In The Word
Read: Romans 16:17-27
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24]
25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
There is the saying, “We are the company we keep.” God’s Word speaks to that in Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm”; and in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” We can see through God’s truth that it is important to evaluate the people we attach our lives with, as they could influence us in either good or bad ways. The excerpt of scriptures we read today has Paul giving the church, them and us today, a loving word of truth. He explained to be watchful for those who cause disagreement and stumbling contrary to the teachings of God. Those types of people are selfish and deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Paul goes on to tell them to turn away from such people.
Today would be a good time to start meditating on the key friendships you have placed in your life that influence you. Here are some questions to consider as you think about each person:
- Is Jesus Christ the Lord of their life?
- Do they tell me what I want to hear or encourage me to walk in God’s truth?
- Are they striving to walk in God’s truth?
- Do they gossip and talk negative about others?
How each person is evaluated based upon just these few questions should tell you a lot about them. Let us not be unwise any longer, but understand that our friendships in life have a big impact on whom we are and whom we are becoming. The right friendships in life will strengthen us as disciples to have a great impact on the world for Jesus Christ.