17I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
- P70
19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
- P70
Paul warns the believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and putobstacles in the way of sound teaching. He urges them to be wise about whatis good. He sends greetings from his companions then gives glory to God, whois able to establish the believers through the gospel. - P71
Paul ends his letter with a strong warning: watch out for those who distortthe truth and cause divisions. False teachers often appear persuasive, usingsmooth talk and flattery to deceive the unsuspecting, and so Paul calls thebelievers to be discerning and not naive. - P72
Today, false teaching can come inmany forms; books, media, and even people in the church can influenceus in the wrong direction. Our greatest defense is to stay rooted in God‘sWord and remain in fellowship with a community that values the truth,
knowing that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. - P72
Thefinal verses of this chapter return to the theme of community and glory.
Sound teaching leads to unity, strength, and, ultimately, the glorificationof God through Jesus Christ. - P72
May the God of peace and truth help us to bealert and discerning in a world full of deception. - P72
Dear Jesus, thank you for strengthening our faith each day. Help us tojoyfully obey Your commands, so that we may have nothing to do with eviland bring glory to You and the Father. In Your name, amen. - P73
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