Romans 16:17-20 Now I beseech you, brothers, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned… I. THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. 1. They serve not the Lord Jesus. (1) Their motive and profession was insincere. Our motive in religious matters to be carefully examined. Satan often served in Christ's uniform. (2) Christ is entitled to our service — (a) As God. (b) As Mediator. (c) From gratitude to Him and obedience to the Divine command. (3) To serve Christ is — (a) To aim at His glory. (b) To promote His interest. (c) To do His will. (4) Christ is to be served with all our powers. 2. They serve their own belly. Merely to get a living and for their own personal gain (2 Corinthians 11:12, 20; Philippians 3:18, 19; Galatians 6:12; Titus 1:10, 11). Private interests served under the pretence of Christian zeal. Men can make a gain of godliness instead of making godliness a gain. II. THEIR METHODS. 1. Good words. Pretending a great interest in your welfare (Psalm 55:21). Satan transferred into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15). 2. Fair speeches, lit. blessing; a stronger word than the former. Speaking well of you; promising well to you. Having men's persons in admiration for advantage (Jude 1:16). Showing not only a bland spirit, but an affected piety. The foulest errors are often introduced under the fairest promises. Satan is a skilful fowler and knows well how to set his snare. Soul destroyers are remarkable for seductive address (Genesis 3:2, etc.; 2 Corinthians 11:3). Flatterers should be always suspected. Sweet tastes are not always wholesome. III. THEIR EFFECTS. 1. Deceiving. Deceived themselves they seek to deceive others. Deceiver, Satan's most characteristic title (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9). He practises his deception through his deceived followers. Deceivers more to be feared than open persecutors. 2. The simple, innocent, unsuspecting, inexperienced — those who are not sufficiently guarded and grounded in the truth. More distinguished for honesty than penetration; without malice themselves and suspecting none in others, and so the natural prey of designing men (2 Peter 2:14; 2 Timothy 3:6). (T. Robinson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. |
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