Avoidance and Guard

S: ¹⁷ I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them

Romans 16:17

O/A: There are two parts to this message that Paul is conveying to the readers of Romans. First is avoidance and second is being well verse in teaching. Instead of tackling the problem head on, Paul suggests that we avoid the situation all together. Be wary of those who cause divisions among the church. I wonder if the people that are causing divisions are considered apart of the church or if they're outside influences. The second part of this verse suggest that we should know the teaching first hand. If we fail to see what the Holy Spirit is pressing on our hearts then we don't know how to fully and correctly follow what Christ teaches us. 


As Pastor Bob said, "CG is full of mess, and those who serve will be in the mist of the messiness." Its a matter of being able to resolve and move on from these messy the most. This verse is challenging me to avoid confrontation all together for those who are making serving difficult. Rather than fall into their traps and complaints I need to watch my step and compose myself to better handle situations that might occur. Secondly, I need to know God's teaching well enough, so that I can distinguish rebuke from just mindless chatter. That means spending more time in the word and prayer.


Jesus, forgive me for my sinful ways of always trying to prove my point and win arguments. Your way of humility and avoidance is far better than confrontation and division. Help me to have peace when troubles occur and to be able to distinguish was is right and wrong through the Holy Spirit. Help me to tread through troubling waters and avoid Satan's trap to break up unity within the body. 


In Jesus Name
Amen