Warning Against Division
Scripture Reading: Romans 16:17–23 (ESV)
17 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.
18 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.
19 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.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
Paul closes with both a warning and an encouragement. He urges believers to be on guard against those who cause division and teach contrary to sound doctrine. Such individuals are self-serving and use persuasive speech to mislead others. The call is clear—avoid them.
At the same time, Paul affirms the Roman believers’ obedience and encourages them to remain wise in doing good while staying innocent regarding evil. This vigilance is paired with hope: God Himself will soon crush Satan under their feet.
This passage reminds us that unity in the church requires both discernment and courage, as well as the assurance that ultimate victory belongs to Christ.
Prayer Points:
Ask God for discernment to recognize and resist false teaching.
Pray for unity and protection within your church family.
Thank God for the promise of His ultimate victory over evil.