God must be glorified in all things. This is our responsibility through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

First, stay away from false teachers and false prophets [vs17-18]. “Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” A line must be drawn. We cannot say, “I believe both lie and truth,” or halt between two opinions. We must not be afraid to choose sides. Souls are on the line, and truth saves. It doesn’t matter how sincere a man is, how big his church or influence: It ONLY matters that the truth of the gospel is preached, and that it is held in love.

“Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding [Prov 23:23].” Do not get mad at those who preach the truth and then turn to lies, because deceivers are "nice people." Correct those in error, but stand in the truth always.

Secondly, this is a word of encouragement: God will soon crush Satan under you [vs20]. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Sickness will scatter, and so will death (Ps 118:17). Trials, persecutions, and false prophets will one day be no more. We shall not suffer loss and discouragement forever. We have a little while, and then the enemy of our souls will be conquered. Hold onto your hope in Christ.

Do not expect things to be easy! The devil is loosed, and he is here. He’s given PERMISSION to trouble you, but take your afflictions to God and fight your foes. Do not be fearful. Be mighty: God is with you.

Thirdly, the purpose of the gospel is obedience [vs25-26]. “Now to Him being able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery having been kept secret in times of the ages, but now having been made manifest also through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the commandment of the Eternal God, having been made known to all the Gentiles unto the obedience of faith.” First, we obey the gospel by believing it. Secondly, we live by the message, believing it day after day. Do not separate the gospel from the life. Do not disconnect how you live from what you believe, but obey and live by the gospel. Save others by the same gospel that saves you. Paul didn’t only hear but he preached, and we must do likewise. Receive the message, believe it, then live it.

Do not sit on your hands, but take the water of life freely. Don’t let it pass you by! Don’t say one day, “I heard, but I did not take heed.” Do not have so great a salvation preached and then perish in torments. “For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation [Heb 2:1-4]? Do not be like the rich man who coveted this present world.

Finally, all glory belongs to God: This is the essence of salvation - that He’s done all the work to get all the praise [vs27]. “To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” A life of glorifying God is believing the gospel: It is saving others by what saves you; it is communing with Christ and loving others; it is LIVING for the kingdom.