Unity, Discernment, and Hope in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Guard Against Division and Deception

Paul urges believers to be vigilant against those who cause division and create obstacles contrary to sound doctrine. Such individuals are motivated by self-interest and use smooth talk and flattery to deceive the unsuspecting. The church is called to avoid these divisive influences, recognizing that deception can come from both outside and within the community of faith. In a world where voices clamor for attention and popularity, it is crucial to filter every teaching and influence through the Word of God, remaining steadfast in truth and unity. [05:24]

Romans 16:17-18 (ESV)
"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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."

Reflection: Who in your life or what sources (online or in person) might be subtly sowing division or confusion about your faith, and how can you intentionally filter their influence through the truth of Scripture today?

Day 2: Be Wise in Goodness and Innocent Toward Evil

Believers are called to be known for their obedience and to be wise regarding what is good, while remaining innocent concerning evil. This innocence is not ignorance, but a deep familiarity with what is good and true, so that evil is easily recognized and rejected. Just as experts detect counterfeit currency by knowing the genuine article intimately, Christians are to immerse themselves in God’s Word and presence, so that the allure of evil loses its power. This vigilance extends to every area of life, from entertainment choices to daily habits, guarding hearts and homes from subtle influences that erode spiritual defenses. [11:44]

Romans 16:19 (ESV)
"For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil."

Reflection: What is one area of your daily life—such as media, conversations, or habits—where you need to become more discerning, so that you can better recognize and reject what is evil?

Day 3: Cling to Unity Rooted in Christ

True unity among believers is grounded in the shared reality of our need for a Savior and the grace found in Jesus Christ. While unity with one another is important, it is only possible and lasting when it is rooted in unity with God through His Word. Abiding in Christ, as branches in the vine, enables believers to bear fruit and withstand the pressures and temptations of the world. This vertical alignment with God strengthens unity in the home and church, equipping believers to resist division and to shine as a unified witness to the world. [19:43]

John 15:4-5 (ESV)
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: In what practical way can you intentionally abide in Christ today—through prayer, Scripture, or worship—so that your unity with Him shapes your relationships with others?

Day 4: Rest in the Promise of God’s Victory

Amidst the chaos and challenges of life, it is easy to forget that the ultimate victory has already been won by God. The God of peace promises to crush Satan under the feet of His people, assuring believers that evil will not have the final word. This confidence in God’s triumph enables Christians to live with hope, courage, and perseverance, knowing that their struggles are temporary and that God’s grace is sufficient. Resting in this promise, believers can face each day with assurance, trusting that God is greater than any opposition or hardship. [21:33]

Romans 16:20 (ESV)
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

Reflection: What current struggle or fear do you need to surrender to God’s victory today, trusting that He has already overcome it?

Day 5: Live as the Hands and Feet of the Gospel

Believers are called to carry the message of hope and truth into the world, living as the hands and feet of Jesus. This mission field extends beyond the church walls into everyday life—workplaces, neighborhoods, and homes. The world may seek to distract, divide, or discourage, but Christians are to remain confident in their Savior, living out the gospel with love, integrity, and purpose. Vertical alignment with God fuels this calling, empowering believers to reflect Christ’s character and to bring light into darkness wherever they go. [26:16]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Where will you be today—at work, at home, or in your community—where you can intentionally let the light of Christ shine through your actions or words?

Sermon Summary

Paul’s closing words in Romans 16:17-23 offer a powerful call to unity, discernment, and hope for the church. The early church faced many of the same challenges we do today: division, false teaching, and the subtle pull of worldly influences. Paul’s urgent appeal is to be vigilant against those who cause division and create obstacles contrary to the gospel. Such people, he warns, are not serving Christ but their own desires, often using smooth talk and flattery to deceive the unsuspecting. This is not just a warning for the first-century church, but a living word for us now, as we navigate a world full of distractions, controversies, and voices vying for our allegiance.

Obedience to Christ is to be our reputation, not just in word but in the way we live. Paul rejoices over the church’s obedience, but he also urges us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. This innocence is not ignorance, but a deep familiarity with what is true and good, so that evil is easily recognized and rejected. Like a banker who knows the feel of real currency so well that counterfeits are obvious, we are called to know God and His Word so intimately that deception cannot take root in our hearts.

Unity is a recurring theme, not just for the sake of harmony, but because it is rooted in our shared need for grace and our common salvation in Christ. We are reminded that all have sinned and fall short, and that our unity is found in the gospel, not in our preferences or secondary issues. This unity begins in our homes, in our personal relationship with God, and extends outward to the church and the world. Our “vertical alignment” with God is the foundation for all other relationships and for the strength to resist the world’s pull.

