I don’t think I have ever noticed this before, but there is a strong parallel between what Paul says in verses 17-20 and what happened in the garden of Eden.
It was God’s desire that Adam and Eve be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
But by using smooth talk and flattering words, Satan deceived the heart of the unsuspecting Eve. And by following words which were contrary to what she had learned, she fell into sin, with Adam joining her soon after.
And so Paul says, “Watch out for serpents!”
Mostly he’s talking about false teachers in the church, but there are also false teachers outside the church. How can we know they are false teachers?
They teach what is contrary to what God says in his word.
That’s why it is so important to be familiar with God’s word. When we know God’s word well, we won’t be deceived by the false teachings of this world.
That was one of the purposes of Paul’s letter to the Romans: to lay down the foundation of our faith and to teach us how we are to live.
But it’s not enough to simply know God’s Word. We need to believe it. And obey it.
And so Paul goes back to a theme he started from chapter 1: the obedience that comes from faith. (Romans 1:5, 16:26)
Christ has already won the victory over Satan. (Genesis 3:15)
And because of what he did on the cross, we will share in that victory. (Romans 16:20)
So with a heart of thanksgiving, let’s read God’s word each day. Let’s believe it. And by his grace, let’s obey it.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 