The Power of Gospel Powered People
Romans: Unashamed - Building the Church through the Gospel • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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According to a 2018 national survey by Cigna, loneliness levels have reached an all-time high, with nearly half of 20,000 U.S. adults reporting they sometimes or always feel alone. Forty percent of survey participants also reported they sometimes or always feel that their relationships are not meaningful and that they feel isolated.
Such numbers are alarming because of the health and mental health risks associated with loneliness. According to a meta-analysis co-authored by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. She’s also found that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity (Perspectives on Psychological Science , Vol. 10, No. 2, 2015).
"There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many leading health indicators," Holt-Lunstad says. - https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
God, our creator knows something about this. He understands the importance of Community! Special individuals, created in the image of God and recreated through the power of God to form a special people for the glory of God - this is the church.
A community of Gospel Powered People!
We are not designed to function alone. As a local Christian radio stations often says, we are far better together than we could ever be apart. This is the church.
And the church as a collective whole, is made up of individuals.
Paul, by no means a loner, celebrated those in his life. He especially does this near the end of his letter to the Roman Church
Main Idea: Celebrate The Individual People at Your Church
1. Be An Encourager In Your Church (vs. 1-16)
Scriptural Basis: Romans 16:1-16, where Paul mentions various individuals, honoring their contributions.
Focus: Emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse roles within the church, from prominent leaders to those often unseen. Discuss how each person's unique contribution strengthens the body of Christ.
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,
that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.
Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.
Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord.
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Explanation: This is the longest list of any of Paul’s letters. He mentioned 26 people by name and referred to many others. Please note there are several women included in the list. 1st Century Christianity lifted women up did not subjugate them down.
Phoebe - Bright, radiant, diakonon “Great help to Paul and many”
Prisca and Aquila - Paul became friends with this couple on his second missionary journey recorded in Acts 18:2. They were fellow tentmakers with Paul. They were also the couple that taught Apollos about the way of God more accurately.
Epaenetus - He was the first convert to Christianity on Paul’s third missionary journey to the province of Asia.
Mary - A hardworking female Jew.
Andronicus - Paul’s kinsmen, probably tribal, not family. Most likely the husband of Junia.
Junia - and Andronicus were standouts or esteemed by the apostles. Christians longer than Paul - about 25 years.
Ampliatus - Loved by Paul. NIV says, “Dear Friend of Paul
Urbanus - Fellow worker with Paul
Stachys - dear friend, literally, loved by me.
Apelles – tested and approved
Aristobulus - The whole family is greeted by Paul. Possibly a grandson of Herod the Great.
Herodion - a tribal relation. Another possible relative of Herod the Great.
Narcissus - The household. This family is possibly divided spiritually because Paul specifically greats those “who are in the Lord.”
Tryphaena - (woman) possibly sisters with Tryphosa
Tryphosa - (woman) These sisters were hard workers for Christ. I wonder what that means from the Lord’s perspective?
Persis - dear friend of Paul and here is another woman who was a hard worker for Christ.
Rufus - chosen in the Lord - Possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
his mother - So close was she to Paul, he considered her to be his mother as well.
Asyncritus – the next five names mentioned had something in common. They could have been leaders in a Roman house church. These are all common names, particularly among slaves. the Lord’s people
Phlegon – the Lord’s people
Hermes – the Lord’s people
Patrobas – the Lord’s people
Hermas - the Lord’s people
the brothers and sisters with them - This indicates they may be part of a seperate Roman house church.
Philologus – Husband of Julia
Julia – the Lord’s people
Nereus – the Lord’s people
and his sister – the Lord’s people
Olympas - the Lord’s people. A
all the saints who are with them - other believers in another house church in Rome.
Argumentation: Paul may have been a type “A” personality. A real “get it done” kind of Guy. But, based on what we see here, no one could accuse him of not being a people person. He loved people, especially those who God had chosen to work for Christ. He was no “Lone Ranger,” he acknowledged, celebrated, and encouraged those who served the Lord together with him.
Illustration: If I were writing a letter to ABC, how would I celebrate you?
Application: It is too easy and quite lazy to look at the negative within the church body.
In fact, we are admonished by Paul, to think the best of people because we are called to love people.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
People are sinners and they are quite capable of making unwise decisions - we ought not be surprised about this. And our response should be to not make it about ourselves - in other words, I should not be personally offended at someones sin, I should instead love them and help free them from the bondage of the sin they are in.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
What does this look like? Be an encourager. Let me give you the top five ways to encourage people in your congregation.
