Marking and Exposing False Teachers

The apostle Paul wrote “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom 16:17-18).  There is no option here.  There is no “you can, if you want to,” this is an obligation that Christians have toward false teachers whether they like it or not.  There are many things in the Christian life that are not comfortable, but they are still obligations that must be fulfilled.  If we are going to be the servants of righteousness we are going to have to mark those who cause division in our ranks.  There are six things that the Lord hates, according to David and the seventh (he that sows discord among brethren) is an abomination (Prov. 6:16-19).  Thus it behooves us to mark those who cause division and contention.