Romans 16

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:17-19 NIV

How can we discern who is teaching us what God wants us to know, and who is misleading us?  The most important thing we can do is to take the time ourselves to study God’s Word so that we are knowledgeable about who He is, what He has done for us, how He wants us to live our lives, and how He expects us to treat others.  So if we are “…wise about what is good” (verse 19), then we are less likely to allow ourselves to be deceived.  The fact remains that there are people in this world who manipulate or omit parts of the Bible to make it more convenient for themselves to follow.  “But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them.  In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered.  In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money” (2 Peter 2:1-3).  This is when we must use discernment based on our knowledge of God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  What are we supposed to do with those who try to cause discord among God’s people, or teach things that are contrary to what the Bible says?  In verse 17 we are simply told to “Keep away from them.”  There are so many ways for us to learn about God’s Word and the teachings of Jesus in these modern times.  We can go to church, participate in small group Bible studies, listen to the radio, hear podcasts on our phones, watch sermons on TV/computers, read books and blogs, etc.  Spending our free time learning from one or many of these resources is wonderful and encouraged, providing that we are alert and wise about who we are listening to and what they are teaching.  “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).