Romans 16  This chapter is Paul's closing thoughts in his letter to Rome.  It is filled with personal greetings.. heartfelt and so endearing.  He "commends" Phoebe and others...  He names his fellow workers.. Prisca and Aquila; Epaenetus; Mary, etc.  He calls many "beloved" or "kinsmen".  These are people that he has known and cared for deeply.  They mean so much to him. Recognizing their contribution to the work of the Gospel was important to Paul.  Something we need to do better at.. 

Paul also gives an important warning here.. "Now I urge you , brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you have learned and turn away from them.. " (v17)  We live in a divided culture and we have seen division come into the church in America.. even our own denomination.  We know that Satan will use whatever he can to fan these fires.. to hinder the Gospel and to distract us from what is most vital.  We need to be aware.. as Paul has warned.. and to follow Paul's next instruction.. " I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil." 

His next words are "and the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (v20) Discernment and obedience to the Word leads us to where God can use us best. 

Father in heaven,  May we "be obedient" to Your Word in all things.  Grant us eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts that are wise in what is good.. that which is good and acceptable in Your sight.  Help us to have deep and abiding love for our fellow Christians.. even if we disagree.  Help us to turn away from those who cause dissension and hinder the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all! How we need You!

"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ,

according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,

but now is manifested and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the command of God,

has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;

to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever.

Amen." 

(v 25-27)