Romans 16 - Paul's Farewells

Romans 16:1-16; 21-24 – Greetings From Paul and Friends

Paul along with other believers from Rome and Corinth send greetings to the church in Rome.  There are 33 names mentioned in all, but I will mention only a few.  Priscilla and Aquila who risked their lives for him; Epenetus who was first to convert to Christ; Mary, Typhena, Tryphosa, Typehena, Tryphosa Persis who worked hard; Rusus who was like a mother to him; Timothy who was a fellow worker; Andronicus and Junias who are his relatives and also who had been in prison with him; Herodion, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater who are his relatives; Tertius who wrote down this letter for Paul; Gaius who had provided hospitality to Paul while he was in Corinth.  (Rom. 16:1-16, 21-24)

There are other places in the Bible where there are lists of genealogies and names.  They are there for a reason.  These who Paul greeted can motivate and encourage us to be all God wants us to be.  It shows us the church is made up of ordinary people who know the Lord Jesus.  Some were Jews, some Gentiles, some were men, some women, some were slaves, some rich and some poor.  They all were obedient and growing in their faith.  They served Him.  They loved one another.  All these people were united in Christ Jesus.

Why is Paul including so many verses of greetings in his writings?  God had a purpose as He does with everything and the Holy Spirit inspired him to write these greetings.  We have to remember all the Bible is God inspired.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

Paul seemed to have a relationship with each of them.  He is a good example for us to take interest in fellow Christians and have a relationship with them.  Paul mentions Priscilla and Aquila who risked their lives for him and for the church.  There were those who held church services in their homes.  He greeted those who worked hard for the Lord.  All these people were ordinary people growing in the Lord through sound doctrine that Paul teaches throughout the book of Romans.

Principle:  The church is made up of ordinary people who love and appreciate each other and share the same goal of glorifying God.

None of these people were famous or powerful in the eyes of the world.  Like most of us they would never be recognized by the world, but God knows their names as He does yours.  We are important to Him enough that He sent His Son, Jesus to die for our sins.

How do you think Paul would have described you?

How would you liked to be described?

Romans 16:17-20 – Paul’s Final Warning

Paul told them to watch out for those who cause division and put obstacles in their way that are against his teachings.  These people are not serving the Lord, but their own appetites.  They have smooth talk and use flattery to deceive.  He said everyone has heard about the obedience of the Christians in Rome and he wanted them to be wise about what is good and evil.  Paul reminded them that God will soon crush Satan.  (Rom. 16:17-20)

Paul’s words are totally in line with our culture.  Our churches are putting aside true doctrine.  There are false teachers who deceive others for their own gain.  There are those who live to stir up trouble.  They gossip and are always complaining about something.  We all know people like that.  Believers are to stand firm, be on guard, and keep away from those kinds of people and away from false teachings.  If we know God’s Word, we will be able to recognize these people quickly. 

How can we recognize false teachers?  They promote the way to salvation is through works and not Jesus’ work on the cross as do cults.  False teachers are usually nice and likeable.  They flatter you and tell you what you want to hear.  They don’t talk about sin or the judgment that is coming.  They preach only positive messages of God’s love and acceptance.  They tell stories that tug at your heart and prey on your feelings.  There are many cults today.  Some examples are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.  They talk about believing in Jesus, but their Jesus is not in the Jesus of the Bible.  Remember they always have a little truth in their teaching.  That’s what gets followers.  False teachers preach salvation is by grace plus works.  Paul preached that salvation is by grace through faith alone.

Those involved in cults do a better job training their people that Christians do.  When these people come and knock on your door, be careful.  They can take you to any verse that supports their beliefs.  So if you choose to entertain them in a discussion, be ready to discuss your beliefs.  If you aren’t knowledgeable of the Bible, they can confuse you and draw you in.  I usually don’t open the door or I just say that I’m a Christian and thank them and tell them to have a good day and then close the door.  Then after they’ve left, I pray for them.

So to be wise about false teachers, you need to focus on the Scriptures.  By knowing the truth you will be equipped to stand up to any false teaching.

Paul said “the God of peace will soon crush Satan”.  Satan was defeated at the cross, but until Christ returns the battle continues.  Satan continues to deceive and devour everyone he can.  He is especially out to get Christians.  That’s his job and he will never give up.  He’s even working harder now, because he knows his time is almost up.  He knows God will win in the end.  So put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20), stay in His Word and in prayer, and run from temptation.  Then you can resist Satan’s evil schemes.  His final defeat will be the Christ throws him into the Lake of Fire.                                                                                                                             

Principle:  Believers are to be on guard against false teachers.

