A Warning, a Promise, and a Prayer
INTRO
I. WARNING ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS (vv. 17-19).
A. Duty toward false teachers (v. 17).
1) “Keep your eye on those who cause” -
a) Dissensions – the word means a division into opposing groups. These false teachers are masters at being church splitters.
b) hindrances = stumbling blocks. These false teachers want to damage and destroy Christ’s followers.
c) contrary to the teaching which you learned. By adding this, Paul makes it clear that the stumbling blocks are primarily false doctrines. They reject the truths taught in Romans, they probably teach a form of works salvation.
2) “turn away from them”. Shun them, do not fellowship with them, avoid them. They come as wolves in sheep’s clothing (Mt. 7:15-16).
B. Reasons for turning away from false teachers (v. 18).
1) They are slaves of their own appetites (v. 18). What does this mean?
Bottom line: their motives are wrong.
2) They are master deceivers (v. 18). “They deceive the hearts of the unwary.”
Deceive – cf. 2Cor. 11:3, 13-15.
“unwary or unsuspecting” is literally “innocent.” Here = the naïve of proverbs, one who is gullible and undiscerning.
3) The Roman believers are a tempting prey (v. 19).
II. A PROMISE OF VICTORY (v. 20).
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Gen. 3:15. Is this a promise of future deliverance at the final judgment or specific to the church at Rome in light of the above?
III. A PRAYER FOR GRACE (v. 20).
Typical of Paul, always wanting the grace of Christ to be with the saints for this is the essential ingredient of our spiritual growth and prosperity.
POINTS TO PONDER:
Let’s consider the importance of this in a more general way. Look up Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:14 .
1) The importance of unity.
So how do we attain unity of the Spirit in the church, in our home, between husband and wife, between people at work, with whom you disagree in the body of Christ, then we must pursue:
a) humility -
b) gentleness -
c) patience and forbearance –
d) love – the perfect bond of unity (Col. 3:14);
e) Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace requires diligence.
2) The importance of shunning dissension.