The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 Introduction

Paul has been greeting friends of the ministry. Paul interrupts his greeting and issues a stern warning. “Watch out for divisive people. Watch out for them! Watch out and avoid them! Mark those who cause divisions (vv.17-18). Mark what is good (vv.19-20).

Why? Paul knows we live in a corrupt and evil world. Paul also knows that people have problems. Sometimes people in their problems become dissatisfied, disgruntled, unhappy, selfish and sometimes even sinful. The abrupt interruption is not some after- thought; it’s not a parting cheap shot Paul is throwing in before the epistle of Romans is complete. It is Paul’s final exhortation needed by a healthy church—a strong church if they are going to weather the fire-storms of divisive people. Most of us were shocked to discover it was a fire-fighter who helped start the Hayman fire last year. Gerarld Cornelius talks about similar incident in Texas:

“The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that firefighters in Genoa, Texas, were accused of deliberately setting more than forty destructive fires. When caught, they stated, "We had nothing to do. We just wanted to get the red lights flashing and the bells clanging." The job of firefighters is to put out fires, not start them. The job of Christians is to help resolve conflict (Matt. 5:9), not start more of it”.

The pastor of a small southern church was on his way home when he met an acquaintance from town who was not a member of his church. After chatting a while the man asked how many members he had. The pastor responded, "Fifty active members." The friend said, "My, that certainly speaks well for you." But the preacher responded, "Well, I wouldn't say that. All fifty are active--but twenty-five are actively working for me and the other twenty-five are actively working against me!" Alan Redpath wrote; The secret of every discord in Christian homes and communities and churches is that we seek our own way and our own glory.

What kind of a person is a divisive person? This is the person who grumbles, and complains, and criticizes and murmurs and gossips. This is the person who is always looking for an argument, causes strife, acts out of pride, ambition or selfishness. The divisive person is unloving and the divisive person introduces and teaches a different doctrine. One of the most effective tools Satan has at his disposal is the divisive person, the man or the woman who gains a foothold in a healthy church and obtains a position of leadership or influence. The divisive person preys on the weak, the immature, the sensitive, the unlearned. The divisive person acts “contrary to the doctrine which believers have learned” (v.17). What is the doctrine of God and Christ?

1 John 3:23 (NKJV) 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

1 The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 The divisive person acts contrary to the teaching of God and of Christ. The divisive person opposes the Lordship of Christ, the doctrine of Christ, the love of believers, the mission of reaching the world with the gospel, the glorious news of eternal life in Christ to the world, abundant and eternal (see p.276 The Preachers Outline and Sermon Bible). Guard the Sheep; Mark Those Who Cause Divisions (vv.17-18)

Romans 16:17 (NLT) 17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

Paul makes one last, powerful appeal. Mark divisive people. They are a threat to the health, the unity, the safety of the church.

Division is a very serious sin. Divisive people must be recognized and avoided.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV)10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

There are several reasons why false teachers and divisive people must be marked out— identified and avoided. The most obvious reason is a divisive person causes division and offenses and lays a stumbling block for believers in their growth and maturation in Jesus Christ. The word ‘divisions’ is the Greek word dichostasias. It means to stand apart, to be separate, to cause cleavage. The word ‘offenses’ is the Greek word skandala which means a stumbling block placed in someone’s path to cause them to trip up or fall.

Paul’s argues this is “contrary to the doctrine which you learned”. Does doctrine matter? Is sound doctrine really necessary? Some people argue that doctrine is irrelevant, impractical, divisive, unspiritual, or unknowable (see Robert Bowman Jr., Orthodoxy and Heresy p.15).

According to the Bible, doctrine or teaching matters. What doctrine is Paul talking about? Paul is speaking of the teachings of Jesus, the teachings of the apostles, the teachings surrounding the gospel. The whole book of Romans we have just studied, and its great themes of justification by faith alone, in Christ alone.