Romans 16:25-27 – Paul’s Benediction

How do you end a letter like Romans which has been called the greatest letter ever written and one of the greatest books of the Bible? 

As usual Paul ends his letters with a benediction.  “Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him – to the only wise God by glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” – Rom. 16:25-27.

He praised God who has provided the glorious gospel.  He wrote so all nations might believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  God has the power to make a Christian’s faith firm.  He protects believers from wrong beliefs.  The good news of Jesus comes to everyone.  For centuries people didn’t know God’s plan.  It was a secret, but now it’s public.  God has always planned to come for not only the Jews but the Gentiles.  God rescues all people who believe through His Son, Jesus.  The Old Testament prophesied of His coming.  Christians must show their faith is real by obeying God and by their love for everyone.

Principle: The power of the gospel transforms believers and gives eternal hope.

It’s not about us.  It’s not about being happy.  It’s about God’s glory.  This message to the Romans and to all of us reveals the wisdom of God.  The goal of the gospel is that we would glorify God through all things, the good times and the bad times.  We are to live obedient lives of faith and proclaim Him to all people.

What truth in Romans has most impacted your life?

SUMMARY OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS

The book of Romans is a letter written by Paul to the Christian church in Rome.  The book gives answers to questions like:  What is the gospel?  Who needs it?  Why is it needed?  What is salvation?  How is it achieved?  What difference does it make in a person’s life?  What difference does it make to society?  Why should you live in obedience?  How can you live obedient to God?  The theme of Romans is righteousness.  Paul taught that one can only receive the Righteousness of God by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1-8 is full of doctrine.  It explains the fundamentals and foundations of the Christian faith – the gospel.  Paul teaches about the sinful nature of man, justification by faith in Jesus, freedom from sin, and victory in Christ.  He teaches that man is justified by faith in Christ alone and not by the works of the law. 

Romans 9-11 Paul explains God’s sovereignty and how an individual may come into the right relationship with God.  He reveals that the Jews failed to recognize Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and rejected their own Messiah.  God therefore rejected them, but that this rejection is not final.  God will show mercy of those Jews who acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Romans 12-16 Paul gives instructions to the Christians in Rome and for all believers about how to live holy lives because of their new life in Christ.  Paul was called by God to bring Christianity to the Gentile world.

Before Paul met Christ, he glorified himself.  He was proud, stubborn, and a self-righteous murderer who God turned into the greatest missionary the world has ever seen.  This shows that God can use anyone for His service. 

Paul was a wonderful example of how we all can live.  Paul was always content and always sought the will of God and not his own desires.  He was an encourager to fellow Christians and a prayer warrior.  He taught the doctrine of justification by faith.  He taught salvation is needed by everyone, Jew and Gentile.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” –Rom. 3:23.  If all have sinned then how can you be saved?  “That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Rom. 10:9.

This concludes the study of Romans.  I hope you have learned many life lessons through this study and will apply them in your life.  Join me next time for more studies.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Romans 15:14-33 – Paul Ministers to Gentiles

Romans 15:14-16 – Paul’s Reason for Writing

Paul is convinced that the Christians in Rome are full of goodness, knowledge, and are competent to minister to one another.  He has written boldly to them because God has appointed him to be a priest to the Gentiles so they might become an offering acceptable to God sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:14-16)

Paul writes to them to encourage them.  He has always been an encourager.  He is writing to them because they are morally good people and have basic biblical understanding.  When Paul says they are full of goodness and knowledge, he doesn’t mean they are sinless or qualified as seminary graduates.  He means they have good will toward God and others.  He means that they are ready to be used effectively by God.  He wrote to them to remind them of God’s truths. 

Sometimes we become comfortable and get busy with our lives that we need to be reminded from time to time to what Jesus has done for us on the cross.  We need to be reminded of the fundamentals of our faith.  We need to be reminded what our responsibilities are as Christians. 

How will you encourage someone today?

Paul was aware of his purpose – to take the gospel to all the Gentiles.  Paul calls himself a priest.  All believers are members of a kingdom of priests and have the duty and privilege to share the gospel with everyone. 

Are you aware of your calling?

