Romans 16:17-18
I urge you, brothers and sisters, 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.
Acts 20:30
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
Devotion
As Paul closes out his letter to the church at Rome, he injects a stern warning in the middle of his greetings to numerous saints. He warned the believers in Rome to “watch out for those who create divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.” Already, heresy had found its way into the early church in the teachings of Gnosticism. Satan and false teachers will always attack the church. Paul was warning them to be alert and avoid false teachers.
In verse eighteen, Paul describes the false teachers that they are to watch out for and avoid. These false teachers serve their own appetites. In other words, they have selfish motives for what they are doing. In his farewell address to the Ephesian Elders, Paul warned that, “savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” Paul then instructs them, “Be on your guard!”
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul writes, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” False teachers and false doctrines have been around since the early days of the church. We are called to “watch out” and “be alert” for these ravenous wolves. Their motives are selfish, and their methods are to confuse the saints. This is why understanding doctrine is so important. This is why Paul implores Titus to “teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine…and refute those who oppose it.” This is why Paul instructs Timothy to “watch your life and doctrine closely.”
In the book of Romans, Paul writes out his Christology. He explains Biblical Christianity to the first century believers in Rome. We would do well to read and study this book so that we will recognize false teachers and false doctrines when they appear.
Questions to Ponder:
Have you ever been involved in a disagreement or division in your church? If so, what was the cause of the problem? How did you respond to it? What did you learn in that situation that can help you avoid division in the future? What are some of the potential issues that could cause division in the church? Would you recognize a “false gospel” if you heard it? What can you do to “watch out” and “be alert” for those who might present a false gospel? Do you need to learn how to build unity?
Prayer Points
- Worship the Lord as the Head of the Church, Good Shepherd, Faithful Father.
- Thank Abba for every pastor, reverend, priest, Christ-centered teacher/pastor that has helped you on your journey as a Christian.
- Lift up in prayer every church (all the denominations that exalt Jesus Christ as Lord). Pray for the Shepherds of these different churches. Pray John 17 over them. Pray for protection, unity, and for God to set them apart for His glory. Pray that they may be one, united to bring Jesus glory and honor.
- Pray for all the saints (brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ) in our church family and in and through the greater one church. Pray they will be rooted and grounded in the word of God. Pray they will study and live out the Word of God, use their gifts to edify the church family and further the kingdom of God.
- Pray for Pastor Bob, Shirley, all of our pastors, leaders, elders, life group leaders, shepherds and lay leaders. Pray they will be encouraged by the Lord and persevere. May they be empowered by the Holy Spirit and feel the Lord’s pleasure and delight in and through them.
Suggested Prayer
Oh Father, it is Your will that Your church may be one and that Your love for us overflows to those around us. Help us by the power of Your Holy Spirit to love, serve, forgive and to make every effort to keep the unity, speak truth in love, pray for one another and defend one another. Oh Father, demolish anger, pride, hate, deceitfulness and jealousy in us. Release a spirit of prayer and intercession so that when we come against those who want to divide in our families, work places, church and in the market place, we can stand strong in the power of Your love. Keep our lips from speaking evil, keep our feet from rushing to evil, help us to pray and stand firm in You and Your mighty power and great love. Oh Father, help us to choose the way of love and to protect. In the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.