DECEITFUL SERVICE
By Jon Bekemeyer
Scripture Reading: Romans 16:17,18
Often we hear from those who do not want to obey God's Word, "Doctrine isn't important; we just need to love one another." But God says otherwise, "Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine ye have learned and avoid them." Those who oppose this truth apparently think they know more than God and consider obedience to this verse unloving. Make no mistake; some are to be marked and avoided.
The question is sometimes asked, "Why do you have to mention people by name? Can't you just preach truth and forget about others?" Such a question must be responded to with another question. "How can you mark someone unless you know who he is?" Paul certainly marked people who endangered the saints (e.g. Hymenaeus, Philetus, Alexander, etc.). Can you imagine Paul saying, "Brother Hymenaeus has some serious doctrinal problems, but he is a dear brother and loves the Lord; so I am asking all the brethren to invite him in for a week of meetings. Perhaps we can encourage him in the truth "? No! Paul would say, "Have no company with him, that he may be ashamed."
Some have emphasized that Satan doesn't have horns and a forked tail. The point is that he is a beautiful, enticing creature; even though he is a hateful, ruinous brute. So also is deceitful service. It comes not with rough talk and coarse behavior, but with "good words and fair speeches." Deceitful service divides, offends and deceives. Let's be obedient to God's Word.
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