Let's Armed with the Gospel
Let us be armed (Romans 16:17-27)
In today's text, the Apostle Paul testifies that the church is wary of heresy and that it is blessed.
1. Leave the heresy (verses 17-18)
(1) The church must always be wary of heresy.
What is heresy? In Chinese characters, it is different (異) and the last (端). They are all the same but have slightly different ends, making it difficult to distinguish them.
The church is a community of love. But you must be firm about heresy. Sheep grow up listening to the shepherd's voice. So the voice of the other shepherd cannot be heard. Sheep are characterized by inability to see far. Sheep are herding and will get sick if left alone. That is why the fellowship of saints is very important. Sheep cannot be protected from predators such as wolves and wolves unless they rely on each other. I have short feet, so I can't go far. For this reason, the sheep must be protected by the shepherd. A shepherd must protect his sheep from predators.
Heresy is scary because once believers fall into heresy, they all forget the orthodox grace of the past. If we fall into heresy, we destroy the foundation of the gospel of the past and if we accept new values, we cannot even remember the grace of the past. Because they are the servants of the devil. This is because they become slaves to the thoughts that the devil injects. So it is very difficult for those who fall into heresy to get out again.
(2) Characteristics of heresy (verse 17)
①First, it goes against the precepts. The Bible teaches us. However, to prevent enlightenment, heresy creates sophistry with plausible words and spreads false rumors. He rationalizes the words of the Bible in his own advantage by using the subjunctive equation He forcibly solves it and creates his own theory.
② Second, it causes disputes. In any organization, where imperfect humans gather, there are bound to be people who complain. Because the church is also a gathering place for imperfect sinners, there may be complaints. But heretics are good at finding such people.
③ Third, let it go through. At first, heretics pretend to be very for God and the church, but later they only point out their faults to the church and attack the church. People with these characteristics are not really major believers in Jesus. It is not a person who lives with Jesus as the master of life, but a person who lives as a king himself.
⑶ The identity of the heresy (verse 18).
Why do heretics distort the teachings of the Bible, cause strife, and come out harshly? Because they serve only their own ships. These people are not interested in Christ, but in their own interests. In the end, it was just to get the money. They were people who would do anything if they made them hungry. They have no ethics or morals. They invent cunning words, and with flattering words they only deceive the minds of naive people.
But who is prone to cheating? They are naive people. Scammers leave immediately if they don't seem to believe what they're saying. What kind of godliness is there in those who have their own belly as God and think only of earthly things? Those who walk as enemies on the cross. A life that pursues only lust and pleasure is everything, and it will eventually lead to the destruction of hell (Phil 3:18-19).
The characteristic of believers who fall into heresy is that they do not have community faith. They have to overcome their individualistic and humanistic beliefs through the fellowship of saints, but they are easily attracted to heretical groups that show a mysterious and transcendent reality because they have a self-centered faith that only wants God to directly respond to 'I'. will fall out.
⑷ We must live wisely in what is good and foolishly in what is evil (verse 19).
A docile temperament is good when well guided, but a bad leader is very vulnerable. Because it is easy to be deceived. Therefore, since innocent people are prone to delusion, they need wisdom for good things and foolish wisdom for evil things. We must obey what is good. The church is revived by obedient saints. Because God's blessings come to those who obey. However, there are also forces that deceive the saints who have received the blessing.
However, believing in Jesus itself does not mean living in fear. Because the Jesus we believe in has overcome Satan. It is because He is the one who knew the identity of the devil and defeated the devil (verse 20). Satan wins at the beginning, but God's people win at the end. We have more than enough victory through Jesus Christ who loves us. This victory is a complete victory. This victory is a victory that is coming soon. The one who is to come will come in a little while (Hebrews 10:37-39).
2. Co-workers greeting Paul with Paul (verses 21-24)
(1) First, he is a preacher of the Bible. Rather than Paul writing the book of Romans himself, Tertius wrote the script for it. It was Paul's co-worker who preached the word of God instead.
(2) Second, it is a person who entertains. It is said that our Lord also honors those who serve (John 12:26). I hope you will also honor those who serve you.
⑶ Third, the person in charge of finance. Those in charge of finances should view this as an opportunity to grow their faith. Because you can learn the law of sowing and reaping. What is the lesson of manna? (2 Corinthians 8:15) God gives us our daily bread. Therefore, no matter how much you try to accumulate it, it will not accumulate. Because it guides you to those who need it. So, if you sow in faith, you will receive the blessing of faith.
3. Blessing ダ洋舅? Verses 25-27).
(1) My gospel (verse 25): The apostle Paul speaks of it as “my gospel” in verse 25.
The word “my gospel” does not mean that the gospel was patented by the apostle Paul, but that the gospel was directly revealed to Paul. Paul was called to be an apostle because of the gospel (Romans 1:1). When we say ‘my gospel’, we each have different graces from the Lord through God’s Word. Those who have a clear 'my gospel' are to be followed by co-workers. Do you want to have a good co-worker? Please live with a clear vision of the Gospel. Then you will meet the people of the Lord whom God uses.
(2) Do you know the mystery of the gospel? (verses 25-26)
The gospel is the news about Jesus Christ (Romans 1:2-3). What is the happiest news in your life? This is the news of salvation. What good news is the joy of being forgiven of your sins? What good news is freedom from the chains of sin and the punishment of hell?
When did this gospel exist? It has been hidden from time immemorial. This gospel is the gospel that all nations will believe and obey. This gospel is the gospel that not only the nation of Israel but all nations must be saved by believing and obeying Jesus. God still desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). We have a mission to spread this gospel to the ends of the earth (Romans 10:17). Those who have a vision for missions and strive to spread the gospel will never be shaken. Why is heresy destroyed? It is because we do not have such a vision of mission (Matt. 24:14).
⑶ The star will glorify God forever (verse 27).
How can we glorify God? You can glorify God, the precious love of Jesus Christ. In the last days, I hope that you will become a Blessed ダ洋求?saint. Preach the gospel and live. I believe you will win.
Ministry: Let's give praise and prayer for the decision to live for the gospel.