Doctrine does not deal with insignificant matters irrelevant to most people. Doctrine does not deal with “disputes over doubtful things”(Rom.14:1). Doctrine in its most basic and fundamental meaning is the teaching of Scripture. The teaching of Scripture asks and answers the most basic questions of life. Questions like, “who is God?” “Who is Jesus”; “Why are we here?” “Why is there evil and suffering in the world?” “What happens when you die?” “How can a person have a right relationship with God?” The gospel of salvation is doctrine. What is the gospel? How is a person saved? How is salvation

2 The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 received? Certainly some doctrines are more important than other doctrines, but doctrine is practical, unified, spiritual and knowable. The Bible commands all Christians to learn doctrine. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, Galatians 3:22 (NKJV)22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Galatians 4:30 (NKJV)30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”

Mark 12:10 (NKJV)10 Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

We must read the Bible. We must learn the Bible. Yes some things are difficult to understand, yes reading the Bible requires discipline, but we must commit ourselves to the task.

2 Peter 3:16-18 (NKJV) 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

“Mark them” the word is skopeite—keep your eye on them—observe them—it means to focus, to contemplate to scrutinize.

What are we to do with the divisive person? Avoid them. People who engage in crusades of legalism or license, people who erode the truth into speculations, people who engage in wild prophetic speculations. People who are off the wall, keep away from them. Heretics are to be avoided. Sometimes we want to hunt them down and put a stake through their theological heart. The safest thing is to avoid them. Paul does not tell us simply to avoid their doctrine— or their sin, avoid them!

Avoid them because of the terrible devastation they can bring on a church. The word avoid (ekklinate) is strong—it means to shun, to turn away from, to keep away from, to remove oneself. Avoid them because we run the risk of appearing approving of what they do. Avoid them so you are not influenced or stumbled by them.

Matthew 18:7 (NKJV)7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

1 Corinthians 3:3 (NKJV)3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

3 The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 Romans 16:18 (NKJV)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.

Are there other reasons to avoid the divisive person? The answer is yes! Paul points out the divisive person does not really serve the Lord Jesus Christ but their own selfish interests.

“but their own belly”. The word ‘belly’ is the Greek word for stomach (koiliai). Paul is not speaking of hunger—but rather of appetite—physical—sensual appetites. The divisive person is gripped by selfish ambitions, base ambition, personal urges, wanting his or her own way, and getting what they want through almost any means.

The divisive person is often marked by personal excess—“Do you know why I drive a Rolls Royce? Because Jesus would drive a Rolls Royce!” What nonsense. The divisive person idolizes self, exalts feelings, makes up their own morality, engages in fashionable religion, and departs from the central themes of Scripture.

The divisive person does not serve Christ. They may say they love Jesus, they are in ministry for Jesus, they have a Bible, they may even have a church or a ministry. They call themselves Christians, but their Lord is not Christ. They are not committed to the gospel, to Christ’s glory, to Christ’s mission, but to themselves getting and doing what they want! The divisive person is given over to the carnal, the sensual the secular.

Philippians 3:18-19 (NKJV) 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.

The divisive person can be an effective communicator. He or she may preach or teach with wondrous words, alliterated outlines, or even clever phrases like, “Let it bubble out your belly”. The Old King James reads, “and by good words and fair speeches” or ‘smooth words and flattering speech’.

The words might sound persuasive and plausible. “Ye are gods”. “I am that I am”. “I know I am too”. The person may talk ‘god talk’ and may even do good deeds like bring relief to needy people in far away lands. The person may show interest in those whom he or she wish to convince. But look at what the Scripture tells us—their motive is to deceive. “You can’t judge their motives!” No Paul does—and records it in sacred Scripture. False prophets deceive. False gospels, false doctrines, false miracles, false gods, false christs, false spirits, false prophets, false apostles, false teachers all have this in common—they are deceivers—and deceit is their method and their goal. They are the enemies of truth.

4 The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 “they deceive the hearts of the simple”. Who are the simple? The unsuspecting, the innocent, the immature, the carnal, the new-born believers.

Titus 1:10-11 (NKJV) 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

Guide the Sheep; Mark What Is Good (vv.19-20)

Romans 16:19-20 (NLT) 19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to see clearly what is right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul is not accusing the Romans of division or heresy. Paul is suggesting the Roman church is a strong church. Strong because they are ‘obedient to the Lord’. Paul tells them to focus on what is good, avoid what is evil. A strong church must have as its focus sound doctrine, strong fellowship, committed outreach and OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD.. We must focus on good, and ignore that which is tainted with evil. We are to be obedient to Christ. We live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Paul wrote Titus, Titus 2:12-13 (NKJV) 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Paul’s emphasis in ministry was not some crass give to get scam. Jesus said, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mt. 20:28).

