Grace and peace to you all,
Well, we have arrived at the end of Romans. I trust that everything from 1:1 to 16:27 has been as challenging to you as it has been to me. My personal walk, my family, and my ministry have been affected deeply by my study in Romans. Thank the Lord for His Word and It's power to change lives.
The memory passage for Romans 16 is:
Romans 16:17-18, 25-27 (ESV)
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
The outline theme for Romans 16 is Righteous Obedience of Faith.
This chapter contains the longest list of personal greetings in any of Paul's writings. He addresses 26 people by name and refers to others. After reading these 16 verses, I can't help but see the deep, personal connections Paul had with the church in Rome. He was not just an itinerate evangelist passing through town, but a true pastor at heart. Although Paul's ministry was not, could not be, the long-term shepherding of an individual flock, his heart still beat with prayers for those he loved in all the churches he visited.
Priscila and Aquila are the only ones mentioned in this list that are certainly named elsewhere in the New Testament. This couple clearly had a profound impact on the life andministryy of Paul. The first person mentioned, Pheobe, is described as a sister, servant, and patron. In some future study I would like to explore the ministry of Pheobe and her example for all women.
After the list of personal greetings, Paul couldn't resist just one more teaching point. 17-20 contain a last warning and encouragement. Watch out for trouble-makers who 'cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught'. These people are self-seeking and deceive the weak-hearted. He acknowledges their obedience and encourages them to continue to be wise in good, innocent in evil, and steadfast in the certain victory of God over Satan.
Paul then sends greeting to the believers in Rome from those who are with him in Corinth. I'm struck by the way he describes Timothy as 'my fellow worker'. Not 'my protege' or 'student' or 'employee', but simply 'my fellow worker'. A shining example of 'not thinking more highly of yourself than you ought' (12:3).
The Romans benediction is filled with all the doctrine and mystery of the letter. God is able to strengthen you by the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the mystery that is now revealed and according to the verycommandd of God 'to bring about the obedience of faith'. If the righteousness of God is the main theme of Romans, the obedience of faith is the sub-theme.
How does this affect my worship?
I can only imagine the worship that took place in these fellowships. The church appears so interlocked and connected. While they were not without controversy or trouble-makers, they seemed united with one voice in worship (15:6). I wonder what the worship in a body of believers who are united by more than just convenience or proximity looks like? A true unified voice in accord with Christ Jesus proclaiming His worthiness, praising His righteous name, and worshiping in the beauty of His holiness. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
How does this affect my discipleship?
How do we attain connectedness and unity? How do we 'let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we are called to peace'? (Col 3:15) I believe that if the church is filled with a network of discipleship-minded people who have eyes for disciple-making, are equipped with tools for disciple-making, and are actively seeking disciple-making we can get closer. But it starts with obedience to His command and adherence to His Gospel. And we can rest in knowing that He will be with us always, 'to the end of the age'.
To the only wise God be glory forevermore in Christ Jesus, Amen.
Ethan
Monday, August 21, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Romans 15
Grace and peace,
As we approach the end of Romans we see that Paul includes many more personal details and greetings. Chapter 15 contains some final words of instruction and warning along with his travel plans.
The memory passage for chapter 15 is;
Romans 15:4-6, 13 (ESV)
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
The outline theme is Righteous Ministry of Hope
This chapter begins by continuing the theme of chapter 14; care for and bear with the weak unselfishly as Christ loved us unselfishly. The memory passage outlines the ministry of hope. First, the Scriptures were written for our instruction, for our endurance, and for our encouragement. And through the Scripture we can have the assurance of hope. Then Paul follows with one of his blessings; that the God of the Scriptures would help us live in harmony with Christ Jesus and each other. The result will be unified worship of God.
Therefore (always a clue that something is coming) 'welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God'. We have studied how Christ 'welcomed' us while we were weak and ungoldly (5:6), sinners (5:8), and enemies (5:10). Not only did He welcome us, but even though we were completely unworthy, He DIED for us. We are to follow His example and welcome each other in His name.
And for all of us non-Jews, vv8-12 summarize the great mercy and grace of God towards us so that we might have hope. Which leads to the second half of the memory passage; that through the God of all joy and peace we may have hope by the power of Holy Spirit.
Paul encourages and instructs the Roman church with a confirmation of their growth and godliness followed by a reminder that he sometimes writes boldly to address or correct issues in the church. But his goal is always the same; to minister to the Gentiles so that their offering might be acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The only boast Paul has about his ministry is that which Christ has accomplished in word and deed and through the power of Holy Spirit. Echoing 1 Corinthians 1:31; "let him who boasts boast in...the Lord"
Paul concludes this chapter with a mission statement and some travel plans. He states his commitment to take the Gospel to where it has not been preached and tells the church that he hopes to spend time with them before he goes to Spain.
