My Final Sermon

Text: Romans 16

Title: My final sermon

Introduction:

This is my last sermon as pastor of Calvary Assembly of God. I would like to finish the same way Paul finishes the Book of Romans; by thanking those God used to help me.

In Romans chapter 16 Paul thanks 37 people by name. So Paul was not some lone ranger who didn’t think he needed others.

Just like the Apostle Paul I’d like to take this final opportunity to thank you for some of the specific ways you have helped me over the last 14 years.

1.Some of you have been like a mother to our family. (v13)

“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been like a mother to me too.”

A.You have loved us like your own children

B.You have babysat our kids, made us feel special, remembered our birthdays, dropped off meals…

2.Some of you have stood with us through the hard times (V7)

“Greet Andronicus and Junias my relatives who have been in prison with me.”

A.Over the past 14 years there have been lots of touch times

B.No musicians, no finances, no heat in the winter…

C.But God would always send someone to encourage us when we needed it the most

D.Sometimes God brought people to just for a particular season

3.Some of you took risks for us and the church (v3)

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me.”

A.Sacrifices of time, talents, treasure…

B.To try new things

C.To lead ministries…

4.Some of you have worked very hard alongside us (v4)

A.5 times Paul mentions certain people who worked very hard in the Lord

B.Phoebe (v2) Mary (v6) Tryphena , Tryphosa and Persis (v12)

C.All 5 are women!

D.Thank you to the ladies of the church for all your hard work

Thank you everyone!