the Third Week after Easter
Click here to join the effort!
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 4 of 5
Romans 16:17-27
The causes for joy that Paul found in the believers at Rome (v. 19) did not make him lose sight of the dangers to which they were exposed. Before closing his epistle he warns them against false teachers, recognisable in that they sought to please themselves, serving their own ambitions and lusts (their own belly: v. 18; Philippians 3:19). The remedy does not lie in discussion with "these sorts of people", nor in studying their errors, but in avoiding them and in being simple as to evil (vv. 17-19; Proverbs 19:27). Nevertheless these manifestations of evil do affect us. In order to encourage us therefore the Spirit declares that soon the God of peace will bruise Satan under our feet (v. 20).
Several relatives of Paul were to be found among the early Christians (vv. 11, 21), no doubt the fruit of his prayers (Romans 9:3; Romans 10:1). May this stimulate our intercessions for those of our relatives who are still unconverted!
What God expects from our faith is obedience (vv. 19, 26), and what our faith may expect from Him through "our Lord Jesus Christ" is power (v. 25), wisdom (v. 27), and grace (vv. 20, 24). In company with the apostle, let us give glory to Him, in giving Him our thanksgiving and above all in living to please Him.
