All victories, past, present and future are
Christ’s. What a wonderful Savior we have. What a
great honor and privilege to be a part of His
glorious victory over the adversary. God’s
excellent superiority over the devil has been
seen through the ages. God also wants His power
to be displayed marvelously by His blood-redeemed
children as a living proof of His mighty working.
The Devil is the father of all lies and the
author of confusion. Since the beginning, he
wants people to be deceived and to be destroyed
through his false and destructive teachings. It’s
so sad, but it’s true, that he is leading many
lost souls to hell daily and he is so happy about
it. He is also busy enticing many Christians
to get involved in his works of darkness as he
subdue their desire to win souls for the Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. We must be aware that God
wants us to be a part of His plan and not a
partaker of the Devil’s strategies.
In Romans 16:17-20, Apostle Paul reminded the
believers in Rome concerning their awaited and
glorious victory over Satan. He also gave
important instructions on how to avoid
questionable people who are not really serving
God but who have some other interests in life. He
warned them about the deceitful words and
impressive speeches of crafty men. As he noticed
their amplified submission to their teachings
which gained his confidence in them, he also
emphasized the needs of godly wisdom and meekness
in their Christian life.
As we march and tread our enemies, our
ultimate victory and much loved peace are yet to
come. The God of peace will give us our awaited
victory through His power and abundant grace.
Focusing our hearts and minds on verses 17-20
gives us a better view and understanding on how
to move wisely and victoriously against our
adversary, the Devil.
(I) Mark And Avoid Those Who Don’t Follow
Biblical Doctrines
Romans 16:17
-People who create divisions and offenses
contrary to the doctrine
The presence of questionable people in every
Christian congregation creates disorderliness
among the members. It is wise then to mark and
avoid them before it’s too late to handle. We
count it a blessing to realize that what Paul
said to the Ephesians is still very relevant to
our time. What an expression of love and care
when he warned them and said, “Take heed
therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
purchased with his own blood. For I know this,
that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the
space of three years I ceased not to warn every
one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:28-31
(II) Watch And Avoid Deception
Romans 16:18
-Deceitful people
-Deceitful words and fair speeches
* consider I Corinthians 2:1-5
Many believers are easily impressed by
speakers with magnetic personality and fluency in
speech, yet unmindful of the spiritual contents
of what they hear. They don’t even check what the
Bible says. We must be watchful and prayerful.
Satan’s deception can be perceived through the
help of the Holy Ghost. What a blessing to hear
preachers and teachers saying, "Thus saith the
LORD!" or "That’s what the Bible says!"
(III) Be Wise
Romans 16:19
-Wise unto that which is good
-Harmless concerning evil
Matthew 10:16
True wisdom comes from God and can be asked
for. To some people, the value of wisdom is yet
to be understood. Men who fear God know the
preciousness of spiritual wisdom and they really
love her more than silver and gold. Wisdom is a
must-have to every believer.
(IV) Wait And Use The Power Of God
Romans 16:20
-Trust in the Lord
-Wait for His wonderful working
through our lives
-Live by the grace of God
The threatening forces of evil seem too strong
for us to face, but cheer up for He who is with
us is surely stronger than all the enemies of
Truth. As we put our trust in the Lord and wait
for His breathtaking deliverance, we will realize
we cannot do anything without Him, but through
Him we are more than conquerors. Through the
grace of God, we are on the winning side. Through
our eyes of faith, we could see our awaited and
glorious victory with our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
