Closing Remarks

19 January 2014 – Romans 16:1-27 – Romans – Scott Childs

Introduction: We have heard the saying, “Good to the last bite.” Well that is true of Paul’s letter to the Romans as well. Here in the last bite of his letter, he closes with another good challenge.

Transition: As we look at Romans 16, I want us to note Paul’s four closing remarks and draw several principles from them to help us in our daily lives.

I.        Appreciations (1-16)

A.     Paul begins by commending Phebe

1.      It is believed that the woman, Phebe, carried this letter to the Roman church.

2.      Paul commended her or recommended her to the Roman church.

a)      He identifies her as a sister in Christ.

b)      He also calls her a servant of the church at Cenchres, a port in Corinth.

c)      He asks that the Roman Christians to receive her as a saint and assist her.

d)      He tells them that she had succoured or been a helpful leader of many.

B.     Paul shows appreciation for Christian qualities

1.      He greets many Christians in Rome by name only. Some of them he had led to Christ. Some appear to be his relatives.

2.      To others he adds a word of appreciation. The character qualities he mentions are needful in our own lives.

a)      Priscilla and Aquila he calls his helpers in Christ Jesus (3-4). The word means “companions” or “fellow workers”. They had also risked their lives to protect Paul’s life.

b)      Mary bestowed much labour on Paul’s company (6). The word “bestow labour” means “to labour with wearisome effort.”

c)      Andronicus and Junia had at one time been Paul’s fellowprisoners (7). They had been imprisoned for their faithfulness to Christ.

d)      Urbane was a helper in Christ (9). This again is to be a companion or fellow worker.

e)      Tryphena and Tryphosa labour in the Lord (12). Paul gives the same appreciation to these ladies as he gave to Mary. They were hard workers for the Lord.

3.      We see a pattern in these words of appreciation.

a)      Paul, the missionary preacher, greatly appreciated those who were his loyal companions, who faithfully worked with him. Every preacher greatly appreciates those who are his likeminded, faithful friends. Please pray for pastors and missionaries, as the ministry can be very lonely at times.

b)      Paul also appreciated those who were heartily involved in the ministry and worked until they were exhausted in the work of the Lord. Wholehearted, dedicated, Christian workers are a great blessing.

II.      Warnings (17-20)

A.     First, Paul mentions a problem

1.      The symptoms were conflicts.

a)      Some were causing divisions. This word “divisions” speaks of disunion or dissension. They were disrupting the harmony or union that God wants in a local church. This is a serious sin. The Lord lists it among the seven great abominations.

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

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

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

b)      Some were causing offences. This word describes anything that causes a person to be trapped or to stumble. Divisions naturally lead to causing others to stumble.

c)      Paul said that selfishness is the motive behind the problem (18). Their actions serve their own belly and not the Lord.

d)      By smooth talk and polished words, they deceive the hearts of the simple (18).

2.      God’s standard was sound doctrine.

a)      The word “doctrine” refers to teaching.

b)      Some were openly opposing the doctrine which they had learned.

c)      Paul was not talking about soul liberty issues that are neither right nor wrong. He was talking about matters of salvation, matters of church polity, matters of Christian conduct, and matters of Bible principles – Bible doctrine.

B.     Next, Paul gives them God’s solution

1.      First, they must mark those who cause divisions and offences. They were to keep an eye on such persons. Christians need to be able to spot those who promote false doctrine and keep an eye on them.

2.      Then, they must avoid them. The idea of this word is to keep out of their path or to shun them. Other verses tell us that if they repent, we are to forgive them.

Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

3.      Why does God give such a harsh solution to gossip that causes division and offences? It is because their unbiblical ideas are contagious.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

4.      If someone comes to you and begins to talk critically or oppose the doctrines of our church, stay away from that person. If they are not happy, they need to speak to the pastor and work through the issue.

5.      God tells us all to be wise unto things that are good and simple (unmixed) concerning evil (19).

6.      Paul reminds us that Satan is ultimately behind all evil, but God will settle the score with him shortly (20)

III.     Salutations (21-24)

A.     Paul sends greetings from those with him

1.      He mentions eight people by name.

2.      Once again, he notes a few special ministries.

a)      Timothy was Paul’s workfellow or partner.

b)      Tertius wrote out this letter as Paul dictated it.

c)      Gaius was Paul’s host.

3.      There are many ministries that Christians can have for the Lord. We can all do something for the Lord.

B.     Paul closes with a gracious wish (24)

1.      This was a typical comment among first century Christians.

2.      It was also a sincere wish for them.

IV.    Praises (25-27)

A.     His praises are instructive

1.      Even in the last words of this great book, Paul continues to instruct.

2.      God has the power to stablish or strengthen Christians.

a)      God uses the gospel and preaching to do this.

b)      He also uses the revelation of the mystery that Gentiles can be saved to do this.

c)      This life-changing message is offered to all nations if they will obey it by faith.

B.     His praises are addressed to God

Conclusion: Paul closes this doctrinal book with a challenge for all. Every Christian ought to be working tirelessly for the Lord and helping others who are ministering. Jesus said, “The harvest is great but the labourers are few.” In addition, we must mark and avoid all who gossip and cause discord. Then, we must remember that God uses the gospel to save souls and strengthen believers. The Gospel is the power of God!

Song: Cleanse Me – 166