RELATE APPROPRIATELY

Background Passage: ROMANS 16:1-27

Lesson Passage:ROMANS 16:1-7,17-20,25-27

BIBLICAL TRUTH: CHRISTIANS WHO EXERCISE CARE IN RELATING TO ONE ANOTHER PROMOTE UNITY IN THEIR CHURCHES.

KEY BIBLE VERSE: ROMANS 16:25-27

My wife and I walked toward the home of a nationally known Christian writer, where we had been invited for an open house. I was uncomfortable and became more self-conscious the closer I came to the front door. “Will I know anyone? How many church members will be here? Am I dressed appropriately?” By the time I reached the front door my thoughts were self-focused, I was uptight, and I “knew” I was not going to enjoy the evening.

After being warmly greeted I entered the foyer feeling guilty about my attitude and prayed, “Lord, help me think differently about my being here.” Within moments, I began to see this crowd of strangers as individuals to serve: “Is there someone here I can bless with a smile or a word of encouragement? Can I affirm the good works of someone who may b e discouraged or about to give up? Is someone struggling who just needs a listening ear for a moment?

I was startled by how quickly I went from a “self-focused” to an “others-focused” frame of mind. As a result, I could relate to others appropriately as a follower of Jesus Christ—ready to serve in His Name. That night I discovered that connections with other believers can be divine opportunities for service.

BACKGROUND PASSAGE OVERVIEW

Paul closed his letter with greetings to a long list of Christian friends and helpers living in Rome. Since he had not yet traveled to Rome, he knew these individuals from elsewhere. His greetings are filled with commendation and affirmation.

Paul knew that smooth-talking false teachers would arrive in Rome eventually, possibly causing division with their seducing manner and speech. He warned the Roman Christians not to be taken in by their smooth talk. Their correct doctrine did not guarantee that their hearts or their motives were right.

In spite of challenges the Roman believers would face eventually from spiritual deceivers, Paul knew from experience the strength God could and would give. The source of that strength was found in the gospel, revealed and proclaimed to this end—that the nations of the world would glorify God in worship through Jesus Christ.

STUDY QUESTIONS 1.How did Paul describe Phoebe? (16:1)
2.What is the motive of false teachers who try to deceive church members? (16:18)
3.For what spiritual quality were the Romans known? (16:19)
4.The revelation of the gospel was for what purpose? (16:26)

Paul's closing greeting to the church at Rome gives us a wonderful model of how to relate appropriately to others in the body of Christ.

COMMAND OTHERS (ROM. 16:1-7)

Romans 16 1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

VERSES 1-2 ~ Phoebe likely carried Paul's letter to Rome while on a business trip, making it natural for Paul to vouch for her. He described her as a sister in Christ who ministered faithfully to others in the body of Christ at Cenchrea (a seaport town about nine miles from Corinth, where Paul wrote the letter). Phoebe's journey to Rome would have been long and dangerous. Obviously, Paul trusted her greatly.

Servant is diakonos in the Greek, a word that may refer to a person preforming a ministry—a servant—or to a church officer. In this case it is obvious that Phoebe was a servant of the church. Paul appealed to the Roman Christians to welcome Phoebe, a request that implied far more than opening their homes to her so that she would have a place to stay during her visit. The word means “to give personal and spiritually intimate access.” Paul wanted them to treat her as one of their own congregation members

Assist means “to stand by the side of someone in order to give help.” Paul later used this word to describe how Jesus stood by him during his trial before Caesar (2 Tim. 4:17). Perhaps this request is related to the business purpose of Phoebe's trip. Benefactor may mean that Phoebe was a person of wealth and generosity who helped to support both the church at Cenchrea and Paul.

As Paul did of Phoebe, you may have opportunity to speak well of others and commend them for their service. In doing so, you bless them and honor God at the same time. You should never assume that other persons know how much you appreciate them and the way God blesses you through them.

VERSES 3-4 ~ Paul met Prisca (the wife) and Aquila (the husband) in Corinth, where they made tents for a living. While staying with them, Paul also supported himself through tent-making as he preached in the area (see Acts 18:1-3). This dedicated couple not only extended hospitality to Paul, but also joined him in his mission; he called them my co-workers. They risked their lives for him (risked their own necks for my life), perhaps referring to an incident that occurred during the riot at Ephesus (see Acts 19)

VERSE 5 ~ Structures built specifically for worship were unknown before the third century. Until then the church met exclusively in homes, usually those of the more prominent members since their homes were larger. They were not referred to as churches or temples but as “houses of God” or “houses of the church”.

Epaenetus, probably a Gentile believer, was the first convert (literally “the first fruits”) in Asia (the western part of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey). He is mentioned only in the New Testament.

VERSE 6 ~ Paul recognized Mary for her strenuous work in behalf of the body of Christ. Any labor dedicated to help the body of Christ fulfill its purposes should be considered ministry and is worthy of recognition. The ministry of one part of the body is no more valued than the ministry of another part. All ministries and parts are required for the body of Christ to function.

VERSE 7 ~ Fellow countrymen could be translated “blood relatives,” although that interpretation is not likely. Fellow prisoners may mean that Andronicus and Junia were held in the same prison with Paul. The fact that this missionary couple (apostles) became followers of Jesus Christ before Paul was saved means that they were among the first believers in Palestine.

