To God be the glory!
by Faye Schmidt
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… so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Romans 16:26b,27).
Read Romans 16:17–27
Paul thought highly of the church in Rome. He states, ‘Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you’ (verse 19). However, no matter how good a church is, it should never become complacent. In this closing passage, Paul delivers a strong warning about the possibility of false teachers deceiving and damaging the church (verses 17,18). This could happen in any church. It can happen to us. We are not immune. Paul’s advice is clear. He tells the church to ‘watch out for them; avoid them’. He says, ‘I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil’ (verse 19b).
Paul assures us there is an answer to the one who is the author of discord, division and deceit. We are not to be victims of defeat or despair. We are to confidently affirm God’s victory over Satan. Satan has already been decisively defeated at the cross, but he has not yet conceded his defeat. We need to proclaim Christ’s victory over Satan. We need to take the battle up to Satan by believing in God’s word, trusting in God and resisting Satan. Such victories would be impossible, however, apart from grace.
God never meant us to fight the fight of faith alone. We are to assist each other. His will for us is that we should be in a community of faith. Paul was no lone ranger. He always seemed to gather – or seek out – those who could sharpen and help him. In this final greeting, Paul acknowledges some of those who partnered with him in his ministry. He practised what he preached.
We must never forget that in our baptism, God adopts us as his children through Jesus. He abides in us. He sends his Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our faith and to remind us that he will never leave us nor forsake us. To God be the glory!
O God, who has been the refuge of many generations, be my refuge today in every time and circumstance of need. Be my guide through all that is dark and doubtful. Be my guard against all that threatens my spirit’s welfare. Be my strength in time of testing. Gladden my heart with your peace; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations in Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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