It is interesting to me what Paul wrote and was concerned about in Acts 20:28-33…

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.  29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Not everyone who is a member of the church is a sheep nor are they wheat.  Some are wolves and/or tares.  Which means they are not genuine believers, but rather individuals who are used by the Adversary (Satan) to attempt to disrupt God’s people’s fellowship.  In fact, there are wolves… fierce wolves… in EVERY congregation/church.  The way to identify these individuals is actually very easy… what is the effect of their activity in the church?

It is written in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”

Ask this question… does a person bring healing, peace, and unity in a congregation by what they say and do?  If the answer is yes, then they are people who are “Sons of God.”  Along with that, their actions will be consistent with Scripture and honoring unto God.  If they are always causing disharmony, strife, and or division… then they are not of God.  If their actions are inconsistent with the mandates of Scripture… they are not of God.  It is clear in Scripture how those who stir things up in church are to be treated.  Consider Titus 3:10…

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him…

That sounds harsh, but remember that God is serious about protecting His bride… the Church.  In fact, God is so serious about it that He put this passage in Proverbs 6:16, 19…

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him:…  19 A false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Notice it ISN’T written that God hates the discord someone causes… but the person who causes the discord.  If God has that view of people who divide human families… how much more is it true of those who cause division among brothers and sisters in Christ… in HIS family?!

Sad thing is… those who cause dissension in the church are so blind they actually believe they are doing what they should!  I know, I’ve observed them first hand at two churches I’ve served.

The Antidote is simple.  So simple in fact that I’m going to end this post with Scripture.  Read it and note the emphasis placed within the text.  It is found in Ephesians 4:27, 29-32…

Give no opportunity to the devil. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.