Exploring Romans #24

Recap:

Romans 16:17–18 NKJV

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Belly means - Appetite

People serve themselves instead of God

So often our appetite is contrary to the will of God.

Today’s Lesson

Romans 16:19–20 NKJV

19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

After talking about disobedient people Paul immediately speaks of the church at Rome’s OBEDIENCE.

We must remember that Paul had bee writing Rome because of the division between the Jews and gentiles they had been battling with.

He warns them of people who cause division and then says “BTW everyone knows how obedient your are”.

He said “I’m glad because of your obedience” “BUT”

Wouldn’t you know it…There’s always gotta be a BUT in the story.

Paul was glad that the church was obedient but he felt the need to make them aware of what could and would happen if they let their guard down.

Paul said “I want to make you wise in what is good and simple”

Good and simple

God please give us a teachable spirit.

Then Paul says “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly”

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly

God of Peace not war

What peace was Paul speaking about?

Was Paul referring to God as the God of Peace or could it possibly have been the God found in PEACE?

Remember Paul’s whole letter to the churches at Rome was a letter of Unity.

It is certain that God can bring or produce peace but what if God shows up when people live in peace?

So the God of Peace will crush satan under your feet soon.

Crushing something or someone doesn’t seem to be to peaceful.

When we walk in peace God will show up and crush our enemies.

Notice that Paul didn’t say that God would crush satan under His feet. He said God would crush satan under our feet.

Obedience:

I would rather be broke and obedient than rich and rebellious

I believe Christians often perceive obedience to God as some test designed just to see if we’re really committed to Him. But what if it’s designed as God’s way of giving us what’s best for us?

Craig Groeschel

Romans 16:21–25 NKJV

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began

Romans 16:21-

Romans 16:21–27 NKJV

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.