Watch Out

Introduction

When we come to chapter 16 of the book of Romans, we discover the longest list of greetings in any of his epistles or letters.

It begins by introducing Phobe to us.

A Servant of the church in Cenchrea.

Paul considered her one of the saints.

She was a great help to many—Including Paul

Greetings!

This is the longest greeting section of any of Paul’s epistles. He sends greetings to more than 26 people. Only two are mentioned in Paul’s other writings. Priscilla and Aquila are the only two mentioned elsewhere.

Paul closes this section with two interesting things.

Holy Kiss

In Paul’s day this was similar to a handshake. Today in many Eastern countries today, they still greet each other with a kiss on one or both cheeks.

All the churches send greetings.

Paul could say this, because he has been to most of the churches.

Romans 16:17–18 NIV84

I urge you, brothers, 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.

Romans 16:17-18

Watch Out!

Paul tells those in Rome to watch out. In the Greek, this phrase has an interesting meaning. It can mean “spy out.” But it also means to contemplate—or think about.

So as followers of Jesus we are to uncover and watch carefully a particular group of people.

Those who cause dissensions

Again, this has the idea of causing separation, or factions. Literally it means to cause two groups to come out of one.

Those who cause hindrances

This has the idea of “hidden traps” or “hidden triggers.” So those who cause hindrances are often subtle or secret in their approaches.

Dissensions & Hindrances contrary to the teaches you’ve already learned

The key to these people is that they are constantly stirring up trouble trying to lead people away from the truth. They are not servants of Jesus Christ.

Keep Away

Paul warns the reader that we need to keep away from such people—while this sounds harsh, it isn’t. Remember their goal is to lead people astray and get them to follow Satan and the world.

Slaves:

Contrary to what most people believe, we are ALL slaves to someone.

Those who do not know Jesus are slaves to their own appetites—in other words they are slaves to Satan and the things of this world.

Their Work

Smooth Talk

This is great, they will use attractive speech, or repetitive speech. They will try to work to deceive you.

Flattering Speech

They will tell you how wonderful you are when they really you may not be that great!

They deceive naive people

Deception is easy to understand. These people lie to get whatever they want. The Greek actually means, “they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”

I like this translation better than the NIV’s translations, “deceive the minds of naive people.”

That’s the reason Paul begins with the idea of “spying out” these false teachers.

Romans 16:19 NIV84

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Praise for Obedience

Paul says that everyone has heard about the Romans’ obedience. Their obedience fills Paul full of joy. Yet he still has a goal for them, and it’s a goal that we too should have!

Wise about what is good!

Innocent about what is evil.

When I read this two things come to mind: First what is good? Jesus said there is no one good but God ().

Evil is anything that goes against God—or stands opposed to God and His rules.

The more we get to know God, the more we should obey God, and the more we obey God the more good is in us.

However the opposite is true too. The more we seek to live our lives by our rules the more evil we become because we fail to be obedient.

Wise about good comes when we live obediently to Jesus. And thus the more we innocent we are about evil.

But when evil fills our thoughts we are obviously not innocent of it, and we won’t be wise about goodness.

God will soon crush Satan under our feet.

When we live obedient lives, and know what we believe and why we believe it, we don’t fall for all the stupid and foolish arguments (). This will end up crushing Satan under our feet.

One more thing. Notice that God does the crushing—not us, it just happens under our feet!

Conclusion

Paul closes the book with greetings of those who are with him. Finally, he gives a final benediction of sorts.

Romans 16:25–27 NIV84

Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Romans 16:

It’s ALL About God!