Romans 16:17-18

SCRIPTURE

Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

COMMENT

This makes some interesting points. One is that the Galatians were apparently taught an important doctrine. And this doctrine was important, and some would seek to teach doctrines that are contrary to it. The words, "create obstacles contrary to..." lead me to believe that he is talking about the same issue here as in Galatians, where some added certain works to the saving faith proclaimed in Christ. The ones who do this do it to satisfy their own appetites, whether those appetites be for profit or power. And they know how to get what they want, smooth talk and flattery. I think of many preachers I have heard, who are more concerned about how people will react to their message rather than what the content of that message is.

We are told to avoid them. I do not believe that this is a command to blindly follow Paul, but rather done out of concern that hearing their message will deceive many, so don't give them a foothold. Don't give them an audience, for in doing so you may encourage others to be deceived.

I pray for the church, because I believe we have wandered far from the time when doctrine was important. I wonder how many even have a system of belief today. It just seems that for so many, they will follow whatever sounds right and feels good. I fear that false teaching is such a norm today that the division seems to be coming from those who hold to the true teachings of Jesus.

No wonder that Jesus said, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith?"

Will He?