"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 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. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (vv.17-20)
In this final chapter of the glorious book of Romans we have Paul's word of warning regarding dividers and deceivers. In our text Paul has in mind both those who would divide God’s people (cause divisions) and those who would deceive God’s people (offenses… contrary to the doctrine you have learned). His direction was, once these have been noted (marked), they are to be avoided. This is essential to God’s purpose for the church.
The tone Paul uses here "I urge You brethren," suggests how important this was to Him. This warning was necessary because these dividers and deceivers do not announce themselves. They use smooth words and flattering speech and always target the simple – usually those who are young in the faith. Therefore Paul felt they must not wait until everyone is scattered or deceived until they were concerned with the situation. Paul goes on to say of them that they, "Do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly." Meaning, their motives are essentially selfish and fleshly.
Our text concludes with a word of encouragement by Paul to the Church that their obedience is well known, and they should continue to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil. Then the God of peace will defeat Satan in his attempt to divide the church.
What a great exhortation for us all - to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.
The Truth: "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature." (1 Corinthians 14:20)
