Watch out for those who cause divisions.

Romans 16:17-19, 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. 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. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.

One of my teachers ago observed that we don’t need devil’s advocates because he already has plenty of them! The advice here is strong regarding of the reality of people who have their own agenda and who promote it through sedition against the leaders of the church, through gossip and innuendo: avoid it at all costs. All the more reason that we also need to engage in devoted prayer for those whom God has given us a leaders in our local church, for they are under attack daily in various ways. Are we seeking godly wisdom in all that we do?

Protect our leaders from those who would do only what is right in their own eyes; give us wisdom in every situation by the power of your Holy Spirit, to the tearing down of strongholds!

ESV Lectionary