Romans 16:18, Serving Their Own Belly

Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

The Apostle Paul urges the believers in Rome to be mindful of false teachers that will with their “smooth” talk and flattery deceive the unguarded and inexperienced ones. These false teachers serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own selfish interest. The term “their own belly”, Barnes observed, “Their own lusts; their own private interests; they do this to obtain support. The authors of parties and divisions, in church and state, have this usually in view.”

The Apostle Paul similarly sent Timothy to strengthen the hands of the church in Philippi when he said in  Philippians 2:19-21 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.“

Pray that the Lord will send good men to serve Him in these last days for His honour and glory. Amen.