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17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. 18 For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. 19 For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 

To put this scripture into context we see that it is from a letter Paul writes to the church in Rome. By this time, 56-57 C.E., the church in Rome is in a state of transition as the Emperor Claudius in 49 C.E, expelled the Jews, including Jewish Christians, from Rome. When Claudius died and they returned, Jewish Christians found a church now run by Gentile Christians, whose numbers had increased. Tensions were inevitable. In writing this letter Paul’s main intents are to heal the divisions and to resolve any misunderstandings about his view of the gospel.

Paul is very clear in his message about people who break church unity; avoid them! At the same time, he praises the Roman believers for their belief in the truth and for their loyalty. For me the most impactful message is given in verse 20. The message of Hope for Victory that even when there is trouble, God is the source of peace and Paul ends it with a reminder that the grace of Jesus is with them.

In today’s world while we face ongoing divisions around us, sometimes in our neighborhoods, communities, our families and yes even in our church family this serves as a reminder that the ultimate triumph over evil and the ultimate author of those divisions is already secured by God. Blessed assurance!

Dear Lord, Help us to be mindful of those people and ideas that can cause dissensions and whose words do not serve your people and your Kingdom. Keep before us your message that evil will always lose to your love and grace.

Sharon Rhodes

Sharonrhodes76@hotmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For those who allow self-interest to get in the way of the greater good.

Additional scriptures: Genesis 28; 10-17, Psalm 106; 1-12