Troublers of Israel
Who are the real troublemakers in the house of God today? It is not those who sigh and cry over the abominations of the church. It is not those who expose sin and testify against the wicked deeds of religious leaders and those at ease in Zion.
No, all division is caused by compromise. All trouble in God’s house is the result of apostasy and the forsaking of the Lord’s commandments. “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:16, NKJV). Paul warned, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). But who were these people causing offenses contrary to the doctrine taught?
They were none other than a self-centered, backslidden group. This proves that division is often caused by pride, arrogance, and catering to self-interests. Paul explained, “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18). Those who are soft on sin, overlooking evil deeds and crying unity, are the real diversionists. The true body of Christ has never been nor ever will be divided. Those in holy union with Christ are already united to each other. Sin is the divider!
Paul and Silas were brought before the magistrates of the city of Philippi, having been accused of “exceedingly troubling” the city (see Acts 16:20). They were beaten and cast into prison as a result of the trouble they had caused. What was this exceeding great trouble? Paul and Silas had cast an evil spirit out of a damsel who had “…who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling….when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas” (Acts 16:16,19).
When self-interest is threatened in any way, the cry goes up, “Troublemakers! Division! Threat to unity!” Paul and Silas had uncovered a religious con game, a demonic deception under the guise of religion. It was a very profitable scheme for a select few who knew how to manipulate undiscerning crowds. Those who accused Paul and Silas of causing dissension had ulterior motives, and they refused the call to repent and walk in holiness. God, give us more troublers of Israel who are not afraid to stand up against religious hypocrisy and disobedience!