Romans 16
Well, everyone, this is it; the final chapter of Romans. I'm sure some of you are saying, "Woohoo!" But the reality of it is, we can almost find more useful instruction on Christian living in Romans than anywhere else in the new testament. Obviously we can find lots of stuff in other books, but Romans is just one nugget after another.
First I want to clear up something that probably gave you pause while reading this. We all have been told forever that Paul wrote Romans. But in the last few lines we see someone named Tertius claiming to have written this letter in his own hand. Don't let that confuse you. It is widely accepted and customary of that time for people like Paul to have hired scribes or "secretaries". Remember, the servant culture in that day was huge. If you weren't a peasant, which Paul wasn't, you would have your "posse" that would carry out your tasks. You need to know that Paul hand wrote the greetings of his letters. From that point on, he dictated the body, then hand-singed the letter. So don't let that confuse you.
The instruction from this chapter is pretty clear. Don't be led astray. Hold true to the teachings of Christ. Be careful not to be in the company of those who are divisive. In Paul's time, there would be Jews who would come behind him, from city to city, and try to tell the new Christians that they had to adhere to all of these Jewish customs in order to truly be saved. Paul warned the church of this. And I think we would do well to listen in our day as well. We have so many people offering up these pluralistic ideas of how Jesus is just "one" way, or unless you do x,y, and z, you can't truly be saved. We need to be armed with the knowledge of the scriptures to combat these ideals. This is why we are devoting so much time this year to this kind of teaching from the stage, and this kind of study by this team. When Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15 to be prepared to give an account, I don't think that he just meant for you to say: Because Jesus loves me and I prayed to Him to save me. If that's the extent of your knowledge of your salvation, you are going to fall prey to those who would cause you to question your salvation. You are going to be hard pressed to defend yourself to a Hindu or a Muslim who can tell you everything about "Your" Jesus, and why their god is just as good.
Anyway, that's Romans. I'd like some feedback on what you guys would like to do for our next blog session. I'm thinking about the Gospel of Mark. What are your thoughts?
-Robbie
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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...
ReplyDeleteBeware of troublemakers! That's what I got from this line. Gossipers could also be known to cause division and create obstacles. Just like what we discussed on Sunday before service, we should be building each other not, not tearing each other down. Divisions are bad for the church. They cause distrust and dishonesty.
We are to be of the world, not in the world. The world is full of division and problems. Shouldn't we want to be apart from all that?!
I agree with what Amy said! I don't have much else to say other than I think Mark would be a good book for us to study!
ReplyDeleteMany people are very good at putting thoughts into words but I struggle. However, verse 17 made me think of Robbie's handout and our discussion Sunday morning. (We are to watch for those who cause division and place obstacles in our way.) 18. (for they serve themselves not Christ.) Could the church be watching me Sunday mornings? Could I be one of those who???
ReplyDelete(Idolatry can be active in my heart even as I'm outwardly worshipping God.) I've never thought about this but totally agree. Must completely focus on Christ and be about nothing else.
25 now to Him who is able to strengthen you
ReplyDeleteI find such comfort in this. Until I became a Christian I never understood what people meant when they would say "I just asked God for the strength to handle it" I would always think that it took something inside of me to get through tough times and that God couldnt step in to help so that you would learn from your mistakes. I now understand that when you fall flat on your face before the Lord with any weakness, you will find He gives you strength you never thought possible. I have experienced it first hand and I can tell you that there is nothing out there that can satisfy your needs or pick you up like a God. You just have to have the courage to lay it all out for Him.
I agree with Amy about the whole gossip deal. I know first-hand how that can tear people down. But I also think that communication is key, if there is none, that can also create an obstacle. Satan uses all kinds of tools to wiggle his way into a situation, "be wise as to what is good and innocent to what is evil.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already, read "The Screwtape Letters." I'm only partway through, but if you want a book that will get you thinking, I definitely suggest it!
I love closing chapters, not for the greetings, though some are very powerful statements of people's devotion, but rather the key takeaways that are provided.
