Conclusion of Roman Epistle

Read:

1. The Characteristics of Paul’s Ministry as a Model for Our Ministry

A. Our MINISTRY is to be marked by grace (14-15)

1. An attitude of graciousness toward other (14)

“Able to admonish one another. - because they are full of goodness and all knowledge.

2. An awareness of our receiving grace from God (15)

B. Our MESSAGE is to be centered in the Gospel (16)

1. We need a sense of calling - "to the Gentiles"

2. We need a spiritual concern - "that the offering ... might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

C. Our MOTIVE is to glorify God (17)

1. The person - "in Christ" 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. (ESV)

2. The purpose - "to exalt Christ"

D. Our MEANS of achieving is to be through God's power (18-19)

1. Appreciative of the labors of others (18)

2. Aware of his dependency on God (19) = By the power of the Spirit

E. Our MANNER of ministry is to align with God's purposes

(20-33)

1. God had a special plan for Paul to follow (20-21)

Part of that plan was Pioneer work. (This is not for everyone)

2. Paul caught a vision of what needed to be done (22-28)

Verse 24 - main reason for writing the epistle.

3. Paul kept the fresh fullness of God's Spirit in his life (29)

4. Paul appreciated the power of other's prayers (30-31)

5. Paul was submissive to the will of God (32-33)

2 - Letting Your Love Show

I. EXPRESSING PERSONAL PRAISE FOR OTHERS   16:1‐16

A. Paul knew how to VERBALIZE his love and appreciation in SPECIFIC TERMS (1‐15)

1. Phoebe (1‐2) - Probably the bearer of the epistle to the church at Rome.

The word “Servant” in the KJV can also be translated “minister”

The NIV uses the term “Deacon” - this sometimes sparks the controversial subject of women ministers.

2. Priscilla and Aquila (3‐4)

We first see Priscilla and Aquila in .

Paul found them in Corinth on his second missionary journey. They had come to Corinth because Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome.

They spent some time travelling with Paul ().

They had helped Apollos, who when they first met him in Ephesus, knew only John’s baptism, to understand what it meant to believe in Christ ().

They had had a church meet in their house while in Corinth ().

And apparently in Rome as well () Paul placed great value on them as fellow workers.

3. Epaenetus (5)

4. Mary (6)

5. Andronicus and Junia, his kinsmen and fellow prisoners    (7)

6. Amphias (8)

7. Urbane and Stachys (9)

8. Apelles and Aristobulus' household (10)

9. Herodion his kinsman, and Narcissus' household (11)

10. Tryphaena, Tryphosa and Persis (12)

11. Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine (13)

12. Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes and the brethren with them (14)

13. Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints which are with them (15)

While it was customary for Paul to list and acknowledge people in his epistles. this is by far the longest list.

Out of the twenty-seven names given 1/3 are women. Paul placed great emphasis on women workers in the church.

B. Paul knew how to DEMONSTRATE his love and appreciation by LOVING TOUCH (16)

II. COPING WITH PEOPLE WHO CAUSE PROBLEMS   16:17‐20

A. RECOGNIZE people who cause problems (17a)

1. Observe their Works

a. They cause Divisions in the church

b. The cause Disorders in morals

2. Evaluate their Words ‐ (if it is not scriptural it is not spiritual)

B. REFUSE TO ASSOCIATE with people who cause problems (17b‐19)

1. Characteristics of problem people (18)

a. Their Motivation ‐ "own belly" = self‐seeking spirit

b. Their Methodology ‐ "by good words and fair speeches                  deceive"

2. Characteristics of growing saints (19)

a. "Obedient"

b. "Simple concerning evil" “Simple” = Innocent

C. RETRIBUTION will come upon problem people (20)

III. DEEPENING IN SPIRITUAL MATURITY   16:21‐27

A. SALUTATIONS from those with Paul (21‐24)

Tertius - Paul’s scribe or secretary for the Roman Epistle

B. STRENGTH available to all in God (25‐27)

1. The POWER for strength (25a) ‐ "now to him that is of power to establish you"

a. The privilege of being established

b. The promise that it can be done

2. The PROVISIONS for strength (25b‐26)

a. By the preaching of the gospel message (25b‐26a)

b. By obedience to the Word of God (26b)

3. The PRAISE for strength (27)

a. To God

b. Through Christ