By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher
Text: Romans
16
Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you,
brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create
obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid
them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord
Christ, but their own appetites,[f] and by smooth
talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
(ESV)
Romans
16 is the conclusion of the Book of Romans. In this conclusion, Paul tells
the Roman believers to greet people who will be able to provide leadership
until Paul can visit them in person. He also provides final instructions and greetings
from other Church leaders. The book ends with Paul’s doxology or prayer for the
Roman believers.
1)
Introduction to fellow believers in Christ
(Romans
16:1-16) – This section provides the names of fellow believers in Christ
known by Paul who would provide help for the believers in Rome. Not all of
these people are from Rome like Phoebe from the church at Cenchreae which is in
Greece (Romans
16:1). There is also Epaenetus the first convert to Christ in Asia (Romans
16:5). However, it does not matter where these individuals are from, just
that the Apostle Paul believes it is important for the believers in Rome to
interact with them.
2)
Final instructions and greetings from other
believers (Romans
16:17-23) – Paul issues some final instructions primarily instructing Roman
believers to watch out for false doctrines that cause divisions within the body
of Christ (Romans
16:17). Paul instructs them that these divisive teachings are contrary to
the doctrines they have been taught, and that those spreading these deceptive
doctrines do not serve the Lord but have self-serving motives (Romans
16:17-18). However, the obedience of the believers in Rome is well known
and commendable with Paul encouraging them to be wise to what is good and
innocent to what is evil (Romans
16:19). Paul reminds the Roman believers that they will soon crush Satan
under their feet (Romans
16:20). Paul tells them of Church leaders who greet them (Romans
16:21-23).
3)
Doxology (Romans
16:25-27) – Paul prays for the strengthening of the Roman believers according
to the Gospel, preaching of Jesus Christ, and the revelation of the mystery
that was kept secret for long ages (Romans
16:25). This mystery that was a secret has now had revelation in Jesus
Christ, the Word become flesh (John
1:14) with Jesus bringing fulfillment to Messianic Prophecies (Romans
16:26). Paul ends the book of Romans by giving glory to God forevermore
through Jesus Christ (Romans
16:27).
As Paul brings his letter
to the Romans to a conclusion, he wants to ensure the believers in Rome have
leaders in place to continue their discipleship by equipping them with
knowledge of the truth until he can visit them in person. Paul also provides
instructions designed to prevent divisions within the church as well as a
caution against deception (Romans
16:17-18). The obedience of believers in Rome is well known and something
Paul wants to continue (Romans
16:19). He also shares greetings from Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and
Sosipater. Additional greetings come from Tertius the scribe writing the letter
to the Romans, Gaius Paul’s host, Erastus the city treasurer, and Quartus (Romans
16:21-23), providing encouragement from leaders in the Church. The letter
ends with a prayer asking for God to empower the believers in Rome in
accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Matthew
28:19-20 instructs the Church to make disciples, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sadly, however, many Churches fail
in making disciples for Christ and instead operate like the Church of Laodicea,
a lukewarm Church trusting in its riches and prosperity, not believing it needs
the Lord (Revelation
3:15-17). Instead of giving a feel-good message of riches and prosperity,
it is time for the Church to be about discipleship. Discipleship involves
evangelism (Mark
16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), equipping (2
Timothy 3:10-17), empowering (Acts
1:4,8), and encouraging (1
Thessalonians 4:13-18). Instead of giving into the temptation to present
unoffensive doctrine to increase attendance and contributions, instead lifting
up Christ for that is what draws people into the Church (John
12:32).
Discipleship begins with
evangelism or one asking Jesus to be their Savior. This first step is necessary
for all have sinned and are separated from God (Ephesians
2:12-13; Romans 3:23). If you are reading this and have never taken this
first step of discipleship, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans
3:23)
and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans
6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse
me as you promise in your Word (1
John 1:9). I believe
you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now
declare you Lord of my life.
I encourage those that
just prayed to find a Church in their area that teaches the Bible so they can
continue the discipleship process in their lives. May God challenge and bless
everyone reading this post.
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