It’s the believer’s responsibility to care for one another by meeting needs one might have.  It might be providing food, shelter, and even spiritual help.  Usually it’s the pastor or elders who get involved when someone is drifting away, but it’s every believer’s responsibility to try to restore him.  You are your brother’s keeper.  If you’re a believer, you’re in the ministry.  However, to minister effectively you must apply biblical truth in your own walk with Jesus.

Principle:  If you are a believer, you are in the ministry.

What is keeping you from viewing yourself as a minister of Christ?

Romans 15:17-22 – Paul’s Reasons for His Absence

Paul goes on to say that he considers it a great honor to be used by God in bringing the Gentiles into God’s kingdom.  The Holy Spirit gave Paul the power to do signs and miracles showing he was a genuine apostle.  (Rom. 15:17-19) 

The Bible tells us that Paul did signs and miracles.  Examples of some of Paul’s miracles are found in Acts 14:8-10 and Acts 19:11-12.  Should we expect sign and wonders today?  God is the Almighty Creator and He can do miracles anytime He wants.  He has no limits so we shouldn’t limit Him.  We should believe that He is able.  We may not see the big miracles as we do in the Bible, but we can see miracles daily.  They may not be as obvious as we would like, but they are happening all around us.

Paul wanted to preach the gospel where the gospel was unknown so he wouldn’t be building on someone else’s foundation.  He didn’t want to continue work others had started.  He based his philosophy on Isaiah 52:15.  He saw his ministry as part of fulfilling the Old Testament prediction about the Gentiles coming to understand the good news of Christ.  (Rom. 15:20-21) 

In Rom. 1:13 Paul said he wanted to visit Rome many times, but wasn’t able and at that time he didn’t explain the reasons.  Now he explains it.  Paul didn’t want to interrupt anyone else’s work.  He wanted to lay a good foundation like a builder who lays a foundation for a building.  He wanted to preach to those who had never heard the gospel. 

What is keeping you from telling someone about the gospel?

Where is God asking you to serve?

As Christians we should always affirm the ministries of others while using our gifts as we serve.  We should also give God the glory offering our ministry as an act of worship.  We should be more like Paul and not hesitate to be bold in challenging others reminding them what they already know.

Principle:  Christians should affirm the ministries of others while using their gifts to serve.

Romans 23-29 – Paul’s Plan

Again Paul in hindered from visiting Rome because of his calling.  He must go somewhere the gospel has not yet been proclaimed.  His sights are on Spain and his plans are to stop by Rome on his way, but first he has to go to Jerusalem.  Macedonia and Achaia took up a contribution for the poor believers there in Jerusalem.  They were happy to do it and it was also their duty.  The Gentiles shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, so they owed it to them to share their material blessings.  (Rom. 23-29)

Paul was convinced it was not God’s will to visit Rome until he had completed his mission of dropping off the collected contributions to those in Jerusalem.  He didn’t let his desire to go to Rome keep him from his calling.

Are you convinced of your calling?

Do you let your desires interfere with your calling?

Principle:  Submit to God’s will and not your own desires.

I see two lessons here.  One of obeying God’s calling instead of our own desires.  The other is sharing with those who are in need.  The poor may need food, clothing, money, housing or they may need you time to show they are important and not forgotten.  We are to share our blessings with others to relieve their poverty.

How are you sharing with the poor?

Romans 30-33 – Paul’s Request

Paul urges the Christians in Rome to pray for him.  He wants prayer that he be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that his service in Jerusalem be acceptable.  Then by God’s will he can come to Rome with joy and be refreshed with them. (Rom. 30-33)

Paul may have already been warned about the dangers ahead in Jerusalem, but that didn’t stop him from doing God’s will.  Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome and now he is asking them to return the favor.  By praying they are actually participating with him in his ministry.  We may not be able to be missionaries and go to a far off country, but we can still join in the ministry of others by praying and supporting them financially.

Paul knew that prayer was warfare and powerful.  We need to remember this.  Prayers are not just words, but words of power.  Pray for our churches, our pastors, out teachers, and our missionaries.  Pray that your lost family members will accept Jesus.  When you pray, pray with the right motivation and pray for God’s will to be realized.

Who or what will you pray for today?

Principle:  Prayer is powerful.

Next time we will study Romans 16.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Romans 15:1-13 – Christian Responsibility

Romans 15:1-6 – True Unity

Do you care what others think of you?  Are you a people pleaser?  Or do you try to do what is pleasing to God?

