Romans 16:17-27

Romans 16:17-27

Avoid Divisive Persons

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Greetings from Paul's Friends

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Benediction

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith- 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Even at this time, 23 years after Christ's ascension (56 AD), there were heresies starting to develop. Many of these false teachers were coming in and preaching that the new Christians should become circumcised and follow the Mosaic laws - these people were called the Judaisers. The book of Galatians covers Paul's response to this adherence to legalism after they have been freed from their bondage to the law of sin and death by the grace of God. Paul's warning stands for them that the believers in Rome will be wary of these who come in and teach a different message and that they would listen intently when they hear new preachers speak. A servant of God would never ask for money for his own benefit, nor would they seek to defraud the believers - these Judaisers would commonly ask for money to preach. Much like how the Roman Catholic Church would require money from a community before they would send a priest to them prior to (and in some areas, even well after) the reformation.

Paul's friends and companions also send their message of love and encouragement to those believers in Rome and we learn that Tertius was the man who actually penned the letter. Paul had bad eyes and his body had been horribly injured during his ministry - speaking of what he has suffered for the sake of the Gospel, Paul said:

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

~ 2 Corinthians 11:24-33

The fact that he would dictate these letters would only make sense given the history of the persecutions he suffered.

In closing, Paul declares that all the glory for the prophesied salvation which has been present through the recorded history of the Jews has been revealed through the work of Jesus belongs to God alone. I can't think of a better way to close this letter that contains such a well composed and succinct exploration of the major themes and doctrines of scripture pertaining to the overall nature of man, our indebtedness to God, the salvation which God provides through Jesus Christ, how to obtain that salvation, and how we should behave once we have been saved by God. That is why I love this book - it's the doctrine of God, man, and our relationship with Him in one short 16 chapter book. To God be all the glory, and honor, and praise. Amen.

Romans 16:1-16

Romans 16:1-16

Sister Phoebe Commended

1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

Greeting Roman Saints

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Paul, through his ministry and travels, has made many, many good friends. He knows of some who are in the area where this letter is going and he takes this time to mention those who have meant a lot to him. Not to bring them glory, nor to put emphasis on any one of them over another, but that they may know of their commitment to helping him in his ministry and that they may send them his love and encouragement. This is not a "shout out" to people he knows, but acknowledgment of the work and effort that his dear friends have offered to him when he has needed them, and he's letting them know that he still thinks of and pray for them often. The "holy kiss" was a common way to greet one another at that time. Now-a-days we just hug people or give a hearty handshake. Serious - if you ever meet me - the "holy kiss" is totally off limits.

Romans 15:22-33

Romans 15:22-33

Plan to Visit Rome

22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul's heart was to meet with his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome and it had been his intention to do so many times but he had always been hindered by one thing or another. Whether it be weather, or ministry opportunities, he was never able to get to them. He has it set in his heart, however, that after he delivers a financial contribution (not coerced, but a free gift from the new believers who heard that the believers in Jerusalem were having a hard time finding work as the Jewish community shunned them and their businesses) to the church in Jerusalem he would go and meet with them. Did he know that God's plan for him to reach Rome would go through many years in prison and death threats (Acts 21-28)? Nope. All he knew was that God was leading him to Rome and that he would be safe until he arrived there. Granted, it's his PLAN to go to Spain, but we know that never happened. We may not see it now, or even in this lifetime but it will be revealed to us when we are with Him in glory. Remember that Paul, were he just going to Spain, would not have been able to address the whole body of leadership in Judea and Samaria (Acts 25-26), and later to appeal to the whole court of Caesar in Rome (Acts 28:17-31). Never forget - God's plans are not the same as our plans, but God's plans are always better.

Romans 15:14-21

Romans 15:14-21

From Jerusalem to Illyricum

14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written:

" To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And those who have not heard shall understand. (Isaiah 52:15)"

