We should all have an identifiable spiritual lineage as part of a functional spiritual family.

This message from Rom 16:17-20 lays out the problem, describes the predators, gives the process, promotes prudence, and promises a promise as it relates to those who will not receive the doctrine that is taught by us, but yet insist on being a part of us--those who are here to deceive the hearts of the simple.

As Paul says, "hello" to those in Rome, he describes them through the lens of who they are in Christ and in the ministry. This is instructive for us to see one another rightly. We too are to greet one another with a "Holy Kiss.”

Just as a person’s language reveals where they are from, a Christian’s “conversation” should reflect his/her citizenship. Even if we cannot determine where a Christian’s home is, we can determine where their heart is as we listen to what comes our of their mouth. (Matt 12:34) The God of peace is with them that speak peace.

This section of Romans 5 describes to us the God of Hope. He is our God and we have a very different hope than the world. Hope for the believer is confidence in what we know to be true about our future (from the Word of God). "Hope" for the non-believer is anxious contemplation about what they do not know about their future. As Paul begins to conclude the book of Romans he encourages us to live an abundant spiritual life and disciple others. He then gives us his example of going and preaching in places where the gospel had not been preached according to scripture. In the Living Well class we are endeavoring to do the same with our evangelistic Bible studies.

Weakness is not wickedness. Other's weakness is an opportunity for us to edify them and show charity. We are to receive the weak in faith, but not to doubtful disputations. Doubtful disputations are distractions to discipleship. We are way to busy to get sucked into arguments.