Tag: Romans 16
Guard your heart!
Scripture reading for July 4: Romans 16
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Romans 16:17-20
As Paul closes his letter to the believers in Rome naming many of them personally. He appeals to them as a brother in Christ, assuring them God knows their names. Watchfulness is encouraged because of those in the church that work against the Lord Jesus to cause divisions and create obstacles. Paul’s teaching of sound doctrine and the whole counsel of God would help them identify such threats to their unity and avoid them. They must recognize that there is a spiritual war going on and Satan, their enemy, wants to steal their unity and peace. Those opposing them disguise themselves with ‘smooth talk’ and ‘flattery’ to gain control. Believers keep their focus on the Lord and obey the Word of God taught to them.
Paul encourages them that the “God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” This statement helps us understand that deliverance from the spiritual battle requires a long obedience and daily walk of faith. This means that they become wise to what is good and stay innocent of evil. God is with them and for them, but they must do the walking out of His Word, trusting Him to defend them and give them victory. It is by faith through grace that we will stand after the battle is over. Paul rejoiced over them even now for their obedient faith. God rejoices with them and us!
Does your current world view help you understand the spiritual war that is happening each day? Are you gathering with other believers to encourage each other in the need for perseverance? Have you experienced or noticed those in the Body of Christ that cause divisions or deception through flattery?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for spiritual leaders like Paul who love the Church and appeal to believers to encourage them. Give me discernment each day concerning Satan’s attacks and those used by him to cause division and distort Truth. Use me to encourage other believers to press on to victory. Amen.
Keep away from divisive people!
Scripture reading for July 5th: Romans 16
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Romans 16:17-20 “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will son crush Satan under your feet. The Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Paul had closed this letter with numerous personal references to people in the church community. The church is built on quality relationships through personal relationship with Jesus Christ. However, there are those that are in the church or come into it that are there to cause division. Paul warned the church and us today to watch out for them. They will be recognized by actions and teaching contrary to the Word of God and they do not serve the Lord Jesus but their own appetites! These people use smooth talk and flattery to draw people away, thus causing division. Believers are to have nothing to do with them, being wise to what is good! God is a God of peace, crushing Satan under the feet of His victorious Church!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers will be wise as serpents but harmless as doves concerning divisive people who live contrary to sound doctrine. God’s grace brings victory! “The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.” (Proverbs 16:17)
Glory To the only Wise God!
Scripture reading for July 6th: Romans 16
Paul concluded his letter to the Roman believers with some personal greetings! He mentioned 36 people by name and referenced churches and other groups of believers associated with the individuals. Our God cares and knows each person by name! Good pastors know people by name and care for them personally!”
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.” (Romans 16:17-19)
Paul warned the believers about people causing division or adding rules or anything that would hinder their spiritual walk. “Keep away from them!” was his simple advice! He also encouraged them to live a pure life and to avoid evil. Some today advocate allowing or experiencing the world so that believers can be more understanding and relevant. Paul taught that it was right for believers to maintain an innocence towards the world and it’s evil and grow in wisdom about what is good! We would do well to put this into practice with our own families! Much of what we call ‘entertainment’ would have to be removed from our homes and lives! We need more ‘wisdom’ about what is good in God’s sight!
“Now unto Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, . . .by the command of the Eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!” Romans 16:25-27