In Conclusion Romans 16:17-27

300 Illustrations for Preachers Goat Comforts Grieving Earnhardt Fans

A goat with a birthmark had fans of the late racing star Dale Earnhardt flocking to a farm 50 miles south of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2002—just over a year after Earnhardt’s death. The attraction was a Nubian goat that was born with white markings that resembled the number “3”—the number on Earnhardt’s race car—on her right side. She was given the name Lil’ Dale. Her owner, Jerry Pierson, said, “It’s weird. I’ve seen people take pictures and get tears in their eyes.”

Grief can make people do strange things, like see some significance in the birthmarks on a goat. Some of the ways people come to grips with losses are harmless, and others can be destructive. Without the Lord’s intervention, our grief can quickly spiral downward into despair.

-We have good reasons for hope in the face of serious challenges

I. A Warning vv. 17-20

In closing out the letter, Paul issues an appeal to the Roman Christians: Watch out!

Who are they watching out for?

Those who cause divisions among you

Those who create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught

We do not know all of the possible divisions that Paul could be addressing here, but we can make some guesses

Most likely, the ongoing battle between legalism and lawlessness is in view here

These folks create controversy where there was none, they amplify division rather than soothe it, and they elevate non-essentials to essentials

Why do they do this?

Paul is blunt here; they are not doing this out of any genuine desire for purity or liberty within the church

Instead, he makes two things clear:

First, these people do not serve the Lord, but their own self-interests

Second, they are deceitful and marked by smooth talk and flattery

How should we respond?

Avoid them. Do everything you can to steer clear of their controversies v. 17

Continue in obedience: It is a praiseworthy and good thing. Paul describes this as: v. 19

Wisdom towards what is good: knowing the will of God and doing it

Innocence towards what is evil: this is not ignorance of evil, but it is being certain not to dabble in it

Understand that the selfish desires described in v. 18 are the gateway to wicked behavior

We must be more interested in pursuing the genuine will of God than our own!

Rest in God’s ultimate victory v. 20a

We receive a staggering promise here, especially in light of the ongoing struggle that we engage in as God’s servants

Satan will be crushed

This will happen by the God of peace: our peace comes in knowing that our enemy will be defeated

This will happen soon; maybe not according to our timing, but soon nonetheless

This will happen under our feet.

Perhaps this is the most shocking news of all, we are the instruments that the Lord will use to defeat His enemy

We can rejoice that we will see ultimate victory

Receive the ongoing grace of Jesus Christ v. 20b

Grace has saved us, but grace will also sustain us

Sometimes, our greatest struggle is with ourselves, and there is grace that is available for us!

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching New Hope!

The visit of Pope John Paul II to distraught Poland, his native land, in June, 1983, where he touched millions with his gentle, yet courageous, demeanor, will long be remembered. Beyond the enormous throngs of worshipers, the dramatic meeting with the one person the Polish government would like forgotten—Lech Walesa—was the face-to-face confrontation between General Jaruzelski and Pope John Paul. Like a humorless statue, the general stood wearing colored glasses, suited out in a green uniform, awkwardly and nervously read a statement. The Pope, dressed in “angelic white,” standing a few paces away, listened with bowed head. Then, in kind, but devastating, language, the Pope lectured the cowed general on the problems of his homeland.

Watching on television, a Warsaw professor said: “The general is actually trembling. Look at that. The whole trip is worth this moment.”

It is believed that the Pope’s official visit to Poland, at least for a season, transformed the country from one of fear and bad memories to one of fresh hopes!

II. A Greeting vv. 21-24

Next, Paul sends greetings to the Romans from a variety of folks:

Timothy, a fellow worker

Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, Jewish believers

Tertius, the amanuensis who was responsible for penning the letter

Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus, who were members of the church at Corinth

I don’t want to belabor the point here, but the personalities matter; these greetings are a reminder to the Romans that they are not alone in the struggle

We are just one small part of the glorious work of redemption that God is doing in the world

We must be wary of the lies of isolation and indvidualism that will lead you to despair!

Remember Elijah on Mt. Horeb. He approaches the Lord in fear and anxiety, believing that he alone is left to serve the Lord. The truth is that the Lord had preserved 7,000 faithful prophets in Israel and He was raising up Elisha to follow in Elijah’s footsteps!

III. A Praise vv. 25-27

Paul concludes with a doxology, a word of praise to the Lord for the good news found in Jesus that brings us hope

He is able to strengthen and establish us, preserving us in Christ

This is Paul’s message

This is Jesus’s message

This is the prophets’ message

This is the hidden mystery of the ages that has now been revealed

God wants to and is able to strengthen you and He does it through Jesus

This message is going forward to all nations

This is God’s command

This is an invitation to the obedience of faith

If we believe this message, we will receive the hope of Jesus

We will experience His strength, but only as we turn to Him

In light of what He has brought about in Christ, He is worthy of our worship

As a Gospel people who believe His Word is true, it is time to turn from fear and grief and embrace faith and hope!

750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers 316: Hope

In Christianity Today, David Neff writes:

About five years ago, Christian social critic Richard John Neuhaus was being driven from the Pittsburgh airport to a speaking engagement. During the drive, one of his hosts persisted in decrying the disintegration of the American social fabric and the disappearance of Christian values from our culture. Cases in point were too numerous to mention, but Pastor Neuhaus’s host tried anyway. After the tedious drive, Neuhaus offered these words of advice: “The times may be bad, but they are the only times we are given. Remember, hope is still a Christian virtue, and despair is a mortal sin.”