Bible Study May 13, 2026
Romans 16:13 – 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. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.”
Have you ever met a person who is divisive? No matter what is suggested they want something different. Different ideas are good but that is not what Paul is teaching about here.
He is talking about those who undermine Christianity and what is stands for. People are divisive, churches are divisive, Churches which teach certain things are acceptable but contrary to scripture are divisive. A church that teaches it is okay to live in a homosexual lifestyle is divisive. Same is true of those churches that approve of gay and lesbian pastors, they are an abomination to God. What Paul is saying – avoid them! But love them.
Genuine love will forgive but not condone bad actions. There are those who say we should only have Christian friends buy how can we share the message of Jesus if we do not contact those in sin? Simply said we cannot. But to share a message of love does not mean you live in sin.
We are called to warn people of sin and call them to repentance.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 