Being Faithful to the Gospel
For 11 chapters Paul has set forth
the doctrine of the Christian faith.
The balance of his letter moves
into the practical outworking of
that faith. For every assignment,
there is a enablement from God.
The letter closes with Paul’s stating
his plans, a long series of greetings,
an admonition followed by doxology.
Lord, we will Defend the Gospel:
Brothers and sisters, I ask you
to look out for those who cause
people to be against each other
and who upset other people’s faith.
They are against the true teaching
you learned, so stay away from them.
For those who are such do not serve
our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 16:17-18).
Everyone knows that you are
obedient to the Lord. This makes
me very happy. I want you to see
clearly what is right and to stay
innocent of any wrong (v19).
And the God of peace will crush
Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you. Amen (v20).
Lord, make us be faithful to the
gospel in our area of influence.
Help us to be watchful for those
who undermine sound doctrine.
Lead us be wise and discerning
so that we could recognise
what is good and what is evil.
Prompt us to want to do good
and make us be willing servants.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, help me to travel life’s
road seeing things clearly
and living innocent of wrong.
Help me Lord to depend fully
on the light of Your Son Jesus.
Help me see the path You have
for me and through the truth of
Your Word leads me gently on it.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, we realize the more we
yield to sin, the more enticements
to sin we seem to encounter.
But the more consistently and
firmly we resist temptation, the
stronger our resolve becomes.
Lord, the enemy is strong and
sinister; but You are stronger.
Give me the grace to recognise
the attacks of the enemy; and the
strength to spurn his offers. Amen.