This morning we will conclude our study of the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul finishes the letter by cautioning the people against those who cause division in the church, then he gives some awesome words of encouragement about Christ's ability to keep His church safe.
"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." (Romans 16:17) They are to beware of troublemakers. You may have heard an expression that goes something like this, "When Satan couldn't beat the church, he joined it." Nothing from the outside has ever been able to stop the church, not even the fiercest persecution. But division within a church can cause a great deal of harm, for, "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:25)
What is the motivation of people who cause trouble in the church? "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." (Romans 16:18) There is something in these people that is satisfied by causing trouble. It could be that they feel desperately unhappy inside and can't stand to see others rejoicing in the joy of the Lord. Or it could be that there is something wicked in them that enjoys strife and deception. I don't know what is at the heart of their motivation, but Paul says to be on guard for this type of behavior in the church. It needs to be dealt with quickly.
"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." (Romans 16:19) The unbelieving world often wants to portray Christians as simple-minded, not realizing that the gospel of Christ is the greatest wisdom there is. Paul knows some may creep into the church teaching worldly, complicated, or legalistic methods of becoming right with God. He reminds the Roman believers that the gospel of Christ is easy to understand. He wants them to be wise about what the Lord wants and not to entertain the views of anyone who tries to complicate or skew the word of God.
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." (Romans 16:20) God told the serpent in the garden that One was coming from the offspring of Eve who would bruise his head. Christ has already won, having been victorious over death and the grave; He is more than capable of stomping down on any plot Satan forms against the church. These words should encourage us all.
"Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews." (Romans 16:22) It is believed Paul wrote the letter while in Corinth, and we find these good friends are there with him.
"I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord." (Romans 16:22) Paul was in the habit of dictating his letters, with the exception of his letter to the Galatians.
"Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and Quartus send you their greetings." (Romans 16:23) Gaius is probably one of the few people Paul baptized himself, for he mentions baptizing Gaius in 1 Corinthians 1:14.
"Now to Him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings through the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith---to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:25-27) Paul is saying, "All the glory goes to God who is able to help you to stand firm on the gospel, the same gospel I myself preach. The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah. The prophets foretold the calling of the Gentiles into God's family. We are living in an age when these prophecies are being fulfilled. Christ has come and has performed His redeeming work on behalf of mankind. Gentiles, such as you who are in Rome, are accepting Christ as Lord and becoming children of God. The wisdom of God's plan is so great that His plans were mysterious to us until they came to pass, but now we see what a great work He is doing on behalf of mankind. Glory to Him through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
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