In the context of the Bible, the term "divisive" refers to actions, behaviors, or teachings that cause division or discord within the body of believers. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to recognize and respond to divisive individuals and teachings, emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony within the church.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:17-18 : "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive."

In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns the Roman church to be vigilant against those who cause divisions by promoting teachings that deviate from apostolic doctrine. Paul instructs believers to avoid such individuals, highlighting the danger they pose to the spiritual health of the community.

2. Titus 3:10-11 : "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned."

Paul advises Titus to deal decisively with those who persist in divisive behavior. After providing warnings, if the individual remains unrepentant, they are to be rejected, indicating the seriousness with which the early church viewed divisiveness.

3. 1 Corinthians 1:10 : "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction."

Here, Paul appeals to the Corinthian church to maintain unity and avoid divisions. The emphasis is on being united in thought and purpose, reflecting the unity that should characterize the body of Christ.

Characteristics of Divisive Behavior:

· Contrary Teaching: Divisive individuals often introduce doctrines or interpretations that conflict with established biblical teachings, leading to confusion and discord.

· Self-Serving Motives: As noted in Romans 16:18, divisive people may be driven by personal gain or ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve Christ.

· Deceptive Communication: They may use persuasive language and flattery to sway others, preying on the unsuspecting or less mature in faith.

Response to Divisiveness:

The biblical response to divisiveness involves a combination of discernment, admonition, and, if necessary, separation. Believers are called to:

· Exercise Discernment: Be aware of teachings and behaviors that do not align with Scripture.

· Admonish with Love: Offer correction and guidance to those who may be causing division, with the hope of restoration.

· Protect the Community: If an individual remains unrepentant, the church is instructed to distance itself to preserve unity and protect the faith community from further harm.

Theological Implications:

Divisiveness is seen as a threat to the unity and purity of the church. The New Testament underscores the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity and relational harmony, reflecting the unity of the Godhead and the testimony of the church to the world. The call to unity is not merely organizational but deeply theological, rooted in the nature of God and the work of Christ in reconciling humanity to Himself and to one another.1. (a.) Indicating division or distribution.

2. (a.) Creating, or tending to create, division, separation, or difference.

139. hairesis -- choice, opinion
... 15:5; 26:5). [As a feminine noun, 139 () highlights the subjective () nature
of a (divisive) .]. Word Origin from haireo Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/139.htm - 7k

Still Another Triplet
... also.'. II. The divisive power of selfish ambition. 'Set not ... death.'. III.
The divisive power of intellectual self-conceit. In this ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet 2.htm

Private Property and the Common Good
... Fifth Day: The Divisive Influence of Riches. ... In addition to the blight of character,
wealth exerts a desocializing and divisive influence. ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter viii private property and.htm

Thomas and Jesus
... The hub was taken out of the wheel, and the spokes fell apart. The divisive tendency
was begun, as I have had occasion to remark in other sermons. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/thomas and jesus.htm

Chapter xi
... Besides a knowledge of the origin of sin and its divisive effects in general; besides
a knowledge of the first great judgment upon the earth"the Flood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xi.htm

January the Ninth the Perils of Possessions
... POSSESSIONS. GENESIS xiii.1-9. There is nothing more divisive than wealth. As
families grow rich their members frequently become alienated. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/january the ninth the perils.htm

Phoebe
... that the members of Paul's churches could ever be brought together, and that their
consciousness of oneness could ever overpower the tremendous divisive forces ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/phoebe.htm

The Solidarity of the Human Family
... A world-wide civilization must have a common monotheistic faith as its spiritual
basis. Such a faith must be unitive and not divisive. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ii the solidarity of.htm

After the War.
... There is equal reason to fear that at present, in many cases, it works to their
serious detriment. The effect of the war was not exclusively divisive. ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... experienced heart is required. So I hold that no false Christian or divisive
spirit can be a good translator. That is obvious given ...
/.../luther/an open letter on translating/nuremberg sept 15 1530 to.htm

An Account of the General Conference of 1800
... you find that your divisions end in a greater union, order, and harmony of the body,
so that the threatened cloud may blow over, and your divisive party may be ...
/.../chapter 4 an account of.htm

Divisive (1 Occurrence)
... difference. Multi-Version Concordance Divisive (1 Occurrence). Titus 3:10 Avoid
a factious man after a first and second warning; (See NIV). ...
/d/divisive.htm - 6k

Divisions (92 Occurrences)

/d/divisions.htm - 37k

Divorce (18 Occurrences)

/d/divorce.htm - 41k

Persecution (22 Occurrences)
... One reason probably was that the ability of those emperors led them to see that
the religion of Christ is really a divisive factor in any kingdom in which ...
/p/persecution.htm - 47k

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