READ: Rom. 16:17–24: Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. … For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortlyn …
Before Paul closes his letter, after good wishes and greetings and reference to the holy kiss as a sign of true unity, he now urgently warns the congregation against false teachers who drive a wedge into the church. Paul insists that such false teachers must be given no entrance with their destructive heresy.
Whether they concern members of the congregation is uncertain; among them will be Judaizers. Paul does not advise debating with them but rejecting them and giving them no opportunity to spread their destructive doctrine.
He emphasizes that they proceed very cunningly, deceiving people with smooth words. This may not appear very brotherly to us, but Paul speaks here in the name of Christ.
So he speaks also to other congregations (cf. 2 Thess. 3:6; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 John 10). A doctrine deviating from Scripture is a danger to the believer. If the intention of the one who propagates it is not to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, he serves himself. Knowledge of and obedience to God’s Word are decisive to determine this.
It may then be a comfort to know that God, who through His Son brings true peace, overcomes Satan. In that victory all believers may share: God will crush him under your feet. That also is grace in Christ.
Do we also know an application of this here?
Singing: Ps. 55:9, 10