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Sermon Notes

Final Warnings, and the Conclusion of Romans

Sunday 29 December 2024 Pastor Craig Ledbetter Romans 16:17-27
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I. Introduction

A. This unfortunately is the final study of the Letter to the Romans

  1. I feel we have not scratched the surface of all the truths and doctrines that God wrote down for us in this rich Letter
  2. We have only dug a few inches deep for all its treasures and truths that go miles in depth!
  3. But we are finishing its study today, and moving to another Book

B. Letters like Romans are very important to know, and study and believe

  1. Ignorance of this Book in the Bible has made it possible for so many cults and lies to be believed by modern Christians today! Romans is a cornerstone of Theology
  2. You would do well to read this Letter with fresh eyes, every year, pondering and studying every subject this Book speaks about - take nothing for granted

C. Because…

  1. It is THE Book of the Bible that caused the Reformation, and turned millions of people away from the catholic Church and back to the Gospel!
  2. It contains the simplest explanations for the Gospel, how to be saved from sin and God’s judgment, and how to be free from sin’s power
  3. And, It explains most of the foundational truths every Christian has to know and believe to be steady and strong in their faith

D. Oh that we loved this Book, and every Book of our Bible!

II. Message

A. Final Warnings (Romans 16:17,18)

  1. Romans 16:17,18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  2. Speaking to US - to brethren, Christians. Every church is responsible for doctrinal purity, and must make sure what is taught is from Scripture only, and not from culture, or fancy-talking religious hustlers!

  3. Mark them which cause divisions and offenses

    • Mark means, Identify - clearly recognise - don’t be deceived by some teachers

    • Concerning doctrine - absolute truths

    • Criteria - how do we know false doctrines, heresies?

      1. Whatever is contrary to what Paul has clearly written in this Book
        • The reason why there are so many different kinds of churches is because so few people know the Bible - they just go where they feel comfortable
        • A good church ALSO is supposed to make you feel VERY uncomfortable
      2. Anything or anyone that leads you away from what is written in Scripture, in its context, is not to be believed or obeyed
      3. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING QUESTIONS, and CRITICAL THINKING. Study, learn for yourself!
      4. But it is wrong to argue against the clear words of Scripture and to question simply because you want to believe your own theology and promote your own way of worship!
      5. I don’t believe what I believe because I like it all - I believe it because it is written

    • The Book of Romans clearly defines Christian doctrine

      1. Doctrine is absolute Biblical truth - not opinions, or traditions, but clear truths taught by the Bible alone
      2. In other words, Everything discussed in this Book of Romans is Doctrine
      3. Anything taught that does not agree with what is written in Romans is questionable

    • So, Learn doctrine - not just the easy stuff! But the complex and hard things

    • Know that there is a real battle over whether people hear the truth

      1. 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
      2. All the new bibles (over 200 different ones since 1881)
      3. Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
      4. All the new teachings and revelations and theologies that are popular today

    • Religion is big business, so, it must be anchored to absolute truths, not constantly changing fads and opinions and culture, or else it only DAMNS the hearers!

  4. So, Avoid them!

    • Paul commands us Christians to stay clear of such false teachers
    • I try to get along with everybody. But if you are going to teach things clearly different than in this Book, then I will avoid you like the plague!
    • You need to MARK those that divide Christians - identify them, expose them
    • And avoid them - pull away from their influences
    • 2 John 1:10,11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (DEITY OF CHRIST), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
    • So,
      1. If anyone preaches a different kind of Jesus than is presented in the totality of Scripture, they are to be avoided - we don’t need new Jesus’ or modern Jesus’
      2. If anyone preaches, or teaches people are basically good and not sinful to the core, they are to be avoided
      3. If anyone preaches or teaches you to hate the Jewish people, and not prioritise them, then THEY are to be avoided - there goes about half of YouTube teachers
      4. If anyone teaches or preaches that you need to keep the Law at all to be saved (like keep the Sabbath), then avoid them - run from them
      5. If anyone preaches or teaches that you no longer sin, run from them!
      6. If anyone preaches or teaches that you have to live right, and constantly believe right in order to STAY saved… avoid them like the plague! There is no condemnation now to the believer!
      7. If anyone does NOT teach that we have to serve one another and love one another like Jesus loves us, then AVOID them! Walk away, switch them off.

B. Why avoid them? (Romans 16:18)

  1. Can’t we all just get along? Listen to Paul’s reasons…

  2. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  3. They do not serve the Lord Jesus - they are not servants, but arrogant, self-important, proud, egotistical manipulators! People who don’t teach only the Bible are above people

  4. They are serving only their own belly - they are self-serving, pleasure seeking, hyper-critical, spoiled brats!

  5. They use good words, and they use fair speeches to divide brethren

    • Jesus calls men to feed His flock, and teach His people - but these men destroy them

    • Jeremiah 23:1,2 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

    • How do they do it?

    • They use “fine speaking”, that is, “elegance of language” - sound so good!

      1. To split churches - to destroy the work of God
      2. To come between believers who used to love each other
      3. It is like when someone comes between you and your children
      4. Or between you and your wife, trying to ruin your marriage

    • They can’t wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

    • 2 Corinthians 4:1,2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

    • THIS is going on throughout Christianity!

    • And Solomon sadly says in Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. [IS CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT HE IS BELIEVING]

  6. They don’t preach Jesus Christ, they preach themselves

    • They do not seek the things of Christ, like His honour and glory and worship; or like the spread of His Gospel, and the enlargement of His kingdom
    • They seek their own things, worldly honour and applause; riches, wealth, and greatness - and they get it!
    • They don’t seek the joy of the Holy Ghost - they seek the joy of success and pleasure

  7. All because… Their god is their belly

    • Their only goal in life now is to keep themselves happy, not the Lord Jesus!

C. The Conclusion of Romans (Romans 16:25-27)

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”

III. Conclusion

A. The Book of Romans changes lives

  1. It changed Luther’s life
  2. It changed Wesley’s life
  3. It has changed countless lives throughout history
  4. Has it changed yours?

B. Know this Book

  1. Study it
  2. Memorise key passages
  3. Live by its truths

C. Guard the doctrine

  1. Mark those who teach contrary
  2. Avoid them
  3. Stay faithful to what is written

D. Give glory to God

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

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