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.
Romans 16:17-18

The Bible has a lot to say about how we should tolerate other Christians who may have differences in the way they understand His words with love, humility and patience. At the same time there are these heartfelt warnings about not putting up with actual false teaching about God. “I appeal to you, brothers,” means, “Please, please, listen and heed this!”

Who is it that God pleads with us to watch out for? Those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to what the Bible teaches. He doesn’t tell us to hunt them down and burn them at the stake; we’re told simply to “avoid them.” That’s all; it’s very simple.

They deceive hearts “by smooth talk and flattery.” They’re really good at making their ideas that contradict the Bible sound reasonable and good.

They deceive the hearts of the naive: of those who either don’t know any better, or who, wanting to be polite, let the smooth talkers smooth-talk until they don’t know up from down or left from right.

Lord, thank You for Your Word, the true light that shines in the dark and is not overcome by it. Give me a wise and discerning heart. This world is full of smooth talkers and deceivers. “Give me understanding, that I may live!” Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles