Epilogue To Romans

Title: Epilog To Romans - A Warning, an Encouragement and Final Blessing

Scripture: Romans 16:16-20 ; 25-27

Thesis:

I – AN INSTRUCTION:

II – A Warning:

Three of their characteristics:
a) They are divisive; “other doctrines”. They sound different! Lit.: “they set traps”

b) They are gifted and appealing, flattery is their main weapon to deceive the naive.

c) They draw people to themselves. People and the ministry are means to serve their appetites, not to serve Christ and His flock. Practical: on professional ministers.

The instruction: do not engage them, but “avoid” and “turn away” from them.

III – An Eschatological Encouragement

• The God of Peace (gospel peace) contrasted with the divisions of false teachers.

• God will soon crush Satan under our feet. “Pulverize, smash, destroy”.

• 2000 years have gone by, did the promise fail? Etym: evn ta,cei (tachometer / tachycardia). God will execute the crushing swiftly or, at once.

• In God's time-measure it is soon, because to Him 1000 years is like one day (2 Peter). Or, God will crush Satan under your feet decisively and at once. Death and sin will be swallowed up in victory.

IV – FINAL DOXOLOGY vs 25 – It ends as it started – IN THE GOSPEL

• God will make us stand firm to the end. He will perfect the good work He started!