The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 16:17-20, “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore, I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

Remember when you were a child? You were headed to a birthday party for one of your friends, but not before your mother reminded you to behave and treat everyone nicely; and above all, don’t forget to tell your friend’s mother that you had a nice time and tank her for having the party. Remember that?

Well, the apostle Paul is saying something like that to us as he closes his Letter to the Romans. The circumstances, however, are understandably different, He warns us to watch closely those who cause “dissensions and hindrances” which are contrary to the Scriptures. Those who live in opposition to the Word of God are numerous! They disguise their true meaning with nice sounding phraseology, but their intention is not for our good.

Notice, too, that Paul is not merely speaking of those who pretend to be followers of Jesus. Those in governmental positions are not exempted from his warning. I remember a preacher once saying, “I don’t believe all I hear that is preached.” How right he was! We are to remain obedient only to the Word of the LORD.

Paul’s Scriptural promise is that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan.” When will that occur? We are not told; but we are blessed when we follow and rest in the promises of the LORD. Stay in the Word! Stay spiritually prayerful! His Word is destined to triumph!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom