Run to Christ

Introduction

<<CHILDREN’S WORSHIP>>

Paul dealing w/ pretenders

This is sort of a second pass at . Last week we looked at verses 17-18, and this week we’ll finish the section. When you look in your Bible, you’ll notice that this is a paragraph that’s sandwiched between greetings before and after. Last week, Pastor Keith mentioned that it sort of comes as a surprise if you’re reading Romans for the first time. But it’s not that unusual for Paul. In he does something similar - in the middle of travel plans and instructions about when Timothy and Apollos visit, he says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

cheetah farm

not a work it out area, not everyone who calls themselves a christian

these are people who compromise the message of the Gospel (Keith’s summary of Romans Gospel

“Be alert - there are some who will undermine/oppose, and sometimes they’re inside the church”

“Pretenders” - present themselves as Christians, but actually cause divisions, obstacles that oppose the Gospel as contained in the Scriptures. Actually serve their own appetites rather than Christ.

Danger is that they deceive the naive or as K said last week, the unsuspecting. Keith’s example of the cheetah farm, necessity of keeping watch.

Last week, 2 reasons to keep watch and avoid these “pretenders” - they’re servants of their own appetites; they are subtle deceivers -

Keith’s Spurgeon quote: “Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right”.

Implication: Those who don’t watch out are likely to be deceived!

Illust: “fake Cool Water cologne”… Han van Meegeren - brilliant forger, Dutch masters, esp. Vermeer, fooled even art critics & experts.

But Paul’s appeal to the Romans and to us is to be on the lookout - watch for pretenders & avoid them. Recognize them.

Today’s text,

>>

This is sort of a second pass at . Last week we looked at verses 17-18, and this week we’ll finish the section. When you look in your Bible, you’ll notice that this is a paragraph that’s sandwiched between greetings before and after. Last week, Pastor Keith mentioned that it sort of comes as a surprise if you’re reading Romans for the first time. But it’s not that unusual for Paul. In he does something similar - in the middle of travel plans and instructions about when Timothy and Apollos visit, he says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Final words tend to stick in the mind. Have you noticed? And final warnings often reveal how much someone worries or cares or loves you. I remember when I was a teenager taking road trips in the winter, in North Texas, where we didn’t get much snow but we got freezing rain from time-to-time, anytime I was going out-of-town or going back to college, my parents would hug me, they’d tell me they loved me, and my mom would say, “Be careful. Call us when you get there.

Remember: bridges and overpasses freeze first.” All these years later, those words are still with me.

Paul’s last words of warning to the Romans, amidst the affection and love, is this: Watch out for pretenders and avoid them.

Important that it stick with us, because full frontal assaults on our faith less likely to shake us than subtle deception that sneaks up on us when unsuspecting

Paul’s last words of warning to the Romans, amidst the affection and love, is this: Watch out for pretenders and avoid them.

Minneapolis <<bridge>>

Paul gives three reasons in verses 17-20. Pastor Keith covered the first two last week, and they were related to the nature of the pretenders: First, they present themselves as Christians, but actually cause divisions and obstacles that oppose God’s message of salvation. Second, they may name Christ, but they actually serve their own appetites and they do it by subtly deceiving the unsuspecting.

Last week, Pastor Keith concluded by calling us to respond to this warning not only by being watchful, but also by running to Christ. That’s where we start today.

In verses 19-20, Paul’s third reason is

Paul has a third reason in his final word of warning, to watch and avoid pretenders because

In verses 19-20, Paul’s third reason

a great contrast with folks that serve their own appetites.

Last week, saw that we should WATCH out and AVOID those we called PRETENDERS (explain briefly). Paul gave 2 big reasons last week based on what the pretenders are LIKE, and what they DO. This week, Paul gives us a THIRD reason to WATCH OUT and AVOID pretenders. But this third reason has to do with who WE are as followers of Christ.

Q. What’s the best way to disarm pretenders?

Or another way to ask it is, “How does our identity in Christ help us deal with pretenders?” We’ll see that Paul wants our identity in Christ to have three specific, practical results.

* <<READ v19>>

And the first starts with what we treasure. Specifically, in verse 19, that you treasure your identity in Christ by celebrating what Christ is doing among us; pursuing skill in doing good; and by rejecting as poison the knowledge of evil. Here’s verse 19: <<READ 19>>

<<READ 19>>

“Obedience” here is shorthand for “obedience of faith,” which Paul uses in ch. 1 and 16:26. Paul is rejoicing that so many Romans have come to faith in Christ, and that news is getting out everywhere!

