Every gardener knows that thriving vineyards attract destructive pests. Satan works the same way,

targeting healthy ministries with his favorite weapon, division. Today, on Insight for Living,

Chuck Swindall addresses one of ministry's most painful realities,

well-meaning people who nevertheless sow discord and undermine God's work.

Our in-depth study in Paul's letter to the Romans has taken us to the final chapter.

In this passage, Paul equips church leaders and members alike to recognize, confront,

and protect against those who, intentionally or not, ravage the vineyard that God is cultivating.

Occasionally, an individual will save the best for the last, and Paul seems to do that

as he gets toward the end of the letter to the Romans.

While it isn't necessarily the longest of the letters he wrote, it is certainly the one that has become for the

Christian faith the most significant I doubt that Tertius when he took up the

pen and began to write on parchment ever thought that he was writing the

Christian Constitution but Romans is that but it is not without those personal vignettes

along the way. Occasionally, there are very strong, as today, very strong words of counsel

and even warning given to the flock of God. I'll be reading from Romans 16 verses 17 through 20.

Romans 16, 17 through 20. Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions

and hindrances, contrary to the

teaching which you learned and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord

Christ, but of their own appetites.

And by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

For the report of your obedience has reached to all, therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you

to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan

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