The Apostle’s Care

Romans 16:17-23
[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.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has the end of Romans given us insight into the heart of Paul and of Christianity itself?
2.   What does Paul warn his readers against, and what does he instruct them to do? How does this encourage humility and devotion to sound doctrine?
3.   How are the false teachers described? What is the relationship between division and false teaching?
4.   What does it look like to be naive? How have you seen people deceived and led astray “by smooth talk and flattery” (v. 18)?
5.   How does Paul view the Roman Christians? What reassurances are provided for believers in v. 20?
6.   How are the final greetings from Paul’s friends related to the previous warning?
7.   What do Gaius and Erastus tell us about the makeup of the early church?

References: Galatians 5:20; Philippians 2:2-3; Romans 8:13; 1:25, 8; 15:14; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 12:9; Matthew 10:16; Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:22.