“SHAMELESS”

18 “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”

Romans 16:18

False teachers have been causing confusion for ages. Skilled in speech, they can sell practically anything, including false gospels. What does the Bible say about such men and women?

In our previous blog, we pointed out that living the Christian life in the age of social media requires biblical wisdom and discernment. Let’s examine the next verse.

Romans 16:17-23 shows Paul’s instructions and greetings to Christians in Rome. He warns his readers to watch out for false teachers and steer clear of them. Such duplicitous men do not serve Christ but themselves, confusing the young in faith and causing division within the church. Quite noticeable is Paul’s rather harsh language in reference to the false teachers. Paul encourages the believers in Rome to be on guard against ideas that go against apostolic teaching.

Verse 18 describes the false teachers, who teach corrupted versions of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul faced many deceivers throughout his ministry, so he was quite aware of their tactics. He rounds up his message, saying that such persons serve their own appetites (“koilia,” “the whole belly”), not God. They use excessive praise to hook their audiences into believing their lies. They may make references to God but they do not serve Him. If anything, they do things for their own benefit.

To better understand the nature and destiny of these false prophets, let’s take a look at Paul’s warning in his letter to the Philippians.

19 “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

Philippians 3:19

Such individuals were marked for destruction. Everything they did, including their so-called religious service, was reserved to gratify their fleshly desires. They exist to have fun! So, they boasted about their shameful works and immoral behaviors.

Unfortunately, the false teachers that the Bible discusses are still here. They may be in a different generation, but their tactics are the same. They use their communication skills to capture the hearts of their unsuspecting listeners. They present a different gospel that has no power to save even their own souls. But their lifestyles tell everything about what’s really in their hearts. Immorality and indecency are their default. What makes things even more alarming is that they are very influential; they have an army of followers!

Thankfully, those who belong to Christ hear His voice and are kept safe from the falsehood of the father of lies. The enemy can do his best to deceive God’s people, but he will never succeed. Our God is greater; He is stronger. In Him, you are safe.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by James Baltz on Unsplash