Do you have anti-virus software on your computer? Is your network behind a firewall?
“Of course!” you respond. “That’s hugely important. Vital, really.”
It’s hard to deny. With as many viruses and hackers as there are in today’s world, it’s crucial. It’s really foolish not to have it.
As Paul wrapped up his letter to the Romans, he encouraged them to build a spiritual firewall against hackers wanting to invade the “network” of the Roman church. He encouraged them to install doctrinal anti-virus to protect their hearts.
The apostle had been around the block a time or two. He knew well that even with intense security, there were many “viruses” and “hackers” who would still try to invade the church, and rob the Roman Christ-followers of their most treasured possession — their faith in Christ.
Today, Paul issues the same strong warning to us. False, unbiblical teaching is a “virus” we can’t afford to allow inside our churches or our own hearts. False teachers are nothing more than “hackers” that want to seek out and exploit the weaknesses in our faith.
Watch out for them, Paul commands. And keep away from them.
Because the Bible has everything we need to know God, to trust in Jesus as our Savior, to find forgiveness for our sins, and to discover the path to eternal life.
Anything else — anything not found in the Bible — is nothing more than a corruption of the truth. It’s a contagion that will threaten the security of your faith!
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 (Romans 16:17, NIV).
Our Bible reading for Monday, August 3, is 1 Chronicles 15:1 – 16:36, Romans 16:1-27, and Psalm 90:11-17.
Lord, protect me and my church from viruses and hackers. Jesus called them “wolves.” Help me to be strong in your word, so that I am protected from the damage that false teachings and false teachers can do.
Header image based on "Virus" by Yuri Samoilov, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Monday, August 3, is 1 Chronicles 15:1 – 16:36, Romans 16:1-27, and Psalm 90:11-17.
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (1 Chronicles 16:8-11 NIV)
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (1 Chronicles 16:23-24 NIV)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV)
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. (Romans 16:17-18 NIV)
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17 NIV)
Heavenly Father, today I come to you with praise and joy. Lord send your word, send your grace to all I know and love. My family, my friends be with them and help them to share your wonderful grace. Lord we thank you for all you do. Help us to put you first. Help us to honor in you in all we do. Lord there are wolves and evil souls in this world. Protect us from all they are, all they bring. If it’s your will help us in this conflict to show them grace. Help us to love them and show them the truth, your truth and love. It’s a lot of work Father, but you have a plan for each and everyone of us. Lord help us to stay the path, the path that you set before us that leads back to you.
~Paul Montenieri
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