Going the Distance with God
Romans 16:1-27
-Paul’s closing words give us several keys to going the distance as followers together of Jesus. There is certainly individual application, but Paul’s words were for the church at Rome as a whole, not only to the independent individual Christians in Rome. What’s the difference? The difference is how far we go and how much of an impact we want to have in our community. If we try to do it alone without teaming up with other followers of Jesus, our impact will be small. But if we learn to resolve our differences and work together, I believe we will accomplish way more than all of us could do separately. How can we as a church go the distance with God?
1. Keep Your Christian Friendships alive and thriving
Romans 16:1-16; 21-23 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
-Christian relationships can and should be a tremendous source of encouragement and strength! When we connect our lives with fellow believers we are reminded that we are not alone! We are in this thing together! Together we will make it as we learn to work well together and overlook each other’s faults. Too often we want to highlight the faults of others and conceal our own. I’m not saying that we should never confront one another; Paul sure did! I’m talking about a team approach where we learn to recognize and call out the best in each person. Sometimes all people need is an opportunity to make a difference. They need to hear encouragement from those around them to use their gifts, to try something new and see what God will do through them.
-Most people check out when they come to Romans 16 because it looks like a list of people we don’t really know. Certainly there is some historical value in these names, as they attest to the validity of the book of Romans, showing that it really was written to real live people living in Rome in the first century. But the greatest value I can see is the sense of unity and love that existed between these people and Paul. Even though he had not yet visited Rome, he was writing to people he had friendships with, some of them being relatives of his.
-As I was studying I got to thinking, “What would a letter to the Church in Elgin look like? What if Jesus wrote a letter to the church that meets in Elgin in various locations? Let’s skip down to the part where he might address the church that meets in the old skating rink – Christian Life Center. Maybe it would sound something like this:
-Say hello to Julia and Ramona and Dorothy for Me. They’ve prayed many prayers and have blessed the church with years of loving service. Tell Marge I said hi and that I’ve seen her labors of love and cannot wait to reward her. Let Janet know that her energy and enthusiasm, two gifts that I gave her, are still making a difference for kids and adults alike, and that while she has seen some amazing things during her many years of service, the best is yet to come! Tell Steve Coles that I had him in my sights even before Janet began praying for Him and that his hard work and leadership are appreciated! Greet Ruth and commend her for her deep love and diligent efforts to disciple my kids, bringing them to spiritual maturity. Say hi to Steve and Kathy who continue to lead and serve faithfully. Tell Kathy she will be greatly rewarded. Tell Steve he already has been – but that even the 7 so-called wonders of the world do not compare with what I have in store for him.
-Neva, Myrtle, Glenn, and the other saints send their love. Phil and Anna, you have served and helped My church in so many ways from Bible Studies to BBQ’s. Paul and Judy, keep up the good work! You are doing it for Me and I am well-pleased! Sundae, even though all your good work you do for me couldn’t make me love you any more than I already do, I want you to know that I see how you love My kids and I love to see how you express my goodness to them! Bob Volle, I know you by name and am pleased by your tender-heartedness before Me. Bob Wiles, you have impacted many for good and I will use your life to help others every day you remain on this earth. Linda, I rescued you so you could help rescue others and you are doing great! Laura, I’ve given you a joy inside that encourages others when you express it. Keep on expressing it! Gregory, very few people are as willing to take on new challenges the way you do. I’ve brought you to this place for such a time as this and will do all that you ask Me to do for My purposes. Richard, your work and service have not been overlooked. Remain faithful to Me and your reward will be great! Rich and Rachel, My purposes are being fulfilled in and through your lives and I am pleased with your kingdom-mindedness. Charlene, I’ve been working in you and love to see your compassion in action. Keep walking in love and forgiveness. Ron, I have never left you, nor will ever leave you. Hold on to what I have spoken to you. You will see it happen. Reta, you are loved in the Lord and are accepted in My family. Josh and Laura, your faith has been renewed and I delight in your hunger for Me! Wayne and Mary, I am with you and am not caught off guard with the challenges you face. Keep trusting Me. Dean and Mable, you are dearly loved and are a source of inspiration and encouragement to many. Keith and Sharon, keep coming to me for all you need, and you will continue to be a blessing to many! Hello to Chuck & Lottie, two of My faithful servants who love My word and have remained faithful to Me! Katie, I know what you’ve been through, and I have never left you. Keep speaking the truth in love! Iris, you are loved! The pain of this life has been overwhelming at times, but I’ve never left you. You have everything you need to keep hanging on. It will be worth all the pain and all the waiting. Gary & Glenda, two hearts that are humble and hungry for the things of God. You won’t be disappointed! Glenn, I do understand, and I love you very much! Open yourself to Me and to the Church family I’ve given you. Jim & Janet, keep letting your light shine so others will be drawn to Me. James, I love seeing you use your talents and resources to help others. Keep seeking Me! Ross & Tricia, I’ve been calling you closer and you’ve responded to Me.. As you keep seeking Me, you will find Me to be everything you and your family needs. Vern, I see your heart and know your struggle. Give Me room to work in your life and you will be satisfied. Tenaya, My church is a family to you. Don’t let anything derail you from following Me with all your heart. And to all who gather to worship Me and receive strength and encouragement, I have loved you with an everlasting love and can already see the day when you will stand before Me, free from the trials and heartaches of this life! We will be together forever, and you will be astounded at what I have prepared for you! Just hang in there and stand strong in My power! I’ll see you soon. –Jesus.
