Romans 16:17–20 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
There will always be false prophets and charlatans among us. Some things never change. And their presence in the church hurts all followers of Jesus. It also hurts the spread of the good news of who Jesus really is. He is not a huckster or after your money. Jesus wants you, all of you, every bit of your life. He paid for it with His life so that you could be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him. He gives you forgiveness, life and salvation. He wants you to respond with a new life of gratitude.
Paul commends the believers in Rome who were living that way, and encourages them to continue to do so. And he gives them two promises:
- Jesus will crush Satan.
- God’s grace is with them.
That message is for you, still, today. Live in that confidence.
