The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

6.4. PICTURED EXAMPLE OF ENEMIES (Romans 16:17-18)

Unity is under attack from deadly enemies, none more treacherous than the divisive ones within.

Romans 16:17 "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them."

There must be watchfulness and readiness to expose those who teach doctrine contrary to the apostolic message. Those who produce dissensions, and provide temptations to sin, must be avoided - actually are to be turned away from. (Compare: 2 Thessalonians 3:6; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10 ). False teachers are not prevented by God from coming among us. We are warned and told how to recognise them.

They serve not our Lord Jesus Christ because they do not obey Him (Romans 16:18 ).

They serve their own private appetite and interests.

They serve ... their own belly (Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:18-20 ).

They are motivated with lust for office and material possessions, and by love of domination.

They use flattery to persuade others to support them.

Romans 16:18 "For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple."

The unsuspecting are trapped by their deceitful speech. The guileless are the ones deceived, who themselves would never want to deceive anyone. The best way to defend the "simple" is to proclaim and defend the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27 "In one spirit contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." (NIV)

Our contending must be for "the faith" (Jude 3 ) which consists of the gospel proclaimed by Christ and the apostles, given by the Holy Spirit as embodied in the New Testament.

6.5. PICTURED EXAMPLE OF OBEDIENCE (Romans 16:19-20)

Romans 16:19 "For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil."

Obedient, wholehearted faith and love will be talked about. It is a great joy to true leaders when believers stand loyal and true to the truth as it is in Christ, evidencing their faith by a life of obedience. Their being talked about in this way spreads the good news abroad.

There is a God-given path for the obedient to tread. To be wise in what is good we must be knowledgeable in the word of God's truth, and take care to walk it out in daily behaviour. The wise walk will include being innocent concerning evil, as the margin renders it (Romans 16:19 ). Not disposed to doing wrong, nor following others into wrongdoing. Walking this path of being knowledgeable in God's Word, and not being disposed to evil will keep us in the way of obedience.

Romans 16:20 "And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

To the obedient, the promise of present and final victory is given. God will stop Satan's plans and puppets. (2 Corinthians 11:15 ). Satan's teachers will not prevail over God's obedient saints - but will be crushed beneath their feet. The final subduing and conquering of Satan will be upon the return of Christ. "Shortly" corresponds to the "quickly" of "Behold I come" in Revelation 22:12,20. Satan's end is certain (Revelation 20:10 ). "Shortly" fills God-obedient peoples' hearts with hope.

Supplies of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ are constantly available. Therefore, there need be no retreat - no defeat.

6.6. PICTURED EXAMPLE OF FELLOW WORKERS (Romans 16:21-24)

No matter how great the worker, he never works alone. "Timothy, my fellow worker" (Romans 16:21 ). Adding Timothy's greeting to the Rome saints, focused attention on Paul's recognition of God's favour to him and the value and esteem in which he held such as Timothy (Compare Philippians 2:19-22 ).

A ministry is enhanced by the support of godly families.

Romans 16:21 "... Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you."

Those who do the ordinary work in a ministry team should be allowed to express themselves.

Romans 16:22 "I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord."

Those who host and support a ministry should be included in the salutations of others.

Romans 16:23 "Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother."

By uniting these supporters in the greeting, their appreciation is assured - and the team spirit is presented to the readers of the epistle. All are the recipients of grace and need continued grace (Romans 16:24 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Does God prevent false teachers from coming among God's people (Romans 16:17 )? What should you do? How are you told to recognise them from genuine ones (Romans 16:17-18 )?
Under whose feet does God crush Satan (Romans 16:19-20 )?