My Walk With Him: I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Sunday, August 8, 2021

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:17-20

This afternoon, I completed my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I completed the final chapter twenty Christian Friendship, which covers Romans 16. My focus today is all of Romans 16, with a particular focus on v16:17-27 - today's entry from my commentary refers to this final review of Romans 16 as How Christian Friendship Is Experienced: Love.

These closing verses of chapter 16 (and all of Romans) reveal how Paul wants the church to play a central role in creating unity and how, in turn, unity drives strength to stay strong in the faith - Satan and sin is powerful, but Jesus is more powerful and we know that ultimately the victory over Satan and sin is already won so we can remain confident. In the final verses of this chapter and Romans overall, Paul reminds us how scripture and the Holy Spirit, who accompanies us in our reading of the Bible, "bring about the obedience of faith" (v16:26) and that we are strengthened (v16:25) by God and the Holy Spirit. God equips us as we draw near to Him.

As we look back and wrap up chapter 16, my commentary reminds us five ways how we can love each other in "the community of faith"

honoring one another
showing hospitality to one another
showing affection for one another
doing ministry together
staying focused on the gospel together

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped strengthened me through communities of faith - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You have blessed me with such communities. I sin...poor judgement, worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.