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Question 1

Paul commands the Romans to “mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the teaching that you have learned and avoid them”; what specific behaviors would qualify as “divisions and offenses” in a real congregation, and how does that command challenge modern instincts to keep everyone included at almost any cost?

Another way to ask: What actions in a real church would count as causing “divisions and offenses,” and how does Paul’s command to avoid those people go against our desire to include everyone no matter what?

Direct Answer Based on David Bercot’s teaching, “divisions and offenses” are actions that split the church and trip people up by promoting teaching “contrary” to the apostolic gospel—especially the Judaizers’ push to make salvation depend on the law. Paul’s command challenges the modern instinct to endlessly include because he tells believers to identify divisive teachers and “avoid them,” not keep platforming them.

Support from Transcript:

Paul’s instruction is explicit: “mark those who cause divisions and offenses… and avoid them.”
Bercot ties “division” to Jesus’ warning: “He who does not gather with me scatters,” and says, “Causing division in the church is no minor sin.”
He connects it to false teaching: “Contrary to the teaching that you have learned… salvation is not through the law.”
He identifies likely offenders: “The Judaizers were most likely the main ones causing divisions in the church at Rome.”
The method includes manipulation: “by good words and fair speeches, they deceive the hearts of the simple,” which creates “offenses” by misleading the gullible.

Discussion Follow-ups What would “avoid them” look like in your setting (refusing teaching roles, limiting influence, formal separation), and what fears keep churches from doing it?

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