DELIGHTING in the LORD

Transcription

1 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 Day 1: Personal Greetings of Love Romans 16: Paul s Benediction: Press On Saints! In the days following the death of our son, Joshua, there were many details that had to be arranged. One of those was planning his funeral. Certainly not something you ever think you will do for your own child. I remember getting a call from the church secretary as she asked me what I wanted in Joshua s funeral program. We had planned the details; who was going to speak, what songs we wanted sung and the details of Joshua s life that we wanted shared with the desire to share God s hope and love with everyone there. It was our heart to celebrate Josh s short but impactful life for Christ, telling people this isn t the end, just a see you later. And then there was the army of people who helped us along the way. How do we thank each one of them? There were those who labored with us, who prayed for us and ministered to us. A personal greeting of love and thanks was needed. There were a few people who especially needed to be named publicly for their selfless love along the way. I listed their names in Josh s funeral program with a word of commendation and love. These people touched my heart through Christ for all eternity. They were used by God for His divine purposes. They needed to be named and remembered. It is here in Romans 16 that Paul, too, remembers. In his closing benediction to the Roman church he names over 30 people coupled with words of love and commendation. Many of these people Paul would never see again. We know very little about many of these people. But yet Paul chose to single them out and forever have their names written down in the pages of Scripture. They all hold one thing in common; they loved the Lord and helped Paul carry the message of the cross to those who were lost. They co-labored with Paul and carried the banner of God s love high. Paul singles out those who stood strong, stood by and labored with Him in the Lord s work. Paul loves on his fellow servants of the Lord generously and openly. Paul taught us in Romans about God s love for us, and how we are to be a conduit of God s love to others. Paul demonstrates this love in his closing in Romans. Just as our Good Shepherd, Jesus, calls each of us by name, so too, Paul personally remembers those who have served faithfully. Charles Spurgeon said this about those named in Romans 16: They were like the most of us, commonplace individuals; but they loved the Lord, and therefore as Paul recollected their names he sent them a message of love which has become embalmed in the Holy Scriptures. Do not let us think of the distinguished Christians exclusively so as to forget the rank and file of the Lord s army. Do not let the eye rest exclusively upon the front rank, but let us love all whom Christ loves; let us value all Christ s servants. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Romans 16:1-27 Today s Scripture Focus: Romans 16:1-16 Romans 319

2 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. In Romans 16:1-2 Paul presented Phoebe to the church in Rome. Phoebe was Paul s letter carrier and brought this very letter to Rome. From these verses, list all that you learn about Phoebe. a. What were the instructions Paul gave to the church concerning Phoebe? Keep in mind she probably wasn t known by many in Rome so would be new to that church. In Romans 12-15, Paul had just finished teaching about the manner worthy of the saints List the points you remember from these chapters regarding how we are to receive our brothers and sisters in the Lord. The word servant in Romans 16:1 is the word used to describe the office of a deacon as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The word in Greek is diakonon. 2. In Romans 16:3-5a Paul mentions the next two co-laborers for Christ. What does Paul say about them? a. Look up the following verses and note what additional information you learn about Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 18:1-4 Acts 18:18-19 Acts 18: Corinthians 16:19-20 Romans 320

3 3. Read Romans 16:5-15 and fill in the chart from Paul s description of these people. Name of People & verses List all that you learn v. 5 Epaenetus v. 6 Mary v. 7 Andronicus & Junia v. 8 Amplias v. 9 Urbanus v. 9 Stachys v. 10 Apelles v. 10 Aristobulus household v. 11 Herodion v. 11 Narcissus household v. 12 Tryphena & Tryphosa (females) v. 12 Persis (female) v. 13 Rufus & his mother v. 14 Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, & Hermes v. 15 Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister and Olympas Romans 321

4 4. Look over all the names and what you learned. I know there wasn t much on some of the people. Consider what Paul did share and look carefully at the list. What can you summarize about Paul s love for the saints from this list? What commonalities do you find among the people named? What stands out to you? 5. Paul ends his personal greetings in Romans 16:16 by telling the believers in the church to greet each other with a holy kiss. What do you think a holy kiss represented in the early church? What would be a modern day counterpart? A ACTING on God s Word 1. It could be concluded that the people that Paul mentioned were not only his co-laborers, but also some of his closest friends. I know my closest friends are also those co-laboring with me for the Lord. Think of a few of your close friends and write down some things that you appreciate about them. a. Have you seen your friendships change over the years as you walk closer and longer with the Lord? How so? Romans 322

