:
Do not participate in their influence.
Do not promote their teaching.
Do not become entangled in their doctrinal confusion.
It is a matter of spiritual protection.
Just as we guard our physical health from harmful things, we must also guard the purity of the gospel and the unity of the Body of Christ.
▪️Why This Matters
The unity of the church is not built on personalities.
It is built on truth.
Specifically, the truth revealed to and through the apostle Paul for the Body of Christ.
Paul reminded Timothy:
“Hold fast the form of sound words.”
— 2 Timothy 1:13
And again:
“Rightly dividing the word of truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:15
When believers remain grounded in sound doctrine, the church is strengthened.
But when false teaching spreads unchecked, confusion grows.
▪️A Loving but Firm Response
Marking and avoiding those who spread doctrinal error is not about hostility.
It is about faithfulness.
Faithfulness to Christ.
Faithfulness to the gospel of grace.
Faithfulness to the Word of God.
We do this with humility.
We do this with patience.
But we also do it with clarity and conviction.
Because protecting the truth protects the church.
▪️The Goal Is Always the Same
Not conflict.
Not pride.
Not winning arguments.
The goal is always:
• the purity of the gospel
• the clarity of God’s Word
• the unity of the Body of Christ in truth
When we stay anchored in the doctrine given through Paul, we remain grounded in grace.
Clear in our message.
Confident in our calling.
And faithful to the Word entrusted to us.
