ROMANS 16
17 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. 18 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. 19 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. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. – Romans 16:17-23
ROMANS 16 BE WARY OF SMOOTH TALKERS & FLATERERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Watch out for those who flatter you
They may be doing so for a reason
Flattery is a form of deception
It is also a way of manipulation
Steer clear of those who stirs up fights
They are only obstacles to your growth.
Paul warns the believers to watch out for those who stir up conflicts and put up hindrances to what the gospel has taught them. He exposes these people who are smooth talkers and uses flatteries. He clearly identifies them as not belonging to God’s kingdom. They are not serving God but they serve their own flesh. They try to deceive you with smooth talk and flatteries and if you are not aware of their tactics, you will fall victim to their lies and deceptions.
He reminds them also not to worry much because the God of peace will soon crush Satan. One of God’s traits is that he is a God of peace, which is a good reminder that there is nothing that isn’t under his control. We only need to rely and depend on him and we will be calm. There is no room for worry or anxiety when we have God on our side.
REFLECTION
· What do you think is behind smooth talking and flatteries?
· Why should we avoid those who create conflicts and divisions?
