Guarding The Church By Trusting The God Of Peace

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them! For these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive. Your obedience is known to all and thus I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:17-20 NET

Paul was a dedicated and wise shepherd who deeply loved and cared for those entrusted to him. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against those who appeared harmless but had ulterior motives—those he referred to as wolves in sheep’s clothing. He taught his followers to cultivate wisdom and discernment, gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit. This discernment was vital for recognizing individuals whose primary goal was to distract the community of believers and provoke unnecessary disputes.

These individuals often resorted to crafting false accusations and spreading rumors, creating confusion and embarrassment that could become stumbling blocks to faith. Paul understood that such divisive tactics could undermine the unity of the Church and hinder believers from witnessing the true nature of Christ. By equipping his followers with the knowledge and insight to identify these threats, he aimed to preserve the integrity of their faith and keep them anchored in their relationship with God.

Paul offered crucial guidance on the importance of being selective about the company we keep. He urged us to avoid engaging with individuals who distract us from our spiritual journey, emphasizing that giving them our attention could divert us from what truly matters in our lives—our relationship with Jesus Christ and our commitment to the Church.

Why did Paul view this matter with such urgency? He believed Christ embodies each believer, making us vessels of His grace. When we unite in faith, we collectively become a powerful and vibrant expression of His presence in the world. This unity is not merely a concept but a source of strength founded on our shared understanding and revelation of Jesus, which empowers us to face life’s challenges together.

Conversely, when we find ourselves isolated or disconnected from the body of believers, we become susceptible to confusion and deception. In solitude, our faith can waver, leaving us vulnerable to external influences that seek to undermine our spiritual growth. Paul’s exhortation serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for spiritual discernment, urging us to cultivate relationships that reinforce our devotion to Christ and foster an awareness of community and belonging among fellow believers. This interconnectedness is vital for our spiritual resilience and growth in the faith.

The King James Version of verse 18 resonates deeply with me: “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” This verse paints a striking picture of deceitful individuals who, cloaked in charm and articulate language, manipulate the unsuspecting and vulnerable. It evokes the memory of the miraculous event when Jesus fed 5,000 people with merely five barley loaves and two fish. After witnessing such a profound miracle, many of those who had received this bountiful meal returned the next day, not seeking spiritual sustenance or teaching, but driven solely by the desire for more physical food, receiving something for nothing.

Paul’s warning is timely and timeless: We must cultivate vigilance and discernment, learning to look beyond the surface of pleasing words and devout appearances. We must struggle to understand the true motivations behind others’ actions and language. By doing so, we can guard ourselves against being drawn into the snares set by those who prioritize their self-interest over the well-being of others. In a world filled with sweet talkers and false leaders, this discernment becomes our shield against manipulation and deceit.

Paul emphasizes that the Roman ecclesia, or Church, is widely recognized for its strong obedience to Christ, a reputation that extends beyond Paul and the apostles to the many other churches with which he has corresponded. This acknowledgment highlights the Roman Church’s importance within the early Christian community. While the Church was experiencing notable growth and enthusiasm among its members, Paul observed that they were missing crucial practical skills necessary to sustain their reputation and continued spiritual development, specifically, the skills of discernment and wisdom.

In light of this, the book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, states in chapter 1, verse 7: “Fearing the Lord is the beginning of discernment, but fools despise wisdom and moral instruction.” This idea of ‘fearing’ the Lord is critical; it does not imply being afraid but rather signifies a profound respect and reverence for God’s will and commandments. Such fear involves understanding and honoring the heart of the Lord’s desires, which is foundational for proper discernment.

Paul’s heartfelt desire for the Roman Church was to inspire its members to immerse themselves fully in this rich understanding of divine reverence, urging them to embody an obedience that transcends mere compliance. He envisioned a community that would approach their faith not as a set of rules to follow but as a heartfelt commitment to align their lives with God’s profound purpose, individually and corporately. This transformative journey would empower them to exemplify steadfast faithfulness and reflect a radiant commitment to living out the teachings of Christ with integrity and love, enriching their spiritual lives and strengthening their collective witness in the world.

Paul concludes his discourse with a reference to Genesis 3:15, where God addresses the serpent in the aftermath of humanity’s fall: “And I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” This biblical allusion is significant, symbolizing the profound and ongoing spiritual conflict that rages between good and evil throughout history. Paul employs this imagery to convey a powerful message: the Church possesses the divine authority through Christ to confront and crush the stronghold of Satan, represented by the striking of his head—a metaphor for a decisive and victorious defeat of evil.

Yet, the passage in Genesis offers a cautionary note. While the Church stands empowered to engage because Christ has crushed Satan under our feet, in this spiritual warfare, we must remain vigilant against the subtle yet damaging assaults that can still come from the enemy, symbolized by the striking at our heel. This imagery suggests that even minor wounds can weaken our spiritual vitality and disrupt our intimate relationship with the Lord. These attacks may manifest as temptations, doubts, or divisions, which, if left unchecked, can hinder our walk with God and our collective mission as a community of believers.

In highlighting the necessity of wisdom and discernment, Paul addresses the challenges facing the Roman Church, urging them to recognize and rectify existing weaknesses or discord among them. His call for vigilance compels the Church to actively guard against the encroachment of false teachings and to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation. Doing so can fortify their collective faith and protect them from any vulnerabilities threatening their bond and mission. This timeless admonition reflects Paul’s deep understanding of the complexities confronting the early Christian community, reminding them— and us—that spiritual fortitude and unity in Christ are essential in the face of adversity.

Stephen Barnett