Meet the Family

Introduction

-Who are we?

-It’s been said that Romans 16 is “the least preached upon chapter in the most preached upon letter.”

-Read whole chapter (perhaps have the people stand).

I. The Church is Growing in Family (v. 1-16, 21-24)

A. Romans 16 is “the church photo album” or “the church family reunion.” After all the theology and difficulty of uniting Jew and Gentile Christians, sorting out the role of Law, works, and grace, and the imperative nature of the gospel, Paul demonstrates the gospel’s uniting power by greeting his family from all backgrounds: Jew, Gentile, brother, sister, mother, father, slave, free, male, female; all one in Christ Jesus. This is a display of real church family

1. 29 individuals Paul greets and several associated groups with 8 people who greet others

2. The church isn’t just made up of the high class but also of the low class/poverty stricken people.

Several names are simply numbers in Greek. When you were a slave you got a number based on birth order, not a name (Tertius: three v. 22, Quartus: four v. 23, Quentus: five). Yet, these were counted in the same family as the emperors, treasurers, and stewards. The church does not draw a line between classes of people, rather, it is a hospital for the sin-sick and all are infected with that disease.

“The ground is level at the foot of the cross” -Jeff Faull

3. The Church is where Strangers become like Blood Family

a. Jesus said, Matthew 12:48–50 “But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”” We are growing to be like a family who is there for each other, who cares for one another, who does not favor the blood of men over the blood of Christ.

b. The church ought to be a safe place, not because no one will confront you there but because they will. A family who loves you too much to leave you where you are, a family who desires you to grow into Christlikeness and overcome trials and difficulties. A family who is excited to share in your victories, to protect, to give, to listen, to encourage.

B. Romans 16 is.. “not a list. Don’t call it a list.. It’s not a list. You’re not just a number.” -Fred Craddock, When the Roll is Called Down Here Sermon.

1. “For Paul it’s not a list, don’t call it a list… ”

Phoebe served me and many others

Priscilla and Aquilla risked their necks for me. Andronicus and Junias were in jail with me. They’re great Christians.

Mary worked hard and was always there.

Epaenetus, my first convert in Asia. What a wonderful day.

Tryphaena and Tryphosa, the twins who were present and always willing to lend a hand.

Tell Rufus hello and his mother also, for she is like a mother to me. He probably stayed in her home and it quickly became his home.

2. It’s not a list. Don’t call it a list.

B. Illus. A preacher I know was interviewing for the preaching position at a church. He was doing the trial sermon in a couple of weeks and asked for a photo directory. He memorized every face and name that went with it. On the day he arrived at the church he called everyone by name, shocking everyone. He got the job. Why? Everyone he talked to felt important because he took the time to learn and remember their name.

1. Church, we want you to feel needed and loved. We wouldn’t be who we are without you. And we wouldn’t have accomplished so much without you.

Grace and Naomi Kosel were baptized into Christ by William. The Kirtlans and the Greers placed their membership with us this year. People like Dave Bright and Caleb Tague stepped up to write and lead in communion meditations back in February. We doubled the amount of children’s church workers because of people like Luann White, Regina Metzger, Audrie Chamberlain, and others. Visitors have felt welcome because Kay White made cards for them. We experienced two attendance records this year: Easter (85) and Christmas Sunday (96) and our average attendance grew from 48 to 52 because you got your kids involved in a program and invited people to come and you became active in our church. Not to mention all the behind the scenes work on church cleaning from the Summers, the Slees, and the Laymans. Various projects and upkeep from Jason Randall and Dean White. The leadership and wisdom from the Dans, Swihart and Metzger and Phil Layman.

This is not meant to embarrass anyone or to put anyone on a pedestal like they’re special and you’re not. It’s meant to show that our church would not be where it was today with God giving us people like you to get involved and help spearhead new ministries and opportunities. Our church has been in existence since 1875 (last year was our 175th anniversary as a church) and that doesn’t happen without people like you investing in it and growing together. You are a blessing to this church and it will be even better when you use your gifts and desires to serve God together with us.

2. Write in your bulletin, “I thank God for all my remembrance of you..” and write a name. You choose the name and it brings to mind someone who matters to you. Then write another name and another name. Pray for them this week, tell them how much they mean to you.

3. Romans 16 isn’t a list, don’t call it a list. It’s a family. Church, let’s grow into a family this year.

II. The Church is Growing in Goodness (v. 17-20)

A. After Paul’s warm welcome he gives a warning (v. 17-18): watch out for people that cause divisions in the church, who teach falsely, who are not devoted to Christ but deceive the unsuspecting. The sad truth is that not everyone has good intentions.

