16th December 2023

16th December 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read (Romans 16v17-18)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


I'm certain that if you spotted a woman coming towards you this Sunday looking to greet you with a holy kiss (v16), you would probably see her coming and everyone else would notice your panic.  In the same manner you and everyone else should be mindful that not everyone in the local fellowship is on the side of Jesus. That sounds immediately controversial but nevertheless it is true. 


Paul urged the Romans to watch out for those within the fellowship who caused division and taught false doctrine (v17). I'm sure there's no one like that in your church but let's imagine for a second that such an individual did exist in your congregation - how should you respond? Paul's advice is uncompromising as he counsels us to avoid those who cause division and teach heresy.


The modern church struggles with such teaching because we see "being nice" as the Christian's chief virtue. We like to think that everyone's motives are pure and gone are the days that the church needed to be on guard for divisive false teachers. Brothers and sisters, may we wake up. Not everyone who sits beside you on Sunday is on the side of Christ. They may not openly preach "other gospels" and they may not loudly cause division but there often comes a moment that the true face displays itself.


If you find yourself in a Bible study and an individual constantly denies orthodox Christian teaching then be careful! If you wonder why "Tom" is always negative and always unfriendly and always dissatisfied then be careful! Churches have been ripped apart by smooth talk, flattery and deception (v18) and so we must be careful that we are not the well meaning but naive Christians who believe "it will never happen here".


Paul was no fool and although most of chapter sixteen is filled with joyful greetings to beloved Christians, the Apostle still took time to remind the Romans that there are always wolves among the flock of God. Such persons do not serve Jesus but themselves (v18a). Nothing has changed and so dear brothers and sisters, watch out for such trouble makers and avoid them. This may not seem very "nice" but it Biblically very necessary.
 
Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q17 Into what estate did the fall bring mankind? The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
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