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Romans 16:17-20
Paul instructs those in the Church at Rome to be aware of those who are intent on causing division within the body of Christ Jesus; he warns of those who are offensive to what has been taught of the gospel, and that these people should be avoided (Romans 16:17). The characteristics of these people are reflective of the ways in which we have learned are that of Satan in disobedience to God. But Paul commends those in the Church at Rome of their known obedience to Christ Jesus and ensures them of his desire for them, “to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” (Romans 16:19, NKJV). In Romans 16:20, Paul prays the grace of God through our Savior Jesus Christ to be with those in the Church at Rome and gives them assurance that, “the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”
This is a command to be aware of those who strive for divisions and offenses in the Church.
This is a tough lesson as Jesus teaches us to love one another; as He has first loved us, that we should love one another (John 13:34). Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:43-45 (HCSB), “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy [Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 23:6]. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” But Jesus does not teach us that we should associate with them as their ways are only evil and will serve Satan to pull us away from our relationship with God and our salvation in Christ Jesus. Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3:19-20 (ESV), “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”
When one repents of sin and puts their faith in Christ Jesus, there is joy among the angels of heaven (Luke 15:7, 10), but this makes Satan mad as madness comes from Satan. He will always strive to cause dissension and offenses to those who have put Jesus first in their lives, but the Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 16:20a, (NKJV), “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” Jesus has defeated Satan once for all (Romans 6:10), but we still yet live in a sinful world. God has given us the opportunity to repent of sin and choose to open our hearts to the love that He has for us through salvation in His one and only Son Jesus. He has given us the opportunity to choose life over death. He has given us the opportunity to be set free from the chains of Satan and be redeemed back to a right standing with Him – in Christ. Today is the day of salvation; if you live in the dissension and offenses of Satan and feel trapped in the lost life of sin, I pray for you and encourage you to choose Jesus and ask of His forgiveness as He will give you a new life of joy and eternal life – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
The Apostle Paul teaches us to be aware of those who strive to cause dissension and offenses as we do not want to get caught in the trap of Satan that will pull us away from our relationship with You through our salvation in Christ Jesus. But I feel compelled to pray for these people that You will touch their hearts and convict them of their sins that will lead them to a new life in Christ Jesus. Protect us from the evil ways of Satan. Help us to plant the seeds of salvation in Christ Jesus that all the world may hear of forgiveness in Jesus and continue in sin no longer as Jesus came to save the world from sin. Please help us to be humble and compassionate toward others as the Apostle Paul states in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV), “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.