5 b. What qualities are important to you in a friend? What qualities were important to Paul? c. Paul wasn t shy about expressing his appreciation to those whom he loved and those whom served alongside of him in the ministry. Send a card to one of your closest friends and tell them how much you appreciate them. D in God s Word All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. Titus 3:15 Close in Prayer NOTES Romans 323

6 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 Day 2: Avoid Dividers and Deceivers Romans 16: Paul s Benediction: Press On Saints! I (Brenda) can remember when I would prepare to go back to Messiah College after a weekend visit at home. Usually it was late Sunday afternoon and I would put my clean wash, snacks, and money for tolls into my car and begin to say my good-byes. My parents would then stand in the driveway and say the same thing each time and it included telling me that they loved me, to call when I got to my apartment and to drive carefully. I knew all of those things, but why did they say it every time I left? I think it is because good reminders bear repeating! It seems as if Paul is having a similar experience here as he closes out his letter to the Romans. It is as if he just can t help himself but repeat what he has already taken great care to tell them, repeatedly. However, good advice bears repeating. Let s see what was burning in Paul s heart that needed reminding. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Romans 16:1-27 Today s Scripture Focus: Romans 16:17-20 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Who does Paul want the Romans to note in Romans 16:17 and what should their response be toward them? List the type of people who cause divisions and offenses? 2. What do dividers and deceivers seek to please according in verse 18? What does this demonstrate about their love for our Lord Jesus Christ? Knowing this, why then does Paul encourage them to avoid these kind of people? 3. In verse 18 how do deceivers sound and what is the outcome of their speech? Romans 324

7 4. Read Revelation 12:9. Who is the king of deception? What has he done to the whole world? 5. Who do you think Paul is describing in Romans 16:18 when he writes the hearts of the simple? Why? Where was this addressed in Romans 15:1-2? 6. What character quality has become known about the Roman church according to Romans 16:19? Why is this such a wonderful attribute? 7. Read Ephesians 2:2. Who are the sons of disobedience? Why is it important to stay away from these kind of people? 8. Romans 16:19 says this, therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil. What does this mean? How is this possible? How does Matthew 10:16 echo Paul s words found in verse 19? 9. How did Paul give a similar message in Romans 12:9 to the message given in Romans 16:19? 10. Read Genesis 3:15. What does it say about the coming battle between Satan and Jesus? Who will overcome? How can we crush Satan under our feet by not following dividers and deceivers while we wait for Jesus to claim His final victory over Satan? Romans 325

8 A ACTING on God s Word One of the ways that divisions and deception occurs is when truth is twisted into a lie. Paul tells us to watch out for these type of individuals because although they may be speaking and teaching familiar doctrine, they will twist it enough that it will be incorrect. In John MacArthur s book Reckless Faith, he states Federal agents don t learn to spot counterfeit money by studying the counterfeits. They study genuine bills until they master the look of the real thing. Then when they see the bogus money they recognize it. When genuine money is printed there are certain identifying characteristics that are added to each bill. These characteristics are intentionally difficult to reproduce. The approach used to distinguish a genuine bill is often remembered with this phrase, touch, tilt, look at, look through. When these four things are done by a trained professional they can find a counterfeit bill in a huge stack of money. We have covered a lot of doctrine in the book of Romans and been taught the truth of God s Word in Romans. Can you list some truths you have learned in Romans and see if you can think of how the global church today has turned that truth into a counterfeit lie? The first one is done for you. D Romans Verse Truth Lie/Deception Romans 13:13 Do not engage in homosexuality Same sex marriage is ok in God s Word Paul gives a prayer for the Romans in Romans 16:20. It says The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, Amen. Think about this as you close in prayer. What does it mean to you that the blessing of God s grace goes everywhere with you? Thank God for His undeserved amazing grace. Close in Prayer Romans 326

