October 21, 2026
STAY AWAY FROM THEM!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Romans 16:17–20 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Immediately after commending 26 faithful co-laborers for their partnership (Romans 16:1–16), Paul makes a sudden, dramatic pivot. He shifts from warm thanksgiving to a stern, urgent warning.
Paul knew that wherever God builds a genuine work, spiritual adversaries will attempt to infiltrate and destroy it. Whether he was confronting Judaizers trying to impose legalism or self-appointed teachers exploiting the church, Paul provides timeless principles to guard the flock against spiritual deception.
Four Traits of Deceptive Influencers
Paul exposes the subtle characteristics of those who threaten church health and individual faith:
They Cause Divisions: They love to stir up friction, plant seeds of suspicion, and pit believers against one another. Rather than building unity, they thrive on complaints and controversy.
They Teach "New" Doctrine: They upset people’s faith by pushing novel, speculative theories that contradict the foundational truths of Scripture. While the Holy Spirit gives fresh illumination on how to apply God's Word, any "new revelation" that departs from established biblical doctrine is dangerous. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, we must test every teaching against the Scriptures.
They Serve Personal Agendas: Paul warns that "they are serving their own personal interests." They use the sacred Gospel as a vehicle for personal gain, celebrity status, or financial exploitation. Building their own kingdom takes priority over advancing the Kingdom of God.
They Are Smooth Talkers: They use eloquent rhetoric, persuasive stories, and glowing emotional appeals to mask toxic theology. Impressive oratorical skill is never a substitute for biblical truth.
Four Steps for Spiritual Defense
Paul does not ask believers to engage in endless online debates or angry confrontations with false teachers. Instead, he outlines four clear action steps:
Watch Out (Be Alert): Do not be spiritually naive. Test what you hear against the Word of God, no matter how charismatic or popular the speaker may be.
Avoid Them (Stay Away): Do not waste emotional energy arguing with divisive influencers. Distance yourself from their teaching and influence.
Be Wise in Doing Right: Saturate your mind with God's Word so you know what is good, true, and honorable. Real wisdom recognizes counterfeits because it intimately knows the genuine article.
Stay Innocent of Wrong: As Jesus instructed in Matthew 10:16, we are called to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." Guard your heart's purity by refusing to participate in worldly schemes, gossip, or spiritual compromise.
The Promise: The God of Peace Will Overcome
Paul closes this stern warning with one of the most triumphant promises in the entire Bible: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."
Echoing the ancient prophecy of Genesis 3:15, Paul assures believers that deception, division, and enemy attacks will not have the final say. The God of peace Himself will shatter the power of darkness under the feet of His obedient, discerning church! Truth will prevail, and God’s grace will carry us through.
Reflection & Application
Are you exercising spiritual discernment? Do you evaluate sermons, podcasts, and books against the clear teaching of Scripture, or are you easily moved by eloquent speech?
Are you guarding church unity? Do your words build up peace and harmony in your local church, or are you ever tempted to repeat complaints or divisive gossip?
Is your heart anchored in the God of Peace? When spiritual battles rage around you, are you resting in the assurance that God will crush the enemy's plans?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, grant me sharp spiritual discernment in a confusing world. Teach me to recognize false teaching, divisive attitudes, and self-serving motives, and give me the wisdom to stay away from them.
Keep me grounded in the timeless truth of Your written Word. Help me to be wise in doing what is right and innocent of every wrong.
I place my trust in You, the God of Peace today, knowing that You are sovereign over every spiritual battle. Thank You that the power of darkness will soon be crushed under Your feet, and that Your grace is sufficient for my daily walk. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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