"AVOID THEM!"

Romans 16:17-18                              (ESV)
"17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; "AVOID THEM".
18 For such persons do not serve our LORD CHRIST, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."



It seems that Believers in JESUS CHRIST are labeled by those in "this world" as needing to accept every style lifestyle that is presented by the ungodly OUT OF LOVE.  This mindset is clearly brought about by the enemy, as he desires to convince everyone they are "right" in their sin and they are "pretty good" people who have no need for a Savior!  The subtle deceit of the enemy can be difficult to recognize, as he is known as "the great deceiver"!

Scripture instructs us to "watch out" for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught!  If "this world" is attempting to convince us of anything that is contrary to the WORD of GOD, you can be certain it is from the devil!  If GOD is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), then confusion must be a tool of the enemy trying to deceive us!  We should "AVOID THEM" and their deceitful ways!

But how do WE KNOW a person does "not serve our LORD CHRIST", but serves their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery?  Remember, the enemy is known as "the great deceiver" and he can even cause believers to miss GOD's Plan with his counterfeit schemes!  Unless "the church" HUMBLY stays on its face before A HOLY GOD and constantly seeks HIS guidance and direction, we can be fooled by lies and deceit.  Ephesians 6:11-12 says "Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Our enemy is not another person, no matter how much they may disagree with our beliefs, or even Scripture.  We need to develop our "Spiritual vision" to be so precise that we can SEE our enemy even though he is camouflaged with all of the worldly beauty and ornaments possible. We should "AVOID THEM", not because we fear them, or think they can do us harm.  We need to "AVOID THEM" because they aren't interested in glorifying our HEAVENLY FATHER, which is what we should be all about!!