Personal Acknowledgment: Just as Paul individually acknowledged his friends and co-workers, encourage your members to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions, no matter how small. This could be done through personal notes, verbal appreciation during gatherings, or even a dedicated time in your service for members to acknowledge one another.
Prayer Support: Paul often mentioned praying for his friends. Encourage your members to actively pray for one another. This could be implemented through prayer chains, prayer partners, or dedicated times in small groups where members can share their concerns and pray for each other.
Spiritual Mentorship: Paul was a mentor to many. Promote mentorship within your church where more experienced believers can guide and support newer members in their faith journey. This can be in the form of Bible study groups, one-on-one discipleship, or even informal gatherings.
Acts of Service: Encourage acts of kindness and service. This could range from helping each other in practical ways like meals during illness, assistance with transportation, or help with household tasks, to volunteering together in community service projects.
Sharing Testimonies and Teachings: Just as Paul shared his experiences and teachings, encourage members to share their testimonies and spiritual insights. This can be facilitated during services, in small groups, or through a church newsletter or social media platform, allowing members to inspire each other with their faith stories and lessons learned.
Review: Celebrate The Individual People at Your Church
Be an encourager in your church
2. Be Careful of Divisive People in Your Church (vs. 17-20)
Paul had a shepherd’s heart. Now, to be clear, the heart of a shepherd isn’t just about encouragement of the believers in the body...
A shepherd’s heart is also is concerned with the protection of the flock and the unity of the body.
And so in Romans 16:17-20, Paul warns against divisive individuals. Take a look...
17 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, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Explain:
Paul urges the church at Rome to be careful, to watch out for those that would come in and wreak havoc on the church body. How do they cause trouble?
By messing with Doctrine.
What is doctrine? Doctrine means teaching.
Jesus is passionate about doctrine! two reasons I say this..
He is doctrine. John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He commands doctrine as part of His Great Commission
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Word of God commands that his disciples teach doctrine. By the way, this assumes they know doctrine.
Elders of ABC, you must know doctrine. You are charged with the protection of this body. Un-doctrinal views are not welcome here and you must help this body be protected from aberrant and wicked views that are being promulgated today.
Paul’s admonition to the church? “TURN AWAY FROM THEM!”
Why? Look at verse 18...
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Folks, who you listen to, who you subject your mind to will have an impact on your walk with the Lord. Be careful!
Paul’s point is be careful regarding who comes into this congregation. We ought not lay our hands on someone quickly, but instead, do a thorough job knowing who they are and what they believe.
Principle - We welcome everyone, but we do not learn doctrine from everyone.
By the way, there are other ways we can invite false teaching into our lives and we must be careful.
Podcasts, online sermons, and books are all wonderful resources. My books are some of my best teachers. However, you must be discerning about what you allow into your ears and eyes. The best rule for you is always square what you read and hear with the Scriptures. This was the wise practice of the Bereans in Acts 17.
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it.
—D. L. Moody
The church at Rome was a good church! They had a significant and good reputation for obedience. And for this, Paul had great joy.
But, he wanted them to be on guard.
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Why would Paul want them to be on guard?
Did you know that Satan HATES the church? Hates you, hates anything to do with God.
It would stand to reason then that Satan hates Jesus’ bride, the church. And he will do whatever he can do to hamper, hinder, and highjack the mission of God.
He know’s he can’t stop the church.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
But he can mess with it pretty good.
By causing divisions.
By encouraging the Saints of God to live by their flesh instead of by God Spirit.
But yet, Paul warns them.
But he also encourages them. The reality of evil and Satan is a temporary situation that will one day come to a glorious end.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
No More Night
The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away
It's not a dream, God will make all things new that day
Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell
Evil is banished to eternal hell
No more night, no more pain
No more tears, never crying again
And praises to the great, "I am"
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb
Argumentation: Friends, the end is coming and God will make all things right in the end. In the mean time, we have a job to do.
Part of that job is rightly dividing the Word of truth so that we might be wise unto salvation and able to make disciples who in turn make disciples.
We need to be a people who are vigilant in keeping this church as pure as we can by washing her in the pure and holy Word of God. This means we must know it and invest it in others.
This is not optional for the Christian.
And by demanding this of our body we automatically will give those would be wolves, no reason to flourish here.