Paul’s promise in verse 20 is a word of hope: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” The victory is already won in Christ. In a world that tries to distract, divide, and discourage, we are called to abide in Christ, to cling to what is good, and to live as those who know the outcome of the battle. Our mission is to carry this hope and truth into the world, living as the hands and feet of Jesus, confident in His finished work and eager to love one another as He has loved us.

Key Takeaways

1. Discernment in the Face of Division Paul’s warning against those who cause division is not a call to blind acceptance, but to spiritual discernment rooted in God’s Word. We must be vigilant, filtering every teaching and influence through Scripture, so that we are not swayed by smooth talk or the latest trends. This discernment protects the unity of the church and guards our hearts from deception, especially in a world where falsehood can spread so easily. [05:24]
2. Innocence Through Intimacy with God Being “innocent as to what is evil” is not about ignorance, but about being so deeply acquainted with God and His goodness that evil is immediately recognizable. Like those who detect counterfeit currency by knowing the real thing intimately, we are called to immerse ourselves in God’s truth. This kind of innocence is active, not passive, and it requires ongoing engagement with Scripture and prayer. [11:44]
3. The Power and Responsibility of Spiritual Leadership The influence we have—especially in our homes—can either open doors to evil or fortify against it. Spiritual leadership is not passive; it requires intentionality, vigilance, and modeling a life centered on Christ. When we let our guard down, we create vulnerabilities for those entrusted to us, but when we lead with integrity, we foster unity and resilience. [13:01]
4. Unity Rooted in the Gospel, Not in Preference True unity is not found in uniformity of opinion or cultural conformity, but in our shared need for grace and our common identity in Christ. The Word of God is our standard, and unity flourishes when we are aligned with Him first (“vertical alignment”). This unity is both a witness to the world and a safeguard against the divisions that threaten the church from within and without. [18:38]
5. Living in the Assurance of Christ’s Victory The promise that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” is a reminder that the battle is already won. We are not called to strive for victory, but to live from it—abiding in Christ, confident in His finished work, and carrying the hope of the gospel into every sphere of life. Even when life is hard and the world is chaotic, God is greater, and He is drawing us nearer to Himself. [21:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Reading Romans 16:17-23
[04:18] - Three Key Elements: Division, Discernment, and Promise
[05:24] - Warning Against Division and Deception
[06:26] - Asking Questions and Filtering by Scripture
[08:12] - Who Are the Naive?
[09:18] - The Subtle Infiltration of Evil
[10:49] - Wise to Good, Innocent to Evil
[11:44] - Recognizing Evil by Knowing Good
[13:01] - Spiritual Leadership in the Home
[14:06] - What Captivates Your Mind?
[15:26] - God’s Masterpiece and Our Purpose
[17:03] - The Call to Unity
[18:38] - Unity Rooted in the Word
[19:43] - Abiding in Christ the True Vine
[21:33] - The Promise of Victory
[23:36] - The Gospel: Christ’s Sacrifice and Resurrection
[24:30] - Abide in My Love: Jesus’ Command
[26:16] - Our Mission Field and Purpose
[27:31] - Confidence in Christ and the Call to Respond
[29:23] - Prayer for Deeper Relationship
[30:51] - Communion and Reflection
[32:12] - Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[33:32] - Closing and Communion

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 16:17-23 (ESV) — 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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in Romans 16:17-18, what are the characteristics and methods of those who cause division in the church?
In verse 19, Paul says he wants the church to be “wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” What does this mean in the context of the passage?
What promise does Paul give the church in verse 20, and how does it relate to the challenges he mentions earlier?
The sermon mentions that Paul rejoices over the church’s obedience. What does it say about their reputation, and why is that important? [[10:49]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul warn so strongly against those who cause division, and what might be the consequences if the church ignores this warning? [[05:24]]
The sermon compares knowing God’s truth to a banker knowing real currency so well that counterfeits are obvious. How does this analogy help us understand what it means to be “innocent as to what is evil”? [[11:44]]
The sermon talks about “vertical alignment” with God as the foundation for unity in the church and in our homes. What does this look like practically, and why is it so important? [[19:43]]
Paul’s promise that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” is described as a word of hope. How should this assurance shape the way believers respond to division, deception, or discouragement? [[21:33]]