-Wouldn’t that be a cool letter to receive? Well guess what! You’ve got mail! God does have a postal system in place. The words God wants to say to you have already been written. All we need to do is open them and share them with one another! Sometimes God even sends text messages to you! And God has Facebook too! Get your face in His book and you’ll get to know Him more and more!
-And here is one of the coolest things I know of! God sends messages of hope and encouragement to you each day through other believers! That is why fellowship and hospitality are so important! We need to get together with one another so we can encourage each other with words that come from the heart and mouth of God! Learn to appreciate your church family! Learn to appreciate all believers. You have something to offer to them, and you can learn something from even the youngest among them! Children can teach us how to follow God in simplicity, sincerity, and innocence.
-So, Keep Your Christian Friendships alive and thriving! Here is your mission this week, should you choose to accept it: Get together with at least one other Christian and take 5 minutes to ask and listen to what’s going on in their life, and to ask what you can pray about for them. Then, if they are willing, switch. Invite them over for coffee, tea, water, cookies, whatever. Meet them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever works for you. But get together and encourage one another and pray for one another! It takes a little work, but it is a vital part of our spiritual health, both individually, and as a church family! I dare ya!
2. Watch out for troublemakers!
Romans 16:17-18 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
-In the context of Christian relationships and the interaction we have with one another, we do need to be aware of the fact that not everybody is really looking out for the good of the Lord’s Church. Rather, they are serving themselves at anyone and everyone’s expense. They tear down others to try to build themselves up. Some do this because they have been hurt themselves. And as you may have heard, hurt people hurt people. They need to find healing by facing their past wounds and allowing God to heal them. They need God’s grace flowing into their lives so they can forgive those who have wronged them, and stop hurting other people!
-I don’t know for certain what Paul would do with a person like this, but his words imply that regardless of the reason, if a person consistently causes division among Christians, and consistently hinders others in their faith, to stay away from them! In the context of Romans, these obstacles or hindrances in v.17 could refer to exercising personal freedoms that cause someone else to stumble or violate their conscience, or it could be piling on addendums or extra rules, implying that following certain codes or regulations will make a person right with God, or more spiritual. The first is inconsiderate; the second is performance-based pride.
3. Keep Obeying Jesus with a pure heart!
Romans 16:19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
-Satan can sniff out our weaknesses. Someone may come along and try to get us to join their cause and may actually use us to cause strife in the church. So if things get a little strained between you and another church family member, do all you can to make it right. It is often some form of offense that the enemy will try to use to split us apart and destroy the unity we have in Christ. Make things right, right away!
-We need to get as close as we can to what is good and right and blessed by God. We also need to avoid what is wrong. Paul is saying that Christians do not need to become educated regarding what is evil. Some people believe they have to experience everything so they know what evil is like. However, God says to stay as far away from evil as possible. Don’t try before you buy! And don’t buy anything that dishonors God and hinders your relationship with Him or others.
-I would love for CLC to get a reputation! Not because I want attention, but because we are just radical enough to do what God tells us to do! Everyone has heard about your obedience! Do you want that for your church? Then obey and keep on obeying and stay pure before God!
4. Realize that the enemy’s days are numbered!
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
-We need to remember that we do have an enemy, but it is not the person sitting next to you or across the aisle, or across the fence. Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms (NLT).
-Now Satan is limited and can only be in one place at any given time. So, it is highly doubtful that Satan himself is harassing you and trying to wreck your faith. He is more likely dealing with world rulers or influencers who can influence change in this world. However, he does have a lot of help. Evil spirits or demons have Satan as their ruler and can tempt and torment people. Jesus and His disciples drove demons out of a number of people.
-So when Paul says that the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet, he is referring to all the powers of darkness with Satan at the head of the pack. One of these days the prophecy God gave to Eve in the Garden will be fulfilled. Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Satan has been striking all along, but his days of striking are numbered! We are the offspring of Eve. And guess who else is? Yes, Jesus! Soon, Jesus will crush Satan’s head! And since we are in Christ (if our faith is in Him), Satan will be under our feet as well! Right where he belongs!
-We’re tempted to ask what soon means. How soon? If Romans was written around AD 57, then it has been 1,955 years since Paul said “soon.” Well, we know that God’s timing is His own. Psalm 90:4 For you, a thousand years are as yesterday! They are like a few hours! (NLT) All I know is that we need to be faithful and ready! Even if Jesus doesn’t return in my lifetime, He will return! If I go to meet Him before He comes back to this earth, I still want to be following Him and doing what He has called me to do when my time comes!
-So remember, Satan is not in control. God is! Satan will be defeated. He will be a perpetual loser! And those who resist him and trust in God instead will live forever with the Lord.
5. Let the Gospel strengthen and establish you!
Romans 16:25-27 25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-- 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
-Paul finishes like he started. In chapter 1, he refers to the gospel 6 times. Here are a couple of them: Romans 1:16-17 16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
-God is able to establish CLC as part of His Church worldwide. And this is only done through the gospel – the good news about Jesus! What is the good news? That we all can have peace with God by confessing Jesus to be the Leader of our lives, and by believing that God raised Him from the dead. We become friends of God, like Abraham, and God declares us to be righteous. This is not because we have acted righteous, but because Jesus provided His righteousness through His death and resurrection.
-We can go the distance for God if we embrace the good news about Jesus. God revealed the good news so that we at CLC might believe and obey Him, and help others do the same!
Close: So, 1. Keep Your Christian Friendships alive and thriving. 2. Watch out for troublemakers! 3. Keep Obeying Jesus with a pure heart! 4. Realize that the enemy’s days are numbered! and 5. Let the Gospel strengthen and establish you!
