Prepare: Christians must be aware of false teachings and teachers.
Read: Romans 16:17-27
Be wise about what is good: Not everyone was helping Pail in his ministry. There were some who were trying to divide the church and causing believers to go astray by teaching false doctrines. Paul clearly mentions that such teachings come from Satan. The instruction of Paul is 'watch out for them' and 'keep away from them'. Paul also exhorts his readers to be 'wise about what is good' and 'innocent about what is evil'. The same exhirtation comes to us as we strive to obey God and maintain our testimony.
Be established in the truth: Paul in this section mentions eight of his close associates who laboured with him. Timothy was Paul's 'son-in-faith' and co-laboured with him in many different places and circumstances (Phil 2:19-24). Lucius was a fellow Jew as were Jason and Sosipater.Tertius wrote this letter as Paul dictated it. Gaius, Erastus and Quartus, were all fellow labourers with Paul.
The closing benediction which is the longest one Paul ever wrote, reflects his ministry which is concerned with God's plan of salvation, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body, the church (Eph.3). The whole purpose of this epistle is to explain God's plan of salvation to Christians, so that they would be established in the truth and share this truth with the lost. Are you doing that?
Respond: Lord Jesus, thank You for making me a minister of the Gospel to others. Keep me faithful in this calling always.
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