Introduction: Have you noticed that some people in the Church are “Peacemakers” while others are “Troublemakers”? Which would be descriptive of you? Hopefully, the former and not the latter would describe you. Apparently, the Church of Rome was dealing with both. But what insights did our Lord give His people about these two kinds of folks in the Church? Let’s see.
1. PEACEMAKERS! (Romans 15:19-20) – “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
If we backtrack in this same chapter, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, commends many of the fellow servants in the Church. Listen to his commendation:
“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ… Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise, greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Salute Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.”
As you can see, God used many of His saints to further the gospel of Jesus Christ and build the work of the ministry. What a team! Team Jesus. Are you a part of Team Jesus? If so, praise the Lord!
2. TROUBLEMAKERS! (Romans 16:17-18) – “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Contrary to the thought, “DOCTRINE DIVIDES,” here the apostle Paul writes to clear up any confusion because “DOCTRINE really UNITES!” Do you hold to sound doctrine? This is another valuable reason for studying your Bible. How else would you learn doctrine?
Conclusion: Someone has said, if you study the real thing (God’s Word), then you will be able to detect the counterfeit very easily. Can you detect false teaching?
Unfortunately, TROUBLEMAKERS will increase as we move toward end-time events. But at the same time, PEACEMAKERS will prevail because Jesus is the Prince of Peace!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