On the one hand, that makes them a target for these pretenders. On the other, it means that they’ve got a reputation to protect - this good word about your salvation is too wonderful to play games with.

i.e. watch out & avoid pretenders, because they oppose the Gospel, they subtly deceive the unsuspecting, and this good word about your salvation is too wonderful to play games with.

REJOICE: In , Jesus tells three parables about things lost and found. First, he poses the question: Which man of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, wouldn’t pursue it, and find it, and lay it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and bring it back? Or which woman with ten silver coins, wouldn’t scour the house to find one lost one? The third story tells of a son who despises his father enough to demand his inheritance before his father has died, squanders it in wild living in a far country, and when he finds himself destitute and starving, comes to his senses and returns, broken with remorse, to his father.

In , Jesus tells three parables about things lost and found. First, he poses the question: Which man of you with a hundred sheep, if he lost one, wouldn’t pursue it, and find it, and lay it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and bring it back? Or which woman with ten silver coins, wouldn’t scour the house to find one lost one? The third story tells of a son who despises his father enough to demand his inheritance before his father has died, squanders it in wild living in a far country, and when he finds himself destitute and starving, comes to his senses and returns, broken with remorse, to his father.

The part I left out of the first two parables becomes really important here. Jesus says that when a man brings his lost sheep back, he will call his friends and neighbors together to rejoice with him. Jesus says the same of the woman who finds her lost coin. She’ll call her friends and neighbors together to rejoice with her. And Jesus says that this is what happens in heaven when Jesus saves someone lost in sin.

And when the lost son returns to his father, the father runs out to him, embracing & kissing him, exchanging his filthy rags for the best robe in the house, and new sandals, and a ring. He calls for a great feast, and says, “this my son was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”

It’s not business as usual in heaven when you put your trust in Christ for salvation.

When Paul rejoices over the salvation of the Roman Christians, he is just seeking to be like his Lord.

So, how should we deal with pretenders? The best way to disarm them starts with treasuring our identity in Christ. In ourselves and in one another. It is no small thing to be rescued from the darkness of sin. You were dead in your trespasses and sins and God made you alive in Christ Jesus by faith! You were without hope and without God in the world, but Christ Jesus brought you into God’s family and made you his child.

And let’s treasure this identity enough to want what Paul wanted for the Romans:

“I want you to be wise as to what is good

Wisdom is something that comes through practice, persistence, elbow grease, and commitment. I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos and read a bunch of This Old House books about how to fix this and that around the house, but you know, when something doesn’t go right, I call my friend Larry because he’s got the wisdom and skill of experience.

Wisdom is something that comes through practice, persistence, elbow grease, and commitment. I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos and read a bunch of This Old House books about how to fix this and that around the house, but you know, when something doesn’t go right, I call my friend Larry because he’s got the wisdom of experience. And over the years, I’ve started to be able to tell where something is not quite right and how to correct it.

To be wise as to what is good is to pursue skill in walking like Christ.

To be wise as to what is good is to pursue skill in walking like Christ. This is actually the center of what we call “discipleship.” Discipleship is walking with Jesus in order to become more like Him because we belong to Him by grace.

Paul is saying, “I want the whole world to see the long-term spiritual growth and progress in Christlikeness so I can keep on rejoicing over you.”

And, he says, “I want you to be innocent of evil.”

This is the other side of the coin from pursuing wisdom in walking with Christ. Paul doesn’t want us to be ignorant of evil, or naive and unsuspecting. To be innocent of evil requires us to identify it and flee it.

Yesterday, Heather found a tomato on the vine that looked good - nice and red - until she turned it and saw that the other side was rotten. She didn’t have to taste it to know it was bad.

Wisdom assumes experience. Innocence without ignorance requires recognizing, and rejecting, the poison of evil.

APPLY: So what are some ways we can apply v19?

To treasure our identity in Christ

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. ( ESV)

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ( ESV)

and innocent as to what is evil”

APPLY: So what are some ways we can celebrate what Christ is doing in us, grow wise as to what is good, and seek to be innocent of evil?

Start with celebrating what Christ is doing.

This is essential because we’re actually incapable of being wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil unless we’re first rescued from sin and death and belong to Jesus by faith.

