Bible Study & Devotional Day 215
Guiding Scripture: Romans 16:17-18, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 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.”
Don’t Be So Naïve
Written by: Detria Moore
I’m an intercessor. I love praying. I’m also one of those people who have vivid dreams almost every night. So when the Lord gives me dreams about prayer, I take special notice.
Two years ago, I had a dream. In my dream, the Lord was speaking directly to me. He wanted me to pray for people, especially to pray that people would come to Him. I started praying for the lost and those in the world, but He stopped me and started directing my prayers toward Christians—those of us who are saved, born again, believers.
I was confused. “Lord, we already know; we’re already saved,” I exclaimed. But the Lord reiterated to pray for those in the church first.
He then directed me to 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
God opened my eyes to a sifting in the Body of Christ. It continues to play out before our very eyes. Time will tell those who are completely sold out for the Lord and are committed to following His every way versus those who merely have Christianity as an identifying marker.
Paul instructs to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen several who profess Christianity act in ungodly ways and in the public square, no less—preaching about politics and throwing out labels that aren’t even found in the Bible. I’ve seen Christians teach and behave as if allegiance to the flag is the same as allegiance to Christ. I’ve heard people say that you were unsaved and going to hell if you didn’t vote for a specific candidate.
People seemed more concerned about their ideologies than anything else. And when those in the church bought into this, it was alarming.
Paul instructs the church in Rome to watch out for those who cause division and create obstacles. Cause and create are deliberate verbs. But it’s vital that we not be fooled by the rhetoric. There are many voices within the church, advancing so many different views. But I pray we will do just what Paul says, WATCH OUT!
If the church is the answer, we can’t be divided, believing every flavor of the month doctrine. The enemy wants nothing more than for God’s people to quarrel over divisive topics. Their smooth talker may sound like they’re speaking accurately, but we should avoid them and not be naïve.
Paul later tells us how to do this: be wise to what is good and innocent to what is evil.
Lord, help us not to be naïve. Enrich our time in the word of God so that we know and stand on YOUR truth and not be led by every wind of doctrine. Please give us your wisdom. May we continue growing into mature Saints who can rightly divide the word of truth and not be deceived.
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33, Romans 16:10-27, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 20:19
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Connect with Detria Moore at www.detriamoore.com
Detria Moore, J.D. is a believer, wife, mother, college professor, intercessor, community servant, writer, speaker, and volunteer of all things. Above all else, she is enamored with her Savior. Her main goal is to serve the Lord, walk in a manner worthy of her calling, and bring glory to her Savior. Detria enjoys reading and teaching the Bible, praying for others, and walking the Lynchburg trails.