Why did everyone know about the Roman’s obedience to Christ? Because people saw their lives. Dynamic obedience resulted in a powerful witness! Does everyone know that you are obedient to the Lord? Do you have a secret life apart from Christ? True obedience brings the most wonderful freedom. What do I mean? Do you remember the disobedience in the Garden of Eden;

Genesis 3:10-11 (NKJV) 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

Adam and Eve—got what they wanted—an intimate knowledge of good and evil—but they got that knowledge by doing wrong! We sometimes live under a spell, an illusion that freedom is freedom to do what we want. But God says true freedom comes from obedience and knowing what not to do! God’s boundaries are for our good, God’s restrictions are to help us avoid evil. You have the freedom to jump off a building, or

5 The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 throw yourself under the wheels of a speeding truck—but don’t do it! You don’t have to do evil to gain experience and learn more about life.

A strong church must be wise and know what is good and avoid what is evil. Can you distinguish between good and evil? We must cast aside the foolish notion that evil acts are a sign of sickness. Evil is not a medical state—but a moral condition. Many people feel compelled to interpret criminal behavior in terms of health and disease. Determining who is evil is a spiritual and biblical evaluation, not a medical evaluation.

(v.21) Barclay; “The passage closes with a suggestive thing. Paul says that the God of peace will soon crush and overthrow Satan, the power of evil. We must note that the peace of God is the peace of action and of victory. There is a kind of peace which can be had at the cost of evading all issues and refusing all decisions, a peace which comes of lethargic inactivity. The Christian must ever remember that the peace of God is not the peace which has submitted to the world, but the peace which has overcome the world” (Barclay’s Commentary on Romans p.219).

Conclusion Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (NLT) 15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster, between life and death. 16 I have commanded you today to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, laws, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and become a great nation, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.

Have you ever said, “God—I’ll do what you want, just tell me!” God has told you. Have you complained that obedience is too difficult for a mere mortal? “After all, I’m only human”. These are unacceptable excuses. Obey the Lord. Obeying the Lord is reasonable, sensible, and beneficial. The most difficult thing about obeying the Lord—is the decision—“will I or won’t I”. The next thing—is the trust—the empowering presence of Jesus and God’s Word to change us. Obey God—even if you don’t have all the answers. Obey the Lord, even if you don’t understand why God is asking you do it. Obedience comes from God’s grace; “God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful kindness became more abundant” (Rom.5:20). Obedience to God pleases God, “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed” (Josh. 1:8). Did you think that prosperity and success comes from having power, influential personal contacts and the relentless desire to get ahead? No—God’s strategy for Joshua was, be strong and courageous, obey God’s law and constantly read and study the Book of the Law. Obedience leads to peace, obedience will be challenged by difficulties, obedience is challenged by deception (Josh. 9:6). Obedience is more than mere understanding, and outward conformity. Obedience challenges us to act out our love for Jesus Christ. Our righteousness comes from Christ in us, not what we can do for ourselves, our righteousness must be God-centered not self centered, our obedience comes from reverence for God, not approval of men or

6 The Pastor’s Powerful Warning Romans 16:17-20 satisfaction of self. We must go beyond the keeping of the law—to living by the principles behind the law.

Jerry White in his book “The Power of Commitment” writes; “During the past twenty- five years I have observed hundreds of Christian men and women as they have dealt with the complexities of normal living. Some flourished spiritually; others floundered. Some made an impact; others made no mark whatever. Some grew in Christ; others dried up spiritually and withered away. Some rejoiced and offered encouragement; others complained and griped. Some deepened and softened; others became shallow and hardened. Some grew old with grace and godly influence; others just grew old. As I observed those whose lives clearly reflected deep spiritual growth and those who seemed to stagnate, I searched for the issue that represented the fork in the road that led to their present state. I believe the foundational issue is specific commitment—whether it was or was not made at a crucial point in life. Ordinary people who make simple, spiritual commitments under the Lordship of Jesus Christ make an extraordinary impact on their world. Education, gifts, and abilities do not make the difference. Commitment does”(p.9).

Are Your options emptiness? When will you make commitment to Christ? No turning back? What is at the root of your failure to commit? Selfishness!

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