I’m going to take us on a little journey back through Romans. Way back three years ago, when we started chapters 1-3, we summarized those chapters as “The Righteousness God Requires.” None of us can escape the truth that God made us and made the world to make it clear to us - that God is holy - He’s morally perfect, and truly good. And that presents a problem for us, because we’re neither morally perfect nor truly good. None of us meets the standard set for us. And one day, every one of us will have to stand before Him in judgment. If we’re going to rely on our own moral fiber to stand before God, we’re grossly unprepared for that day. All of us.

In our hearts, we actually all know this is true, because God made us to know it, and He made the world to make it clear to us - that God is holy - He’s morally perfect, and truly good. And that presents a problem for us, because we’re neither morally perfect nor truly good. None of us meets the standard set for us. And one day, every one of us will have to stand before Him in judgment. If we’re going to rely on our own moral fiber to stand before God, we’re grossly unprepared for that day. All of us.

But at the end of chapter 3, we read these beautiful words: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. ( ESV)

This is why we called “The Righteousness Christ Provides.” God, in His love, has provided what we could never do for ourselves. Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ will stand before God and be declared righteous, because by faith, you have been united with Christ. His righteousness is counted as yours by faith, and your sin is paid for by him on the cross.

And because you belong to Jesus by faith, His resurrection means that you will live forever.

This is the identity that we are to treasure. It’s also this that pretenders will attempt to undermine. Know your identity and treasure it. Here’s a couple ways to do that:

Jesus Christ took your sin, and paid the penalty for it in his own death, and

has turned away God’s righteous wrath for your sin

All of us, from the most morally-minded to the basest, will find that we can’t possibly

Maybe you haven’t thought about it this way before, but every time we have a baptism or news of a new Christian, we have an opportunity to rejoice with heaven that a lost sheep has been found. What about celebration when someone becomes a member of the church? When we say to one another, “I belong to you as members of one Body in Christ,” that’s a powerful alliance against the constantly shifting winds of false teaching from pretenders.

What about celebrating what’s going on in the lives of your small group? And by the way, Small Groups are launching for the fall in just a few weeks, so if you’re not already in a small group, you should join one and get ready to rejoice. Celebrate answered prayers. Celebrate victory over temptation. Celebrate growing in friendship with God. Celebrate the movement of God’s Spirit in peoples’ lives.

How can we grow wise as to what is good and seek to be innocent of evil?

The role of good works in the life of the Christian flows out of our identity in Christ. We are saved by grace alone - our salvation is completely a gift from God. And part of that gift is God’s own Holy Spirit dwelling in every single believer. We called “The Righteousness the Spirit Provides.” The Holy Spirit is God, working in you, to make you more and more like Jesus. it’s still a gift, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something for us to pursue. Here’s how Paul summarized it:

But we’ve been saved for a purpose. We called “The Righteousness the Spirit Provides.”

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. ( ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ( ESV)

Jesus put it this way in : "4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ( ESV)

Christ's work in us is worked out in our work for Christ

If wisdom is skill in being like Christ, I have a few suggestions for application:

Spend time with Jesus in prayer, reading, and really chewing on God’s Word. What can you learn from the character of Christ? Our upcoming Adult Discipleship Seminar on “Following Jesus” would be a great refresher. The point is: Get to know Jesus and make Him your model.

Second, decide it’s time to excel in Christlikeness through practice. Pick a ministry or service opportunity in the Church and throw yourself into it. This will also help you grow in wisdom because you’ll be serving Christ in community where we can build each other up in the Faith. Find a mentor and follow them as they follow Christ. That last part is important. Follow them as and only as they follow Christ. How do you know when they’re departing from Christ? By keeping His Word as your standard.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. ( ESV)

Let’s look at verse 20:

<<READ 20>>

So what’s the best way to disarm pretenders? First we said, “Treasure our identity in Christ.” Here, we’re reminded to trust your destiny in Christ.

The first promise of salvation in the Bible is in , where God says to Satan:

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he <<THE MESSIAH>> shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." ( ESV). This promise is accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross and will be completed when He returns. In we have a picture of what it means that He’s the God of Peace:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." ( ESV)

That’s what Paul means by “peace.” Peace in the New Testament always means the restoration of relationships, first with God and then with other people. That’s why says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But in the here and now, we’re waiting for the day when God crushes Satan at Christ’s return.