Illustration: It’s kinda like the motivation behind our child protection policies and procedures. A pedophile will have less tendency to attack a ministry who have safety protocols in place than on other that has little to no protection.
Application: We must become comfortable with the truth of the Word of God. So comfortable, in fact, that we can prevent people coming into our fellowship who are used of satan with false teaching that will potentially divide us and set us against one another.
So, very simple application for you this morning. Grow in your knowledge and love for the word of God.
Literally the only way you will become insatiably thirsty for God’s word is to drink it often!
What is your habit in the bible?
What is your demand of your church?
How are you helping your church protect herself from being vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one?
Review: Celebrate The Individual People at Your Church
Be an encourager in your church
Be careful of divisive people in your church
3. Be Thankful for Those Who Work for the Church (vs. 21-24)
Scriptural Basis: Romans 16:21-24, where Paul includes greetings from his companions and offers a final blessing.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
Focus: Highlight the importance of godly partnerships in ministry and the power of collective blessings in the Christian journey.
Timothy - Kinsmen, fellow servants of Paul
Lucius - Kinsmen, fellow servants of Paul
Jason - Kinsmen, fellow servants of Paul
Sosipater - Kinsmen, fellow servants of Paul
Tertius - Paul’s amanuensis / stenographer
Gaius - “Paul’s host in Corinth, who apparently had a church meeting in his home. This Gaius was probably not the same Gaius who was from Macedonia and traveled with Paul (Acts 19:29) nor the Gaius who was from Derbe (Acts 20:4). The Gaius mentioned here in Romans was probably Paul’s convert whom he baptized (1 Cor. 1:14).” - John A. Witmer, BKC
Erastus - “He was the city’s director of public works (lit., “the city’s steward,” a high position in Corinth).” - John A. Witmer, BKC
Quartus - Spiritual brother to Paul
Paul makes sure to communicate a very important point here in these verses. Paul did not work alone and he was thankful and grateful for the work they have been able to accomplish in the Lord’s army!
Each one of these people are named by Paul signaling his appreciation for their contribution to the missionary activity of God. They each play an important part!
Argumentation: Just like the men mentioned played an important role in Christ’s church and her expansion, so you do as well. We all bring something to the table. Frankly, it is why God gifted us so uniquely within the body of Christ.
All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?
Get the point? You are an invaluable member of ABC! You have been gifted by God to strengthen the Body of Christ. This body!
The converse is true as well, if you do not use your God given gift here, you are weakening the body.
Illustration:
There are four kinds of church members: the tired, tireless, tiresome and retired.
Unknown
What kind of Christian are you? I hope you are not tired - that may mean you are living the Christian life in your own strength.
I really hope you are not a tiresome Christian - Someone who sucks the energy out of everyone you come into contact with because everything is always about you.
I also hope and pray you are not a retired Christian. There is no retirement in God’s economy. As long as we breath we can serve the Lord.
I hope you are a tireless Christian. One who is empowered and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Who has an eternal perspective regarding this life. Who is determined to live out...
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
We live and we work for His good pleasure by His power, not our own.
Application: Paul was thankful for those who served with him. Why do I know this? Because he took the time to mention them at the end of his letter.
Why is he thankful for them? Because they served alongside him in the ministry the Lord gave him.
I thank God for those of you who serve alongside me in this ministry. By the very nature of my position, I can get a lot of attention. But the fact is, I wouldn’t accomplish anything of substance if it were not for you...
Who is serving alongside you in the ministry? Are you thankful for them? How do you express your gratitude?
Review: Celebrate The Individual People at Your Church
Be an encourager in your church
Be careful of divisive people in your church
Be thankful for those who work for the church
Conclusion
Connection Group Reflection Questions
In verses 1-16, Paul highlights the importance of encouragement within the church. Can you think of someone in our church or community who has been a source of encouragement to you? How can you actively become an encourager to others in our congregation?
Verses 17-20 warn about the influence of divisive people in the church. Have you ever encountered divisiveness within a church setting? What are some practical ways we can foster unity and handle divisiveness in a Christ-like manner?
Paul expresses gratitude for those who work for the church in verses 21-24. How can we as a group show our appreciation for those who serve in various capacities in our church? Are there specific individuals or teams whose efforts we might acknowledge and support more intentionally?
Who are you praying for daily?
Who are you engaging with weekly?
Who are you sharing the gospel with monthly?