As Paul concludes his letter to the Romans, he tells them that each one must please the other for the purpose of building them up (Romans 15.1).
In another instance, he tells us to welcome one another, just as Jesus has welcomed you (Romans 15.7).
Paul continues the theme of a welcoming attitude in chapter 16.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you (Romans 16.16).
I’ve made this point many times throughout our study of the book of Romans, and I’d like to emphasize it once more: Paul was addressing a divided church.
The divisions they faced were what we might call today “culture wars.” The culture of Rome had driven a wedge between Jews and Gentiles, keeping them apart.
However, in the kingdom of God, His people are not to be divided by cultural differences. Instead, they are to be united by God’s love and their shared relationship with Him.
A united church is the best representation of God’s purposes in the world. They are called to welcome one another—both Jews and Gentiles—to serve the Lord and to bear witness to His love, which the world so desperately needs to see.
Whether we are entangled in the culture wars within American Christianity or caught up in personal differences, Paul’s message to us is clear: we are called to be united. We are to welcome one another, serve each other, build each other up, and greet one another warmly and sincerely.
As we come together in unity, displaying God’s love and demonstrating His grace and care, we are far more likely to be a positive witness to the world than a negative one. This message is relevant in 2024, just as it has been since Paul first delivered it in AD 54.
Avoid Divisions
It’s challenging to avoid divisions in American society today. Whether it’s the media we consume on our phones or what we watch on television, division seems to be everywhere around us.
Paul touches on the motives of people who sow division, and he tells us what we should do in response.
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them.
For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.
For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil (Romans 16.17-19).
Divisive discourse can be captivating, filled with smooth talk and flattery; however, at its core, it serves not the Lord, but people’s selfish desires. We must not be naive when we listen to such voices.
Our response should be to avoid the divisions stirred up by those serving their own interests. This may mean stepping away from certain social media platforms or television programs that fuel division.
We are called to be wise in what is good, following the Lord’s guidance. When it comes to evil, we must remain innocent and free from deceit.
Satan Crushed
The next verse in Romans 16 can stand alone, revealing the truth that God will defeat Satan.
The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you (Romans 16.20).
However, it’s more fitting to understand that Satan, as a divider and accuser, will be defeated not only by God’s power but also through our cooperation with Him, as we follow Paul’s instructions in Romans 15 and 16.
We should not be surprised that divisions within the church arise both from Satan’s influence and our cooperation with him.
But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind (James 3:14-16).
Paul is clear: we must avoid engaging in this kind of behavior.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 