CAUTION OTHERS ( ROM. 16:17-18)

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

VERSE 17 ~ Watch out for carries the idea of “scrutinizing” or “contemplating.” False teachers within Christ's body might not be spotted easily or quickly. Only naivete ignores the possibility that they are present. What makes them false teachers? The falsity could lie in their teaching or their lives. That is, what they teach publicly does not match their private lifestyle. They may hide impure motives of greed, immorality, or control behind a facade of doctrinal orthodoxy or faithful service. Being a false teacher does not necessarily mean that one's message is false; instead, one's life may be false.

No specific false teachers were mentioned in Paul's Letter by name; therefore, likely they had not yet appeared in Rome. Thus, Paul was warning the Romans based on what he had seen happen to other churches. The dissensions and pitfalls caused by these false teachers create stumbling blocks that keep others from receiving the gospel. A false teacher, for instance, might lack integrity when either raising or spending ministry funds. Add to that a sharp news reporter, and the church would be involved in a public scandal. The public reporting of the scandal would cause unchurched persons to sneer at the truth of the gospel and turn away.

Persons whose lives run contrary to the doctrine you have learned serve someone other than Jesus Christ, whether the words they speak are doctrinally correct or not. Avoid means “to bow out.” Turn away from such persons. Have nothing to do with them.

VERSE 18 ~ At heart these spiritual frauds are self-serving, self-seeking, and self-focused. They are not servants of Jesus Christ, as they claim to be. Their goal is to serve their own appetites, meaning their own self-interests. Smooth talk makes people appear to be filled with goodness when they are not. Their flattering words are so polished that they easily deceive, especially someone who is naive. That is why Paul's admonition was to watch out.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS ( ROM. 16:19-20)

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

VERSE 19 ~ Your obedience is emphasized in the original text, contrasting the obedience of the Roman believers to that of the false teachers (vv. 17-18). Of all the spiritual qualities Paul could have mentioned that gave him joy, he pointed out obedience. Perhaps the Romans' quickness to obey Christ gave Paul confidence in their strength to reject those who meant them harm. Moral integrity is the best security against the seductive teaching of those who have impure motives.

Yet, in spite of Paul's confidence in them, he was concerned. How could they stay safe? They should become experts on how to live in goodness while being free of any involvement with evil. No Christian is required to become familiar with evil in order to witness to those who are.

Paul's acknowledgment of their obedience must have encouraged the Roman believers greatly. To know that someone else notices the sacrifice you make to obey Christ and remain faithful can sometimes get you over a hump of discouragement or move you beyond a time of temptation. Sometimes all that is needed is a hug or a pat on the back. One small word or gesture of encouragement can mean so much to a fellow Christian having a hard time. Notice that three of the four points of the Lesson Passages Outline are positive, which indicates the emphasis of Paul's approach to others.

VERSE 20 ~ The God of peace can overcome division, dissension, misunderstandings, and malevolent intentions. Behind any evil influence that causes discord among believers is Satan. Even so, God's power is greater than Satan's power.

POINT OTHERS TO GOD (ROM 16:25-27)

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

VERSES 25-26 ~ According to could also be “in agreement with.” As the Romans are strengthened in the faith, their strengthening will be consistent with and not contrary to the gospel that Paul proclaimed. My gospel may be based on Paul's testimony—he was taught this gospel directly by Jesus Christ (Gal 1:11). The phrase could also point to how Paul emphasized freedom in Christ and the universality of the gospel (the gospel is available to anyone).

God's redemptive plan for the world was a sacred secret from eternity past, before the creation of the world, until the moment when God determined to make it known through revelation. The Scriptures to which Paul referred are the Old Testament Scriptures, which Paul quoted often in his writing and preaching. The key that opened them to understanding was the knowledge of Christ. Eternal God means that God has no beginning and no end. Why did God reveal this sacred secret? So that the nations (or people groups) of the world might become followers of Jesus Christ. This purpose guided Paul's life focus. He lived to point others to God.

VERSE 27 ~ The only wise God could also be “God, who alone is wise.” Jesus Christ is the One who makes it possible for any believer to glorify God. Without Him, there is no access to the Father. Ultimate praise goes to God alone. To Him be the glory forever is an expression of praise and of calling attention to who He is and how important He is.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

The strength of your Christianity is demonstrated more by how you relate than by how much you know. As a follower of Jesus, are you willing to follow Him when you relate to others, especially those within your church family?
Consider:
Hurting people hurt other people. The very person you think might be better off attending another church may be in desperate need of encouragement from someone who has an understanding ear.

Everyone needs to feel appreciated. The most sacrificing church member who never seems to want to be acknowledged may need some appreciation—through an anonymous card, flowers, or simple spoken “Thank You.”

Someone's faith may be faltering. Behind what you consider to be a strong life of faith may be someone wrestling with temptation. Perhaps such a person needs an understanding and loving accountability partner.

Someone's heart may be cold. A word of praise or reminder of God's blessings may stir the embers in this person's spirit.

Every person you meet presents an opportunity to serve in the Name of Jesus Christ. Those opportunities will reveal themselves, however, only as you are “others-focused” rather than “self-focused.”