"Sower of Discord Among Brothers; 7 Sins God Hates" 2/10/26

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

I began a series of letters last year focused on the seven sins God hates recorded in Proverbs 6:16-19. These seven sins are a mirror to hold up to our lives so that we would see our sin clearly and turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and the power to change. Today's letter is the conclusion of that series. You can find the first installment here: 

https://www.christfellowshipcardston.com/post/hating-what-god-hates-9-30-25.

God's hatred for sin is certainly not a popular subject, but we need to hear the truth about sin. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and we need that truth if we would receive the gift of God which is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

The final sin mentioned by Solomon is the sin of sowing division between brothers. Divisions are inevitable in the world, but they are a great evil among brothers. Divisions may be sown in a variety of ways.  Sometimes by making a hill to die on where there should be brotherly disagreement (Paul writes in Romans 14-15 about several areas of disagreement that should not divide believers). Other times division arises due to jealousy and self-promotion. Paul exhorts Timothy about the man who loves quarrelling in 1 Timothy 6:3-6,

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4  he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5  and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6  But godliness with contentment is great gain (ESV)

Notice the person who teaches "a different doctrine" (v3) doesn't come right out and deny the teachings of Jesus. Instead he "quarrels about words." They argue "Jesus didn't mean ______ when he said that." But the root of their motivations is exposed by the fruit that follows such quarrels, "envy... evil suspicions... friction". In a word, divisions.

This is of such importance that Paul writes again about this to Timothy in his last letter, 

14  Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17  and their talk will spread like gangrene.....22  So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23  Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24  And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25  correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:14-17, 22-25 ESV)

The antidote to divisive quarrels: Rightly handle or rightly divide the word of truth (v15), stay out of such controversies (v23), and when necessary "correct with gentleness" (v25) which is the opposite spirit of the one who love such quarrels. Those who are given oversight in the church are particularly tasked with this responsibility as the Lord's servants. However, in a general sense all believers as God's servants may be called upon to correct such a person with gentleness.

What if someone refuses to listen? The Apostle Paul addresses this situation in two places Titus 3:8-11 and Romans 16:17.

"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." (Romans 16:17 ESV)

8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned (Titus 3:8-11 ESV)

If someone repeatedly refuses to listen to the scriptures, don't listen to them.

These scriptures serve as a warning to us, because the danger is real. But the blessing of striving for unity is equally as real.

Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity... for there the LORD has commanded a blessing forevermore (Psalm 133:1, 3). 

May God grant us then to be united in the truth of Christ. 

Peace be with you through Jesus our Lord,

Matt