1. The devil is seeking to destroy the church by any means necessary. Perhaps he’ll try to use a young Christian’s naivete to get them to cause problems. Maybe someone who is angry with God comes to church and starts stirring up trouble. Maybe there’s a misunderstanding between Christians that causes a root of division. Maybe a prideful focus on self or a false doctrine or any number of issues arises and begins breaking down what God is building here.

Paul warns us of these things so we won’t be unsuspecting. The only way the church begins to break down is when we allow it. God is not flawed in His power and plan but we are flawed in our enacting of His plan. So, Paul warns: pay attention for problems (and problem people) and false teaching.

2. Illus. I’m a very detail-oriented person. I’m the kind of guy who reads the instructions for building a bookcase. When I was a kid I had Lincoln Logs and they had to be built according to the picture and instructions. (Yeah, my creativity was definitely hindered.) In high school, if you looked at my school books, pencils, etc. it was all lined up evenly spaced and in proper order. In fact, if you went into my home library you would find I have divided my books into varying categories (all alphabetical in order) and the books within each category is alphabetical according to last name of author.

For all you detailed people out there, there is nothing wrong with having things in the right place and orderly. The problem comes when it has to be done in such a specific way that anything else causes bitterness and an obsessive need to change it back. I understand wanting to do things the right way but we cannot have the wrong approach or attitude for doing what is right.

B. Don’t just focus on the evil. That leads us to obedience out of fear instead of faith. Then we end up doing nothing as a church out of fear a problem will arise or we’re doing it wrong.

1. Remember, God has given us the victory! You know how Genesis 3:15 prophecies that Jesus will crush Satan’s head and He did so on the cross? Well, guess what? God will use you to crush Satan’s head further (v. 20). Jesus has given you victory and you participate in that victory when you are wise in what is good and innocent of evil. When you obey out of faith instead of fear. When you walk according to the truth and are not deceived. Walk by grace through faith.

Focus on Jesus and remember you have grace and victory in Him. Walk by faith, let your obedience to God be derived from your belief and trust in His power and promises. Grow in goodness (knowing what is good and doing what is good) and be innocent of evil (don’t think about it or know it).

2. We can find new avenues for helping our members and getting involved in our community so that Christ may be glorified. How can we serve, learn, and evangelize so that God is lifted high?

3. Let’s have our church grow in goodness this year.

III. The Church is Growing in God (v. 25-27)

A. Ever get lost in the mundane, day after day, just going through the motions? You’re a zombie at work, just mindlessly doing what you have to for a paycheck. When you’re at home you’re there but your mind is a million miles away, the complete opposite of present. The same can be true of the church.

We sing the same songs week after week and never ponder the words we are singing. We partake of communion weekly but begin thinking about our to-do list or lunch instead of meditate. We attend church as another check in the box because it’s something I should be doing instead of something I get to do as a Christian.

Listen, you’re not alone. There are obviously days where you feel off and you just don’t want to do something. Everyone faces that. The struggle we are talking about is playing church week after week because my heart isn’t really invested anymore.

B. Some of your Bibles may title this section “Doxology.” A doxology is a word of praise to God. The word of praise offered to God is that He strengthens you and me through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. Do you feel shame or guilt because of your perspective of church and its services? Do you feel like you’ve been drifting and there’s nothing that’s gotten you back on course? Do you feel like giving up because this Christianity thing is too hard? That you’ll never measure up?

2. Church, hear me, stop looking inward at your weaknesses and look to God’s strength. He crushes Satan under your feet, He joined us together as a family, He strengthens us in the gospel of Christ. The mystery He had planned from the beginning is now revealed and a reality in you because you have come to Christ in faith. Stop making your failures the standard and the only measurement, look to God’s standard in Christ because He paid the debt. The mystery has been solved and His name is Jesus! He brings good news that you are forgiven and are bestowed life/righteousness and you are a new creation in Jesus.

3. Do you not trust God the way you should? Neither did Abraham and look what God did through him, calling him the father of the faithful. Is your reputation or integrity not spotless? Neither was David’s and he was called a man after God’s own heart. Feel bad that you don’t witness enough? Peter denied Jesus 3 times, and yet, he was still given the keys to the kingdom. It’s not about you. It’s about God. In Christ, you are a son of Abraham, you have a new heart patterned after God’s your life is the witness that brings people to Christ.

C. Church, if nothing else, let’s grow in God this year. The strength and power of the gospel is revealed on the pages of Scripture, spend time in it. Obey it by faith in Christ. Put God first and praise Him, for He is worthy of praise.

Starting next week, Sunday the 18th @ 6:30 pm, we will begin a Bible reading group for the first quarter of the year so we can start off our year being strengthened in God.

Conclusion

Christian, are you thankful to be part of God’s church? I’m thankful beyond words to be counted as a member of the body of Christ and to have a home here at the Roann Christian Church. This year, let’s grow as a family, grow in goodness, and grow in God.