UNITY IN PRACTICE

What does the united church do?

Saw last week what genuine unity is - a church growing together in right relationship wtih Jesus that builds each other up, and through their obedience brigns Glory to God.

illustration: unity but without goal or ambition

What will our lives as a church look like in practice? What will be our focus and vision and heart?

As come to end of Romans, this morning want us to see simple call for us as a church - right response to powerful gospel.

Live out the gospel together.

Have our bible reading - see what you notice about the different peopel Paul mentions, what are we told about them (apart from their strange names)

Romans 16:1–27 NIV

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon, of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with 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 the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Points

United in ministry (v1-16, 21-23)

Greetings represent Jew and Gentile, men and women, slave and free, rich and respected and every day Christian, all united under gospel of grace as one church in Rome

Paul lists a number of odinary Christians who “work hard in the gospel”

Ministry isnt just for the Pastor and staff, but for all who claim that Jesus is Lord.

Church together are to be in ministry, using gifts God has given, living on mission on Sunday and in the week, in the workplace and wherever they are.

United in truth (v17-20)

We are to defend the truth at all cost.

Refrence to false doctrine primarily. Church in Rome hasn’t face it yet, but Paul is aware of other chruches that have been decieved by false teachers and the subtle ways. (Galatians?)

Danger today - me centred Christianity. Bible quotes convieniently. Focus on God’s love for you and your greatness and prosperity. Young Christians easily fooled. Celebrity Pastor culture.

warning against TD Jakes, Steven Furtick, Joel Olsteen, Bill Johnson, Brian Houston, Joyce Meyer. Good experience, good feeling, no discipleship, no unity. All about me.

destroys unity and when tested causes us to fall away.

Matthew 10:16 NIV

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

helpful in Romans 16:19

Romans 16:19 NIV

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

United in praise (v25-27)

Doxology is simple clear response to the gospel.