9 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 Day 3: Forever Impacted by Christ Romans 16: Paul s Benediction: Press On Saints! We come to the end of Paul s letter and where does Paul leave us? He leaves us with the final reminder to look to God and the work of Jesus Christ for everything that we need in life. Even more, Paul reminds us that our hope in this life is in the looking forward to glory. Do you remember when we began, we told you to put on your walking shoes? The journey isn t over. Girls, we are pilgrims on a journey passing through this world. This world isn t our home, and one day when our journey on earth comes to a final end, we will meet our Lord and Savior face to face and be seated in glory with God and His Son. While we continue this pilgrimage, Paul closes by telling us to look to God alone who is able to establish us as we walk out our faith. In his closing, Paul reminds us that it was in the very life of Christ that God was made manifest. Paul declares once again the power of God and the plan of God; a plan God had from the beginning of time (as God is eternal). He made known this plan prophetically in the Old Testament and then gave understanding to the saints after the life and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded sometimes (and as Paul says goodbye he reminds the church) of God s omniscience, His wisdom and ultimately His glory and our purpose. Isn t it interesting that time and history is marked by the coming of Christ? It was the coming of Christ that all history was working towards and then the event from which all history flows. Before Christ came, time was called B.C.; after Christ came, time was characterized by A.D. Jesus Christ is the mile marker. From the beginning, God knew the mystery that would one day be revealed to the hearts of men. God knew that His Son would be sent, would die a horrible death, be resurrected and brought to glory sitting at the right hand of His Father in Heaven. God knew that people needed Jesus, and Jesus would be central to history; more specifically to your history. God knew that there wouldn t be any boundaries to who could receive Jesus. Everyone needs Him; the Jew and the Gentile. This is the gospel and it was the foundation to Paul s letter to the Romans. It is also where Paul leaves us. Paul spoke of these very same points as he opened his letter to the Romans. People need to hear the Good News because when they hear it and receive Jesus by faith alone their lives are forever impacted by Christ. If you remember, it was the very impact Jesus had on Paul s life that made him call himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ, separated to the gospel of God Romans 1:1. Paul ends by telling us that it is to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen Romans 16:27. Paul knew that everything he was and did was because of Christ and for Christ. He knew that one day, he d see his Maker face to face. In this is hope, and a life lived with this certainty is a life lived established in God through Jesus Christ. It is a life that impacts others for eternity. This is what Paul desired for the Roman church and ultimately for every believer in Jesus Christ. We ve come to the end of Romans and maybe you are ready to take off your walking shoes. Oh girls, it is just the beginning. We pray you have been strengthened and established in your faith through your study in Romans. Now tighten the laces on your shoes and go out into a world that needs Jesus sharing with others the hope that is within you! Romans 327

10 R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Romans 16:1-27 Today s Scripture Focus: Romans 16:21-27 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Once again, Paul makes mention of those who labored with him for Christ and held a special place in his heart. Read Romans 16:21-24 and note what you learn about each individual. Then look up the other verses that speak of these individuals and note what you learn. Verse and Person v.21 Timothy What you learn? What you learn from the supporting verses? Acts 16:1-3 1 Corinthians 4:17 2 Timothy 1:2-9 v. 21 Lucius Acts 13:1 v. 21 Jason Acts 17:5-9 v. 21 Sosipater Acts 20:1-4 v. 22 Tertius none v. 23 Gaius 1 Corinthians 1:14 v. 23 Erastus Acts 19:21-22 v. 23 Quartus none Romans 328

11 2. In Romans 16:24 how does Paul pray for the church in Rome? Paul ended most of his letters this way. Why? 3. If you look back at how Paul began his letter you will see many similarities to how he ended it. Read Romans 1:1-6 and compare it to Romans 16: In Romans 16:25-27 list all the ways the believer is established in God. 5. What does it mean to be established? 6. In Romans 16:25 Paul speaks of a mystery that will be made known. What does Paul say? a. Read Ephesians 1:9. Explain the mystery. b. Read Colossians 1:26-27 and note anything additionally you learn about the mystery. When we understand the mystery what should result? c. Read Ephesians 3:1-7. What is another part of this mystery of God s? 7. How does the revealing of this mystery help to establish the believer? Why is it important for the believer to be established in God? Romans 329

12 8. Write Paul s final words from Romans 16:27. A ACTING on God s Word 1. How has your faith been established in God throughout your study of Romans? 2. Name 5 things that impacted you the most in your study of Romans. 3. How has God transformed you through your study of Romans? 4. Paul ended this letter by writing a few words about his co-laborers in Christ. Just a few words were used to sum up the work of these saints. If your life had to be summed up in just a few words what would you want those words to be? How would you want to be remembered? Romans 330

13 5. As you studied through Romans, we asked you to mark certain verses that are pivotal in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. There were 5 verses. Go back through Romans and look at the verses you marked along the Romans Road. Write the verses below and commit them to memory so that anytime God gives you an opportunity to share with an unbeliever you have the verses needed to guide them in Truth. D in God s Word The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Deuteronomy 28:9 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all just as we do to you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints 1 Thessalonians 3: Write a closing prayer of thanksgiving to God for walking with you along the Romans Road. Thank Him for the Truth He taught you, the conviction He brought you and the encouragement He spoke to your heart along the way. Close in Prayer Romans 331

14 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 NOTES Romans 332