Watchers at War: Divisive Spirits in the Last Days

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the Apostle Paul warns of the perilous times that will characterize the last

days: "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of

self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,

treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form

of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these."

While this passage speaks broadly about the state of humanity, it serves as a sobering reminder

for believers: even within the Church and prophecy community, the enemy seeks to sow seeds of 

division. Divisive spirits often target the fellowship of believers, exploiting non-salvific and

extra-biblical issues to fracture the body of Christ.

This article explores the rise of these divisive spirits, particularly within the prophecy

community, and calls for discernment, humility, and unity as we anticipate the Lord's return.

The Rise of Divisive Spirits

Jesus warned that division would increase in the last days, even among His followers. In

Matthew 24:10-12, He said: "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and

hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is

increased, most people’s love will grow cold."

While the prophecy community should be a source of encouragement and edification (1

Thessalonians 5:11), it has become, at times, a breeding ground for division. Debates over the

timing of the Rapture, interpretations of symbolic imagery, and even speculative theories about

current events have driven wedges between brothers and sisters in Christ.

This spirit of division is not from God but is a tactic of the enemy, who seeks to disrupt unity in

the body of Christ. James 3:14-16 reminds us: "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish

ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that

which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish

ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing."

Extra-Biblical and Non-Salvific Issues

Many divisions stem from debates over issues that are not explicitly addressed in Scripture or are 

not essential to salvation. Examples include:

 The Timing of the Rapture: While the pre-tribulation Rapture view is well-supported

biblically, some believers favor mid-tribulation, post-tribulation, or pre-wrath views.

While such discussions can be fruitful, they often devolve into accusatory language and

prideful attitudes.

 The Identity of the Antichrist: Speculations about who the Antichrist might be or where 

he will arise are interesting but ultimately speculative. Scripture encourages us to watch

and be prepared, not to engage in endless debates (Matthew 24:42).

 Current Events: Some disagreements arise over whether certain events fulfill specific

prophecies. While it is wise to discern the times (Matthew 16:3), divisive arguments over

interpretations detract from the greater mission of proclaiming the Gospel.

 Politics: Disagreements over political preferences (especially the 2024 U.S. Presidential

election) can become a source of unnecessary division, detracting from the gospel's

central message and the unity Christ calls believers to maintain.

These issues, while fascinating and worth discussing, do not impact the core tenets of

Christianity: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the promise

of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9). When believers elevate non-salvific matters to a place of

primary importance, they risk falling into pride and contention.

The Role of False Teachers and Accusers

Another factor contributing to division is the influence of false teachers and those who accuse

fellow believers. While discernment is essential, some individuals use discernment ministries as

platforms to attack others in the prophecy community. This behavior aligns more with the

accuser of the brethren, Satan (Revelation 12:10), than with Christ’s call to edify and build up.

Titus 3:9-11 instructs us: "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and

disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a

first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-

condemned."

We must distinguish between exposing heresy and fostering unnecessary division over

disputable matters. Genuine heresy denies core doctrines of the faith, such as the deity of Christ

or salvation by grace. Extra-biblical speculation, while worth examining, should not become a

litmus test for orthodoxy.

A Spirit of Humility and Love

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to pursue humility, and love within the body of Christ. Paul

exhorts us in Ephesians 4:1-3: "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a

manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness,

with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of

the Spirit in the bond of peace."

When we encounter disagreements, particularly on prophetic matters, our response should be

marked by grace and humility. Galatians 5:14-15 warns: "For the whole Law is fulfilled in one

word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one  

another, take care that you are not consumed by one another."

Practical Steps to Combat Division

1. Stay Grounded in Scripture: We must prioritize biblical truth over personal opinions or 

speculative interpretations. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the

Scriptures daily to see whether things were true.

2. Exercise Discernment: Not every debate or disagreement requires engagement. Proverbs 

26:4-5 advises: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him.

Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes."

3. Pray for Unity: Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the prophecy community and the

Church toward unity and humility. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our concerns

to God with thanksgiving.

4. Focus on the Gospel: Let the message of salvation in Christ remain central to all

discussions. Romans 1:16 reminds us: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the

power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the

Greek."

5. Avoid Personal Attacks: In debates, focus on ideas, not individuals. Colossians 4:6

instructs: "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that

you will know how you should respond to each person."

6. Remember the Enemy’s Schemes: The true battle is not against flesh and blood but

against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Division within the Church is one of 

Satan’s most effective strategies.

Conclusion: Standing United in Christ

As we approach the culmination of history and anticipate the Lord’s return, the prophecy

community must strive for unity. Divisive spirits thrive when believers lose sight of the Gospel

and elevate non-salvific issues above Christ’s command to love one another (John 13:34-35).

May we heed Paul’s exhortation in Romans 15:5-6: "Now may the God who gives perseverance

and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ

Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ."

In these perilous times, let us stand firm, united in faith and love, as we eagerly await the blessed 

hope of Christ’s glorious appearing (Titus 2:13). By doing so, we will glorify God and fulfill our

mission as His ambassadors in a divided and dying world.