#DailyDevotion God Is Not Into Diversity Of Teachings
January 28th
Read Rom 16:17–27
Rom 16:17, 25-27 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them…25Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages (26) but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith– (27) to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
First we are warned in this text to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught. What? You mean I actually have to be responsible for what I am listening to? What? You mean God isn’t into diversity of faiths, teachings, etc. and that all roads of “sincere” people of faith don’t lead to heaven. We can’t all just agree to disagree? I guess that depends on whether or not you believe St. Paul’s writings, all of them are God’s Word or not. If you believe St. Paul’s letters are God’s Word, then yes there is only one faith, one doctrine. Anything that disagrees with what the Scriptures and particularly here are false doctrine and YOU are responsible to make sure YOU listen to only those who are teaching the truth of God’s Word.
St. Paul says we should avoid these people. Yes, many of them are of the worst sort. They call themselves “non-denominationalist” hiding the content of the false faiths they are teaching. But all of them teach and preach for this reason, to serve their appetites. Of course they won’t always show their hand but if you are hearing smooth talk and flattery you’re probably in the midst of one. You are to familiarize yourself with the scriptures and what they teach. You are to compare from what you read and what you hear. You must be shown what is taught is true from the Scriptures IN CONTEXT and not just take some text which only touch a tangent of a scriptural text. Yes it’s hard work but I think your soul is worth it.
To encourage you in your task St. Paul blesses us. To him, that is Jesus be glory because he will strengthen you according to the gospel (the good news of a free salvation based on the works of Jesus Christ) he preaches. This mystery of faith is no longer a mystery. Proclaimed in the beginning of the world at least in Genesis 3:15 if not earlier and throughout the Old Testament and has now been made known throughout the world is able to bring about the obedience of the faith. God has commanded it and here it is fulfilled.
Only this Gospel, that God sent his son into the world, in human flesh, to die for mankind, for you; this son Jesus makes atonement for your sins by the pouring out of his blood his innocent suffering and death; his victory over sin, death and the devil and his life, his throne, his light is offered to you freely, without any work of your own, without any merit of your own, without ever even having asked for it. It is offered to you today. Only this gospel can create and sustain the obedience of faith, trust in the work and mercies of Jesus Christ. Any other way is wickedness, evil and the vomit of the devil.
Lord Jesus Christ, give us a discerning Spirit, that we might tell between the true doctrine (faith) and error that we might be preserved in your life unto all eternity. Amen.