Paul's appeal for prayer in v30 is very Trinitarian; pray by Jesus and the love of the Spirit to God. He continues the theme of 11:36; "from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things". The blessing peace at the end of this chapter continues the theme of the chapter (from v13) that they be filled with all joy and peace in believing so that they may abound in hope.
How does this affect my worship? Verses 5-6 contain a few phrases that have musical roots; 'live in harmony', 'in accord with Christ Jesus', 'with one voice glorify God'. If there is to be unity and harmony in the church, it must start with the grace of God and the Word of God. God's Word is for our instruction, endurance and encouragement, and the God of the Scriptures can grant us to live in harmony, one accord, and unified worship. Writing to 'God's chosen people' in Colossians 3, Paul emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God in instruction and worship. Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
How does this affect my discipleship? Discipleship and 'pleasing ourselves' do not go hand in hand. Christ's example was not pleasing Himself, but taking our sins on Himself and dying for us. Part of discipleship is exactly what is written in vv1-3; bear with the weak, do not please ourselves, build up your neighbor, follow the example of Christ. But it combines with the very purpose of God's Word; to instruct us (toward hope), give us endurance (toward hope), and encourage us (toward hope). Our ministry of discipleship should always be underpinned with this ministry of hope in Christ.
May the God of peace be with you all,
Ethan
As we approach the end of Romans we see that Paul includes many more personal details and greetings. Chapter 15 contains some final words of instruction and warning along with his travel plans.
The memory passage for chapter 15 is;
Romans 15:4-6, 13 (ESV)
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
The outline theme is Righteous Ministry of Hope
This chapter begins by continuing the theme of chapter 14; care for and bear with the weak unselfishly as Christ loved us unselfishly. The memory passage outlines the ministry of hope. First, the Scriptures were written for our instruction, for our endurance, and for our encouragement. And through the Scripture we can have the assurance of hope. Then Paul follows with one of his blessings; that the God of the Scriptures would help us live in harmony with Christ Jesus and each other. The result will be unified worship of God.
Therefore (always a clue that something is coming) 'welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God'. We have studied how Christ 'welcomed' us while we were weak and ungoldly (5:6), sinners (5:8), and enemies (5:10). Not only did He welcome us, but even though we were completely unworthy, He DIED for us. We are to follow His example and welcome each other in His name.
And for all of us non-Jews, vv8-12 summarize the great mercy and grace of God towards us so that we might have hope. Which leads to the second half of the memory passage; that through the God of all joy and peace we may have hope by the power of Holy Spirit.
Paul encourages and instructs the Roman church with a confirmation of their growth and godliness followed by a reminder that he sometimes writes boldly to address or correct issues in the church. But his goal is always the same; to minister to the Gentiles so that their offering might be acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The only boast Paul has about his ministry is that which Christ has accomplished in word and deed and through the power of Holy Spirit. Echoing 1 Corinthians 1:31; "let him who boasts boast in...the Lord"
Paul concludes this chapter with a mission statement and some travel plans. He states his commitment to take the Gospel to where it has not been preached and tells the church that he hopes to spend time with them before he goes to Spain.
Paul's appeal for prayer in v30 is very Trinitarian; pray by Jesus and the love of the Spirit to God. He continues the theme of 11:36; "from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things". The blessing peace at the end of this chapter continues the theme of the chapter (from v13) that they be filled with all joy and peace in believing so that they may abound in hope.
How does this affect my worship? Verses 5-6 contain a few phrases that have musical roots; 'live in harmony', 'in accord with Christ Jesus', 'with one voice glorify God'. If there is to be unity and harmony in the church, it must start with the grace of God and the Word of God. God's Word is for our instruction, endurance and encouragement, and the God of the Scriptures can grant us to live in harmony, one accord, and unified worship. Writing to 'God's chosen people' in Colossians 3, Paul emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God in instruction and worship. Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
How does this affect my discipleship? Discipleship and 'pleasing ourselves' do not go hand in hand. Christ's example was not pleasing Himself, but taking our sins on Himself and dying for us. Part of discipleship is exactly what is written in vv1-3; bear with the weak, do not please ourselves, build up your neighbor, follow the example of Christ. But it combines with the very purpose of God's Word; to instruct us (toward hope), give us endurance (toward hope), and encourage us (toward hope). Our ministry of discipleship should always be underpinned with this ministry of hope in Christ.
May the God of peace be with you all,
Ethan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