ReplyDeleteIn this, Paul clearly knew that there were groups following him around, attempting to undo or at least "add to" his teachings. We need to be careful as this could be a point of reference for those very people in our world today, suggesting that Paul's teachings are no more truth than those who taught other disciplines or stories of that day, and he is simply trying to be more credible. As our lesson this week pointed out, we not only need to have faith that Paul was given the words of God through the Spirit, but that history proves these truths.
The disciples witnessed the greatness of Christ, while others chose to look away. Sounds similar to today, how have you witnessed Christ in your life? I have witnessed the gospel in so many at this chruch, but even more in my family thorugh their love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control (i.e. the fruits of the Spitir).
verse 19- your obedience is known to all...but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
ReplyDeleteI think that is awesome. It doesn't say "go find out what the opposite of good is and then you'll know what evil to avoid." What is good is a direction away from what is evil. It is not a black and white comparison, then, but a direction towards truth.
On another note, I just want to confess to you all that I have not been giving 110% to this team, and for that I apologize. I have neglected the blog a whole lot because I have filled my time with other things and because I have been in a bit of a spiritual funk lately. I just wanted to be up front with you guys and let you know that I'll need your help and encouragement to stay accountable to staying dedicated to dissecting this scripture and being dedicated to the team. I look forward to our next book study. I love you all and am so thankful for each of you!
Sarah- I give you huge props for coming forward and laying down what it is you have been feeling, but you can find comfort in knowing that I'm almost certain that everybody in the group has experienced this at one time or another. And if I can tell you anything, your Faith is strengthened so much from experiencing times like this. You are such a strong Godly young woman, and I admire you!
ReplyDeleteAmy, the same verse stuck out to me. I think the important key is to not only be careful of people who can cause divisions, but be careful how we act in their presence We can have such an influence on non-believers, and we can turn these experiences into positive ones.
Hey guys and gals,
ReplyDeleteI think its great that you guys are interacting with each other through the blog. It is a great opportunity to foster community and support for each other. It is also a great opportunity to learn and grow.
Being in the Scriptures is vital to our job as leaders of God's church. If we are to have anything to pour out to others, we must first be pouring into ourselves. Keep running the race.
Grace be with you all,
Erik
I really enjoyed v17-19, discussing what to look for regarding false teaching and to beware of smooth flattering talk. It is a comfort to know that elegant talk is not needed when speaking about theology or faith in general. This could be a little tricky as people like to be entertained and this is why many speakers look to impress rather than just speak the truth. This translates to music too. Smooth elegant playing means nothing if done out of personal appetites or prideful agendas.
ReplyDeleteI actually thought it was a really cool section where Paul gives props (to steal Molly's words) to the many different workers for the Lord. It just shows me that it takes each of us to move the mission forward. We may not always get to be together, especially now that we will be moving to more service times and campuses. But, we're all playing vital roles in advancing the kingdom. I'm so honored to serve on such a great team of people.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for skimping on the blog the last couple of weeks. I know we've all got stuff going on, but I've just felt very divided lately and when the big things start happening, good and bad, I have a tendency to pull away when I really need to be running towards God.
As far as book study goes, I'm fine with the book of Mark. I would also like to do a study on Hebrews and one of these days, the book of Psalm.
Love you all.
Thanks everyone for the thoughts. Thanks Erik for checking in! Nice to hear from you in here when you get time.
ReplyDeleteHouston... you pretty much nailed the thought that I had for this entire chapter, as well as the entire book. Couldn't have said it better myself! Nice!
Miranda, nice insight into how we are all serving a purpose far greater than ourselves. We do need to remember that, though we are going to be at different times and services, we are ALL on the SAME team and we need to be lifting each other up and reminding each other of what it is that we're doing.
Great thoughts everyone. I've enjoyed this study on Romans. Now here's the cool thing. As we get into the book of Mark, you are going to see a lot of the things Paul referenced taking place first hand with the teaching of Jesus. When you see those things, please talk about it here. This is how we begin to build the foundation of theology that we are seeking to have!
Love you all,
-robbie