Reading through Romans
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.
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Romans 16:17-20 NLT
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
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Reflection: Romans 16:17-20 (John Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World)
Conclusion: The providence of God in the ministry of Paul (Romans 15:14–16:27)
Paul takes the Roman church into his confidence about the salient characteristics of his ministry… giving us insight into the outworking of God’s providence in his life and work.
Paul’s warnings (Romans 16:17–20)
Paul… issues a threefold appeal— to vigilance, to separation and to discernment.
First, Paul pleads for vigilance: watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way, hindering your progress, that are (both of them) contrary to the teaching you have learned…. Paul takes it for granted, even thus early in the church’s history, that there is a doctrinal and ethical norm which the Romans must follow, not contradict; it is preserved for us in the New Testament.
Second, Paul calls for separation from those who deliberately depart from the apostolic faith…. What is the essence of their deviation? Paul tells us – self-indulgence…. By smooth talk and flattery… ‘they seduce the minds of simple people with smooth and specious words’ (REB).
Third, Paul urges the Romans to grow in discernment…. J. B. Phillips: ‘I want to see you experts in good, and not even beginners in evil.’ Three tests to apply to different systems of doctrine and ethics—biblical, Christological and moral tests. We could put them in the form of questions about any kind of teaching we come across. Does it agree with Scripture? Does it glorify the Lord Christ? Does it promote goodness?
In verse 20 Paul adds an assurance to his warning…he wants the Roman Christians to know that there is no doubt about the ultimate outcome, the triumph of good over evil…. God’s peace allows no appeasement of the devil. It is only through the destruction of evil that true peace can be attained…. Such victories would be impossible, however, apart from grace.
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“STOMP on the devils head SHEKINAH GLORY”
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Canticle
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Blessing
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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