Proverbs 28-29; Ps. 60; Rom 16

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." Romans 16:17

I must admit feeling a weight to be the one who comments on Paul's farewell and Benediction of his epistle to the Romans. A person's final words usually reveal what is important to him or her. I believe the things Paul addresses in his final farewell are utmost important to him and should be important to us. Paul warns of those who will try to deceive and undermine what he has been teaching. Jesus and Luke would call them wolves. (Acts 20; Matt 7)Paul tells us to keep an eye on those who cause division and lead others into sin. Jesus had some harsh things to say about those who cause anyone of his little ones to stumble. (Mark 9:42) Every false is either the Bible - plus or the Bible - minus. Satan with his wolves will try to nip at you, but that's all he can do. In v. 20 Paul tells us "....the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly..." The one who causes worry and fear is defeated by the God of peace. Paul's Benediction and farewell includes greetings from those Paul is ministering with. I believe Paul wants to remind us we are not alone and ultimately he wants us to know to focus on God not man. (v.25) So if the wolves are attacking or you've been the wolf disguised as a sheep causing division and offenses, were watching you. If your experiencing some type of fear or attack kick the wolf in the mouth and look unto Jesus.

To God be the Glory,

Pastor Joe
next reading: Prov 30,31; Ps 33, Eph 1