Application Questions

Paul warns us to watch out for those who cause division and create obstacles. Have you ever seen or experienced division in a church or Christian community? How was it handled, and what could have been done differently? [[05:24]]
The sermon says that being “innocent as to what is evil” is not about ignorance, but about being so familiar with God’s goodness that evil is easy to spot. What are some practical ways you can grow in your knowledge of God and His Word this month? [[11:44]]
The influence we have in our homes can either open doors to evil or fortify against it. What are some habits or routines in your home that help (or hurt) your family’s spiritual health? Is there one change you feel led to make? [[13:01]]
The sermon challenges us to examine what captivates our minds. What is one thing that tends to distract you from focusing on Christ, and what step can you take this week to shift your focus back to Him? [[14:06]]
Unity in the church is rooted in our shared need for grace and our common identity in Christ, not in our preferences. Is there a preference or secondary issue that you’ve let get in the way of unity with other believers? How can you move toward reconciliation or understanding? [[18:38]]
The promise that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” means we live from Christ’s victory, not for it. When life feels overwhelming or discouraging, what helps you remember that the battle is already won? [[21:33]]
The sermon calls us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, carrying hope into the world. Who is one person in your life who needs encouragement or the hope of the gospel, and how can you reach out to them this week? [[26:16]]

Sermon Clips

A way to look at this, a great analogy for this, and one that I picked up from studying, and this came from the late John MacArthur, is that of a counterfeit bill. How do you recognize a counterfeit bill? By being so in tune with the real bill, that you can't be fooled by the fake. So how do you remain innocent as to what is evil? By being so familiar with God and his word that you can't be fooled. [00:11:31] (27 seconds) #CaptivatedByJesus

Cling to what is good. Hold fast. Hold steady. Do not waver here. The temptations will come. From the hobbies we have to the way that we kill time at night before bed, we must be diligent. The humor you partake in, the movies you watch, the TV shows you either binge or religiously watch week after week, even if that even still exists these days with streaming, the music we listen to, all of these things are openings for evil. There are doors, windows into our heart to let evil in, whittling away at your defenses and creating vulnerabilities that will ultimately lead to your stumbling. [00:12:12] (39 seconds) #CreatedToGlorify

Some of us are spending more time being held captive by our thoughts and far less time captivated by Jesus. And I get it. There's pressures in this world. There's darkness abounding. There are bills to pay and sometimes more month than money. There's wars happening throughout the world and a fracturing nation laid out before you. There are things far more personal, such as the way you view yourself. [00:14:25] (23 seconds) #AbideInTheVine

``God didn't create you to be impressive in the eyes of the world. He didn't fabricate you in your mother's womb so that the world could bask in your glory. He stitched you together for him. You were a masterpiece created to glorify the artist, covered in his fingerprint. [00:15:10] (17 seconds) #GodIsOurVictory

You were made by the same God that laid out the universe, suspending the sun where it needs to be so that the earth could orbit the sun. And if it was just a little bit closer, we'd all burn up. If it was a little bit further, we'd all freeze. He hung the stars in the sky, and he pulled the mountains up from the dust. Snow -capped wonders for us to gaze upon. Deeper oceans than we can even explore. The same God causing flowers to bloom and the warm summer breeze to kiss your face, reminding you it's all going to be okay, created you. [00:15:26] (33 seconds) #ServeOnlyOneMaster

All of these thoughts are relatable. There's not a soul in this room that doesn't relate with one point or another that I just mentioned. So welcome home. To a place where imperfect people gather to worship a perfect Savior. Not one person here has everything figured out. No one here has all of the answers. Everyone here has lived their own life and their own story. [00:16:31] (23 seconds) #JesusOurPerfectExample

Seeking to be loved by the world results in serving the wrong master. You cannot serve two masters. A church caught up in being popular or relevant or anything other than truth with love for anything other than truth with love will find itself always looking for something new or exciting. Watering down the most exciting news we could ever have, the most exciting news we could ever give, and that is the news of the gospel. [00:22:23] (26 seconds)

You see, in God's infinite wisdom, knowing man would fall, he had a plan. He would come dwell among us and live a life unified with his Father and the Holy Spirit. Showing us and leading by example as the perfect sacrificial lamb, he would lay his life down for us. Brutally beaten and battered up until being hung on the cross. Suffering the wrath of God. Taking on the sins of the world and making a way for us to cross the divide created by our sins. The very sins that separate us from our holy God, wiped clean. Where some believe the story ends, we know the truth, is greater still as he rose, he conquered the grave, resurrected, death defeated. [00:23:10] (46 seconds)

It is on our knees in prayer and reverence. It is walking in the garden. It is that unity that is so there and so available that will give you wisdom as to what is good. It will help you be innocent as to what is evil. And together as a body, we can be that accountability for one another as well. This is a charge. It's a calling to be confident in your Savior, to trust in what He has done, to go into your workplaces, to go into the grocery store, to go about your day -to -day life knowing that the battle has already been won, that victory has already been won, that this is your temporary home. And that life is going to happen. We've all experienced that in one way, shape, or form. And to some, it feels like life just continues to happen and you're just kind of, okay, I could use a break. And in all of those things, God is greater. And in all of those things, God is better. And in all of those things, in all of those things, He's drawing you nearer to Him. And the choice is whether or not you'll respond. [00:27:31] (81 seconds)

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