Paul expresses his faith that many of the the Roman believers are truly saved by the grace of God and who are mature in their faith have the qualities that he mentions. He then defends his approach by preaching more boldly on certain issues: doctrine of original sin, that everyone (both Jews and Gentiles) is guilty before God if they do not have salvation in Jesus Christ, how to walk in the Christian life, and how we are to encourage and help those who are "baby Christians" - even giving them some more grace than we would an unconverted person as God works through their life experiences to shape them into people that He will use. Paul makes it clear that his ultimate goal through this letter and his ministry is that he would, if God authors it, bring salvation to the Gentiles and instruct them in the history of the Jewish people to give them a full understanding of the Christian message. By doing so, the Gentiles may place their full trust in the word of God and in the actions of Jesus Christ, and the offering of these Gentiles may be acceptable to God. His commitment is such that he would not speak on things that have been accomplished by his own hand but only on those things which God has done through him as only those things have any merit at all. His mission and ministry is dedicated to those who have never known about the Jews or their God - reaching those who have no hope of salvation if they don't hear the word from traveling ministers. God has opened the door of salvation through Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross - by His mercy and grace alone to all the world.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15)

~ Romans 10:14-15

Paul is firm in his commitment to the work which the Lord has prepared him (Galatians 1:13-24) and set him apart (Acts 13:2-3). Are you keeping up with the work which God has set before you?

Romans 15:7-13

Romans 15:7-13

Glorify God Together

7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:

" For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
And sing to Your name. (2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49)"

10 And again he says:

" Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people! (Deuteronomy 32:43)"

11 And again:

" Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples! (Psalm 117:1)"

12 And again, Isaiah says:

" There shall be a root of Jesse;
And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In Him the Gentiles shall hope. (Isaiah 11:10)"

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We should receive one another regardless of denomination as long as we all submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. We have been purchased by a merciful God who seeks to redeem those who are outside His salvation. He does this for His own glory as He is the one who does all the work. What is our right response? PRAISE! Throughout the old testament, there are clues and outright statements that this day was coming and we see Paul touch on only a few here. God has done all the work necessary and once we repent of our sins and turn to Him alone for our salvation, forsaking our own works and relinquishing the control of our lives over to the King of all creation - that is when we can stop striving for His acceptance and rest in the finished work of Christ. God deserves ALL the glory and ALL the praise as without His sacrifice, none of us would stand a chance before Him on the day of judgment. Not me, or you, or the pope, or mother Teresa, or anyone. All stand naked in our sins before the mighty and sovereign King - without grace, we'd all fill Hell and God would be justified in doing so. To God alone be the glory!

Romans 15:1-6

Romans 15:1-6

Bearing Others' Burdens

1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." (Psalm 69:9) 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christians are supposed to help one another when we need it. My pastor says that Christians are the only people in the world who execute their wounded and the sad part is that for the most part it's true. How many people come into the fellowship of believers and, while seeking support and assistance while they work on their personal sins and afflictions that they have trouble with, their fellow believers ostracize them because they don't want their sinful influence around them? We're a house FULL of sinners - who are we to pick and choose which sins we want around is? We are to step up and be the body of Christ - helping those who are learning what it means to be a Christian and carrying their burdens with them. How are they to learn if there is no one who is willing to help them? How can they know that you struggled with pornography and wandering eyes if you're not willing to step up and tell them about the deliverance that Jesus provided for you from these sins? Our brothers and sisters NEED our help - Jesus uses our circumstances and our past failures to prepare us for the work of assisting in healing the newly converted and if we do not take a stand and help them we are harming them. Let God work through you and give up some of your time and your personal history to strengthen our family. You will not be disappointed. We should always keep our main focus, no matter the context, on Jesus - He alone is the one who has purchased us by His sacrifice and He alone is the one who can lead us to help one another. Our hope is in the deliverance from our bodies to come when He takes us home - until then we strengthen and encourage one another in our walk of obedience. The ultimate goal, while we are here, is to focus our energy on proclaiming the glory of God in thought, word, and deed until He returns. May we never deviate from our path, and may we not hesitate to carry our new brothers and sisters until they are able to stand and walk on their own.

Romans 14:14-23

Romans 14:14-23

The Law of Love

14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Continuing from yesterday, some people hold certain foods to be rejected based on preconceived ideas from their religious upbringing. This just expands on this premise showing that the most important thing you can do is to treat your fellow Christians with love above all else. If there is a Christian in your fellowship who is struggling with alcoholism (or who was saved out of a life surrounded with alcoholism), don't drink in front of them, even if you don't struggle with that issue. At the very worst you're only going to inconvenience yourself and your friend will not think that they are able to do that when God may not have finished preparing them for that step. The key to this is to focus first on pleasing God, then your friend, then yourself. Some people I greatly respect put it to the letters JOY - Jesus, Others, Yourself. I can't see anything wrong with that and it reflects exactly how we should keep our minds focused on the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ when we are with them.