Avoid Dissension Within the Church

“9. But avoid foolish dispute, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11. Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

Titus 3:9-11  (NKJV)

It is the goal of all Christians and believers in Jesus Christ to avoid strife within the bride of Christ. The question is, do we have division within the Church? Yes, we do. What does God say about these contentions that happen among Christians? Plain and simple, He abhors them. For example, we can also see God telling us to avoid foolish questions in 2 Timothy 2:23 (NKJV)

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”

These things always lead to division and turmoil. So, we must look at verse 10 and abide by the warning. We are not warned just once, but throughout Scripture. For example, God commands us to reject these types of people and worldly views in 2 John 1:10, 2 Timothy 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 & 14, Galatians 5:12. One piece of Scripture that stood out to me from Paul’s writings is Romans 16:17 (NKJV):

“17. Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

In the end, in verse 11, God shows us two interesting things. First, through worldly living and sinning, we or the non-believer separate ourselves from God and become “self-condemned.” God does not force you to condemn yourself. This leads me to my next point: free will. God is showing us that we have the free will to choose Him or choose sin and self-condemnation. We have a choice to separate ourselves from God or to become a “bondservant” (Romans 1:1) and have eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

Stay the Course for the Kingdom,

Austin