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Mark the threefold division of the verse.

I. THEY WERE SEPARATISTS. "These are they who make separations." Perhaps as "spiritual" persons, who regard things of sense as so indifferent that they may be enjoyed without risk to the soul.

1. Church divisions are usually grounded on separations from the Church's doctrine. Those who bring in "damnable heresies" "draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:30).

2. Separations may be justified by the Church's departure from the truth. This is the justification of Protestantism in withdrawing from the Church of Rome in the sixteenth century.

3. Separations, originated by scoffing sensualists,

(1) have their origin in unbelief and pride;

(2) engender hatred;

(3) and end in the destruction of immortal souls.

II. THEY WERE SENSUAL. "Sensual."

1. Sensuality, or the idea of an enlarged liberty in sinful enjoyment, is often the motive of separations.

2. Corrupt affections blind the judgment and harden the conscience. Burns says that sensuality "hardens a' within." It turns Christianity into epicurism.

3. Sensuality destroys the soul eternally. "They who sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption" (Galatians 6:8). "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die," (Romans 8:13).

III. THEY ARE WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. "Having not the Spirit."

1. Sanctity and sensuality cannot dwell together.

2. Those who want the Spirit are easily carried away into sensual sin. Therefore David prayed, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me" (Psalm 51:11).

3. Saints ought to seek the Spirit of holiness, love, meekness, and truth. "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). - T.C.

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KJV: These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

WEB: These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit.