SF538 - WATCH OUT (Romans 16 17-20)
SF538
WATCH OUT!
Romans 16:17-20
INTRODUCTION
“Watch out” = Keep your eye on; to examine and scrutinize carefully!;
Military phrase in the Greek. "Now I urge you, keep your eyes open! Be alert!"
Paul closes with a Three Words to the Romans...
Word of Caution
Word of Commendation
Word of Conquest
1A. A WORD OF CAUTION (17-18)
1B. Watch out for the Dividers (17a)
“Divisions” = dissention or discord
Avoid anyone who wants to bring dissention or discord to the church.
2B. Watch out for the Deniers (17b)
“Obstacles” = barrier, stumbling block, trap; “a rabbit trap...”
“Contrary” = parallel
They sound good but they are false...
Mormons - promote family & polygamy. Say Jesus was a polygamist. Deny that He is the only way of salvation
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Deny Christ’s deity, atoning death and resurrection.
3B. Watch out for the Deceivers (18)
Motivated by self (18a)
“Appetites” = desires
(Philippians 3:18‑19) For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. {19} Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
Manipulate by their speech (18b)
What they say sounds great!
(Colossians 2:4) I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine‑sounding arguments.
2A. A WORD OF COMMENDATION(19)
1B. For Their Willing Walk (19a)
(Romans 1:8) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
“Obedient” = hupakoe; two words: hupo = to stand under; akeo = to hear; to under-hear
Homer - chamberlain...
Who would stand outside the door of his master, with his ear at the door, listening for his mater’s summons, usually a clap. Then he would respond immediately.
This was the nature of the Roman citizen!
2B. For Their Wise Ways (19b)
1C. Focus on good
“Good” = agatha; moral , fine, positive
(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable‑‑if anything is excellent or praiseworthy‑‑think about such things.
You will become what you think about all day... @ 13 afraid might become a girl!
2C. Flee evil
“Innocent” = not guilty Does not mean to be ignorant...
Do not have to get in the mud to know it is dirty.
(James 4:7) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
3A. A WORD OF CONQUEST (20)
1B. Satan will be Crushed (20a)
Who will crush him?
“The God of peace...” = true peace comes with God’s final victory!
When will he be crushed?
“Soon” = speedily, quickly, unexpectedly!
How will he be crushed?
(Genesis 3:15) And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
The cross of Christ and the Christ of the cross will crush him!
2B. Saints will be Blessed (20b)
Amazing Grace!
APPLICATION
Examine carefully every teacher according to God’s Word!
We need to remain faithful and obedient to what we know that God’s Word teaches. Do the simple things first!
We need to focus on Christ not on cults!
We need to live by grace and enjoy the victory that Christ has won for us!