Romans: The Finale ROMANS 16: 17 – 27 26 APRIL 2020 P.M. SERIES: ROMANS: THE ROAD TO RIGHTEOUSNESS Romans 16: 17 - 20 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appettes; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ro 16:17–20). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. A Final Warning Vv. 17 - 20 Watch and avoid. V. 17. Those causing dissensions and hindrances (scandals). That which is contrary to what you learned as sound. These are slaves of their own appetites. V. 18. Seek power, money, authority, etc. Smooth and flattering speech. Good reputation, be wise in good, innocent in evil. Grow in good doctrinal knowledge. Know good in order to know and define evil. God is working to crush Satan soon under our feet. Romans 16: 21 - 24 21 Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother. 24 [The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ro 16:21–24). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. Final Greetings by Paul’s Ministry Team. Vv. 21 – 24. Timothy – the most well known on the list. We know the most about him. Lucius – maybe Luke, but probably not. Jason, the host at Thessalonica and Sosipater from Berea. Both are called kinsmen – Related? Cf. Acts 17: 5 – 10; 20: 4 – 6. Tertius the secretary gets to write his own greeting. Gaius with large house church and Paul’s host in Corinth. Erastus local city government leader as city treasurer. Quartus is simply called the brother. Romans 16: 25 - 27 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ro 16:25–27). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. Final Benediction. Vv. 25 – 27. God is praised Who enables stability among His own. A Stability based on the gospel which is the preaching on Jesus Christ. The Gospel and preaching is according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret from long ago. Mystery of Gentile salvation the seeds of which is noted in the Old Testament and specifically the prophets. Now God commands obedience by faith. God only is wise, Jesus Christ brings Him glory forever, Amen Conclusion Warning, there are false teachers serving their own desires and appetites that will attempt to lead you astray, recognize them and separate from them. At the same time make sure you do recognize those who are truly serving Christ and allow their ministry to equip and grow you in Him. Grow so that you are not among the naïve who are so quickly led astray, be stabilized in the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. .