Closing Thoughts #

Romans 16:1-2

Introduction

I. Commendation (1-2) #

A. Reception #

1. Sister - saved, sister in the faith #

2. Servant - #

• Probably one of the greatest titles one could bear!

  • Matt 23:1-12 (11)

Matt. 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

3. Saintly reception - #

• brotherly love and kindness!

B. Responsibility #

1. Assist - ministry of helps #

1Cor. 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

• Phebe had been a help to so many, Paul, was simply asking they be of help to her as well.

II. Care for them (3-16) #

• Paul had been well acquainted with the people there
• People are the ministry!

A. Helpers (3-4-5a) Priscilla & Aquila #

• Selfless, put them selves out there! A church needs those who are willing to sacrifice for the ministry!

B. First fruit & faithful (5) Epaenetus #

• He who had been saved, and remained faithful!
• There is something to be said for faithful service over years!

C. Worker (6) Mary #

D. Family (7) Andronicus & Junia #

E. More (8-15) - 20 names given! - Paul remembered them well! #

F. Greetings (16) #

1. Salute one another #

2. Holy kiss (typical greeting in many cultures around the world) #

• it was to stay holy, nothing more. The difference between holding hands, and shaking hands.

III. Caution (17-20) #

• In the amount of love, and compassion that Paul has shown in those 16 verses, he is reminded of a vitally important topic... division!
• You can feel Pauls heart break as he contemplates the division that is possible.

A. Mark them (17) #

• Division are those who divide others!

1. Strife - arrogance #

Prov. 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

• froward - someone unwilling to comply, perverse, ungovernable
• slanderer, gossip - one who whispers about others!
• Just pray for so and so... they aren't really asking prayer, they are gossiping! - Mark them! Beware!

Prov. 22:10 ¶ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Prov. 26:20 ¶ Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

• Stay away from them! - There are those who came to our church, that seek to cause problems! To this day, they run their mouths, and busybodies about people who come to this church.

2. Cause divisions contrary to the doctrines #

B. AVOID them! (17c) #

1. They aren't serving the LORD! #

2. Fair speeches (18) - They are good manipulators #

C. You are an Example! (19-20) #

IV. Closing (21-25) #

A. Team work (21-23) #

1. Paul knew so many people there because they worked together! #

• Team work, is working together for a common cause

  • That cause is the Evangelization of the lost, Education, and Edification of the saved, and Exaltation of the Lord!

2. Team of people working together, not divisively #

B. Team up with the Lord (24) #

1. Grace of Christ help you! #

2. Power and strength of the Lord #

Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

C. Team up to Glorify God! (24-27) #

1. No room for selfishness in the ministry! #

• The idea is that God be glorified!