One Last Time

Romans 16:17 CSB

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them,

INTRO—

Jimmie Johnson…One Final Time (NASCAR)

Mariano Rivera (Yankees’ Closer)

Paul…One Last Time

These verses—Romans 16.17-27—serve as a final snapshot of what Paul has been doing throughout this letter to the Roman Christians. Teaching, Encouragement, & Worship...

So, let’s do this…one. last. time.

Teaching (Romans 16.17-20)

[Like throughout the majority of this letter]

Romans 16:19 CSB

The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil.

[Key Verse]

“Report of your obedience has reached everyone”

…and I love it = “I rejoice over you”

“BUT”…and yet, still…“I want you to <CONTINUE to> be”… [recognizing the need to teach perseverance & diligence]

“Wise—excellent—about what is good” [perseverance in the positive]

Romans 16:20 CSB

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

“Innocent—untainted by, pure regarding—about what is evil” [perseverance against the negative]

Romans 16:17–18 CSB

17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, 18 because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.

Encouragement (Romans 16.21-23 [24])

[Like 16-1-16…but this time the list involves those with Paul in Corinth]

The LIST:

Timothy…my coworker

Lucius, Jason, & Sosipater…my fellow countrymen (Jewish people)

Tertius…who wrote this letter (amanuensis; scribe)

Gaius…host to Paul and many in the church (home group)

Erastus…city treasurer, steward (public works admin; significant position)

Quartus…our brother

Worship (Romans 16.25-27)

[Like 11.33-36]

“Now to him who is able to strengthen you” [while Paul says, “This will help you…enable you…he does it as a song…a moment of praise (like Ephesians 3.20 & Jude 24)

Through Gospel proclamation (16.25a)

Preaching the Gospel to ourselves [more than just salvation to the Gospel…living for Jesus]

Preach the Gospel…use words…& actions.

The importance of conversations...

Through Gospel revelation (16.25b-26)

What was mystery is uncovered! [Scripture]

The Gospel revealed impacts people from all nations!

Like Christmas presents opened…[the GREATEST GIFT…forgiveness of sin and eternal life!]

Through God alone (16. 27)

Romans 1:1–7 CSB

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures—3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, 6 including you who are also called by Jesus Christ. 7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

CONCL—

“One last time...” until the next time…with the next time being in-person!

Romans 16:27 CSB

to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to him be the glory forever! Amen.