“17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, 18 because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.”
This section details a sharp warning against false teaching. Why does Paul bring this up here at the very end of his letter? As we’ve studied through the letter to the church in Rome, Paul has had many difficult and hard things to say to the church. Paul has offered many corrections that may not be easy for the church to accept. Paul recognizes this. He knows that some may be tempted to water down his words, which we recognize as God’s words spoken through Paul, in order that they may seem less harsh, thereby winning them over with smooth talk and flattering words. Paul is warning the church, if it sounds easy, then it is possible it’s false teaching. We must be on guard against this in our churches as well! It’s just as Jesus said:
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” — Matthew 7:15-16a
Jesus says that we will recognize false teachers by their fruit. If someone is teaching that we should not be so concerned about sin, or we are trying too hard to live in righteousness, this is not the fruit of an obedient Christian, but that of a false teacher.
Paul says that we should avoid Christians who live contrary to what he is teaching, specifically when they encourage others to do the same, causing division among the church body. Paul says something similar at the end of his second letter to the Thessalonians.
“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet don’t consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
Avoid people who aren’t listening to these instructions, Paul says, but don’t treat them like enemies. The aim is to make them feel ashamed of their disobedience and the goal is restoration and obedience, not shunning and condemnation.
Paul also says that false teachers do not serve Christ, but only their own appetites. There is no concern among them for bringing glory to God, nor for serving the saints, only themselves. Paul speaks similarly in his letter to the Philippians.
“For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things.” — Philippians 3:18-19
Paul says that their focus on themselves is idolatry. Their desires have become their god. By being so utterly focused on themselves and the things of this world, they are bringing about their own destruction.