S) "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 appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting."
Romans 16:17-18 (NASB)
O) What Paul was warning about, here, is essentially what the Pharisees had become to the Israelites. The problems of hypocrisy, greed, and elitism were not limited to the Pharisees alone. That is a human problem. So, just as the Israelites experienced, early Christians were seeing some leaders who were misusing the gospel as an opportunity to satisfy their own sinful desires. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome, that these misleading teachers would be subtle about their infiltration. He didn't simply warn against false teaching, but also to look for those who seem to initiate dissension and invite hindrances.
A) Perhaps the most alarming thing about this passage, comes at the very end. Paul said these deceivers would use smooth and flattering speech. That can be difficult to perceive, but Paul leaves a clue in his warning. He said it was the hearts of the unsuspecting that would be deceived. I cannot imagine that it is wise to have a suspecting posture in my everyday attitude; however, I think it is wise and protective, when it comes to any teachings from man, especially if it's presented as some "new" approach to the Bible, the gospel, worship, or prayer. It's important for me to be on my guard, relying on the Bible and the Holy Spirit, to guide and warn me about any false teachings. I have a responsibility to protect myself, and my family, from such deception.
P) Father, I am so thankful for Your written Word! Thank You for being perfectly truthful, purposeful, and faithful. Open my eyes to see any potential scheme of man or satan, that would try to infiltrate my life, family, or church. Open my ears to correctly hear the Holy Spirit, guiding me in the truth of Your written word, to recognize false teaching for what it is. Protect me from dangers seen or unseen, and by Your grace, keep me clear of dissensions and hindrances. May Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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