People pleasers avoid speaking their mind afraid of what other will think.  It’s difficult for them to say No and to set limits.  They avoid conflict of any kind.  They want the approval of others at any cost. 

Does this describe you?

In this chapter Paul is writing to those believers who are strong in their faith saying that they should support those whose faith is weak.  Paul calls himself a strong Christian.  He says that we should encourage others by using our freedoms in a responsible way by building up weaker Christians.   He uses Jesus as an example by using words from the Old Testament in Psalm 69:9 –  “For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’”

Why would Paul quote the Old Testament?  The Old Testament gives us the hopeful promise of the Messiah to come.  The whole Bible is from God.  It encourages us and instructs us in godly living.  “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” - Rom. 15:4.  To overcome our problems in this world we need the hope that God gives.

There are many verses that prove that Jesus didn’t live to please Himself.  In Matt. 4 Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights and was tempted by Satan, but never gave in to His own needs.  People constantly followed Him, but He always took time teaching and healing them.  In Matt. 19 He took time for little children.  In Matt. 27 He saved others by His death instead of saving Himself.  In Phil. 2:6-8 tells us He made himself nothing and took on the nature of a servant.

People who live to please themselves are selfish, conceited, greedy, jealous, and prideful.  They are self-centered, self-absorbed and live for their own interests.  They can be mean and some are even plain evil.  I think deep down they are unhappy.

Do any of these similarities describe you?

We as believers have Christian liberties not for our pleasure, but for the glory of God and others.   Jesus’ whole life was that of denying Himself.  If we are trying to please men, we are not true follower and servants of Christ.  To be true followers we must imitate Jesus.  We may not be perfect at it, but we must try.

Paul tells believers that they have the responsibility of unity.  True Christian unity doesn’t care about race, culture, age, gender or background.  True unity comes from God and is based on Christ Jesus.  We are to appreciated and support each other recognizing our differences while realizing we are all part of God’s family.  We need to work on our relationships at home and in the church.  We are to pursue things that bring peace and build others up.  We are to be considerate of others.  We are to be careful not to put stumbling blocks in our brothers’ way.  If we Christians don’t argue, our churches will be strong and then will be able to declare the gospel in a powerful manner.  Our unity is based on our common salvation in Christ. 

As believers we also have privileges.  Our sins are forgiven.  We are sons of God and part of His family and get all that goes with it.  Our one purpose is to glorify God and Jesus Christ.

How have you been especially considerate of another Christian?

How are you building them up?

Where do you need to work on your relationships?

Principle:  True unity comes from Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:7-12 – Christian Acceptance

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praises to God.” – Rom. 15:7.  This is a summary of what Paul has said.  Christians are to accept one another to God’s glory just as Christ accepted us to God’s glory.  He accepted you when you didn’t deserve to be accepted.  You were His enemy and were not seeking after Him.  He came looking for you.  He died for you! 

To accept means more that tolerating other Christians.  It means to welcome others, especially those who are different.  We are not to hold on to our small prejudices.  We are to extend the same mercy to others that we received.  When we show our love for other Christians, God will receive honor.  When we show love to those who don’t deserve it, God gets the glory. 

Paul goes on to say that Jesus accepted both Jews and Gentiles in order to bring praise to God.  He became a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth to confirm the promises made to the Old Testament patriarchs so the Gentiles may also glorify God.    Paul quotes The Old Testament in verses 9-12 reminding the Jews of the promise to the Jewish fathers included the Gentiles and that neither Jew nor Gentile should look down on the other.

What has kept you from accepting another Christian who has different beliefs?

Principle:  Believers are to be accepting of other believers in order to bring praise to God.

Romans 15:13 – Hope

Paul prays that all believers will know joy and peace completely.  He prays that the Holy Spirit will give hope to them and that hope will encourage their Christian life.  Christians eagerly wait for Christ’s return.  Then He will complete their salvation by giving them a new body and a new life in heaven.  “We wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13.

Are you earnestly praying for complete joy and peace?

Principle:  Believers wait for the completion of their salvation.

In verse 5 Paul calls God one who gives endurance and encouragement.  In verse 13 he calls God “the God of Hope”.  In verse 33 He is called “the God of peace”.  What beautiful names he gives to God.

How could you describe God?

Next time we will finish the study Romans 15.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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