“Under your feet” - United with Christ by faith, plus the Church is His Body.

"Crush Satan" - Finally in w/ the final judgment & casting Satan into the lake of fire. How "under your feet"?

1. A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." ( ESV)

A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." ( ESV)

Rev 20

2. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. ( ESV)

You get his righteousness, life, and VICTORY!

3. In , w/ final casting of Satan, immediately after is the Resurrection & the VINDICATION of God's People, establishment of His eternal Kingdom

In , w/ final casting of Satan, immediately after is the Resurrection & the VINDICATION of God's People, establishment of His eternal Kingdom

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" 18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." ( ESV)

4. Earlier in , when God sends an angel to seize Satan & bind for 1000 years, immediately Christ establishes the Millennial Kingdom, where Jesus reigns on earth and gives authority to the martyrs to reign with Him.

Earlier in , when God sends an angel to seize Satan & bind for 1000 years, immediately Christ establishes the Millennial Kingdom, where Jesus reigns on earth and gives authority to the martyrs to reign with Him.

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" 18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." ( ESV)

5. Earlier, in , The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" 18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 , I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." ( ESV)

Earlier, in , The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" 18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 , I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." ( ESV)

APPLY: How does this promise help us "watch out" and "avoid" // disarm & deal with pretenders?

1. Clearly identifies them with Satan

As we learn to trust God’s promises & timing, won’t feel need to take matters into our own hands - we’ll remember that God’s got it!

2. Gives us reason not to do anything "foolish" by trying to crush them in advance

Gives us reason not to do anything "foolish" by trying to crush them in advance

1. First, b/c it might backfire - what if you don't crush them?

First, b/c it might backfire - what if you don't crush them?

2. Second, because it's outside the spirit of

Second, because it's outside the spirit of

1. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ( ESV)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ( ESV)

2. Note also parable of the wheat & weeds - what if you "crush" the wheat with the weeds ()

Note also parable of the wheat & weeds - what if you "crush" the wheat with the weeds ()

3. Third, because it is better to engage in debate or discussion with the purpose of BUILDING UP / PROTECTING the Flock rather than trying to "persuade pretenders" (who are by definition insincere!)

Third, because it is better to engage in debate or discussion with the purpose of BUILDING UP / PROTECTING the Flock rather than trying to "persuade pretenders" (who are by definition insincere!)

2. Know, believe, and remind yourself of the truth of God's promises in the Word

Know, believe, and remind yourself of the truth of God's promises in the Word

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." ( ESV)

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. ( ESV)

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." ( ESV)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." ( ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ( ESV)

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ( ESV)

3. Study & apply the Scriptures

Study & apply the Scriptures

4. Speak the truth to your own heart

Speak the truth to your own heart

Finally, let’s look at the end of verse 20, and our third point: Remember your dependence on Christ. <<READ 20b>>

This is where Paul ends his exhortation, and this is where we will conclude. Paul has a final “grace prayer” like this in every one of his letters, which I take to mean he thought it was very, very important.

Grace is one of those words Christians use, often without really thinking too much about it. Maybe we even forget what we mean. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It’s the heart of the Gospel. God’s undeserved blessing of love. Salvation apart from any merit on our part. Unmerited favor.

We often quote Paul and say we’re saved by grace through faith. But God is at work in us by grace even now. Our only hope to persevere in the face of things like pretenders who attempt to deceive us is God’s unmerited favor. You and I can’t merit - we can’t earn - God’s blessings now any more than we could before we were saved. But we need His favor. So we should pray for it, and we should pray for it for one another.

Right after having told the Roman Christians to keep watch & avoid the pretenders, and be wise as to what is good, Paul now prays that God would bless them with those things.

Paul now praying for them just as he asked them to pray for him:

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. ( ESV)

So I’d like to invite the music team to come and lead us in our final song with this in mind: I need God’s favor to disarm those who oppose the Gospel. And so do you, and so do our brothers and sisters in parts of the world where their lives are endangered by their testimony. There is only one rock on whom we can stand. Pray for God’s grace to carry you through this week. Pray for the person sitting next to you or in the pew behind you today. They need your prayers.

Run to Christ

Introduction

I. Treasure your identity in Christ (v19) “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil”

II. Trust your destiny in Christ (v20a) “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”

III. Remember your dependence on Christ (v20b) “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” ( ESV)