Marked for Identification Rom. 16: 17-19 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
Marked for Identification
Romans 16:17-19
In the passage for this lesson we are told by the apostle Paul to mark those that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that we have learned. In this lesson we are going to look at why this is important and also look at some other things that we are to mark in order to accomplish this task.
In the word of God the word mark is used several ways. We will list some of these below.
- For identification (Genesis 4:15 ; Job 24:16 ; Revelation 13:16)
- To take note of (Luke 14:7)
- As a goal or prize (Philippians 3:14)
- Connection with Judgment (Job 10:14 ; Jeremiah 2:22)
In today’s world this is not very popular. No one seems to want to distinguish between anything these days. If you label or identify things for what they are many will chastise you. But the truth of the matter is that there will always be marks for the purpose of identification and in many ways they are a matter of safety.
What is the purpose for marking?
1) The first thing is to be able to identify those that are teaching contrary.
- Think about when you mark something as flammable or radioactive or quarantine. The identification of these substances is very important to the safety of others.
2) The reason for those being able to identify those teaching false doctrine is to avoid them.
- Once again if something is radioactive then you would want to avoid it at all cost.
3) In the end avoiding them is for the purpose of not being deceived.
- One of the greatest ways of being deceived is to not truly know what you believe.
Other things that we are told to Mark :
1) The word of God (Jeremiah 23:18)
- This is where everything starts and ends. If you are going to be messed up in your doctrine it will come from not marking God’s word.
- Note what Paul says to the Hebrews (Hebrews 5:11-14)
- You should know what you believe and be able to back it up with scripture especially when it comes to the doctrines of Salvation.
2) The way of the wicked (Job 22:15)
- Without having a knowledge of the word of God you will not be able to identify the path of the wicked (Isaiah 5:20)
3) Those who are a good example to follow (Philippians 3:17)
- Whether you like it or not you are following someone (Psalm 38:20)
4) The perfect man (Psalm 37:37)
- This is Jesus Christ and note that we can follow those who are following Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1).
The goal for a saved person is to bear the marks of identification of Jesus Christ is there body. Paul did this physically through persecution and spiritually through his life (Galatians 6:17). Let us not be ignorant of God word nor deceived by those who are teaching falsely and let us follow the path which is right by marking the wrong path and avoiding it.