The Proof of Justification

 

ROMANS 5:1; 8:1, 33-34; PHILIPPIANS 3:5

SUBJECT: SALVATION/ JUSTIFICATION

THEME: You can know by the work of the Spirit of God and the statements of the Word of God that you are viewed as righteous before God. Peace, assurance, acceptance, freedom from condemnation, and a lifestyle of fruitful activities that honor God and help others are proofs of justification.

INTRODUCTION:

We know that God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God’s glory. But, how can we know we are justified? How can we hear the Judge’s verdict and final declaration concerning our case? Is there real proof in the Bible…is there a standard by which I can examine my own heart to discover whether I am indeed justified before God? Can I truly know God views me as righteous? What about those times when I feel guilty for past sins that God has forgiven? Is it possible for God to declare us as un-justified because we failed morally?

These are great questions and yes, God has anticipated such inquiries and provided answers in his word to help us with this. Let us look together at his answers....

LESSON:

I. What is The Proof of Justified Sinners?

When a person is fully accepted by the Lord based on the work of Jesus Christ, they should have some evidence or indication in their lives that they are indeed justified. The following is a list of what God stated specifically about the characteristics of justification with regards to the Believer’s experience.

A.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.

Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Clearly, the great apostle links justification by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ to a consequent spiritual and internal “peace” for the new convert. This is not relational in its nature nor is it horizontal referring to other people. No, it is entirely vertical pointing directly to the state of affairs between the Lord God and the repentant-believing new convert. I love what W.A. Elwell says regarding this peace,

The nature of this gift of peace brought by Jesus may be easier to explain by stating what it is not. It is not an end to tension, an absence of warfare, domestic tranquility, nor anything like the worldly estimation of peace (Lk 12:51–53; Jn 14:27; 16:32, 33). Its presence may, on the contrary, actually disturb existing relations, being a dividing “sword” in familial relations (Mt 10:34–37). Jesus’ gift of peace is, in reality, the character and mood of the new covenant of his blood which reconciles God to man (Rom 5:1; Col 1:20) and forms the basis of subsequent reconciliation between men under Christ (Eph 2:14–22).^[1]

I can clearly recall the turbulence and fantastic disturbance in my own soul prior to my conversion while under the preaching of the gospel. I was anxious, concerned, fearful, ashamed, and desperately in need of God to deal graciously with me. I had lived in sin for years…real sin occupied my heart, thoughts, motives, dreams, and life. I was guilty in the presence of perfect holiness, righteousness and justice…. I was entirely without excuse and there was nothing I could leverage to secure a plea bargain or win the righteous judge’s favor.

I am so thankful that the preaching that night I was saved pointed to Jesus as the payment for all my sins! Yes, even my darkest sins…Jesus paid for it and that night I acknowledged my guilt and embraced the complete payment of Jesus Christ on my behalf…for my sins…all of my sins. When God forgave me that night…when he released me from the eternal responsibility for my sinfulness…when God declared me righteous through faith in Jesus…I knew it! The joy and peace and the sense that I was forgiven flooded my soul like the noon day sun fills the sky! I was no longer under conviction to be saved; I was now being assured that I was saved by the same Spirit of God. Peace with God was the new reality for me. Peace…wonderful sweet eternal peace with the righteous Judge!  

The first great benefit enjoyed by those of us who have been justified by faith is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The war is over. Hostilities have ceased. Through the work of Christ all causes of enmity between our souls and God have been removed. We have been changed from foes to friends by a miracle of grace.^[2]

Why Indian Found Peace At Once

An Indian and a white man were brought under deep conviction of sin by the same sermon. The Indian was immediately led to rejoice in pardoning mercy. The white man was for a long time in distress, almost to despair. But he was at last brought to a sweet sense of his sins forgiven. Some time after, meeting his red brother, he said to him: “How is it that I should be so long under conviction, when you found peace at once?”

“O brother,” replied the Indian, “me tell you! There comes along a rich prince. He proposes to give you a new coat; you look pretty good, it will do a little longer. He then offers me a new coat. I look at my old blanket; I say, this good-for-nothing, and brother, you try to keep your own righteousness, you won’t give it up; but I, poor Indian, had none, so I glad at once to receive the righteousness of God—the Lord Jesus Christ.”—Scattered Seed^[3]

This gift of peace or reconciliation with God, made available through Christ, places an ethical demand on the Christian; it calls for the exercises of “peace” (as reconciliation between persons) within the church. Peace, as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), is to be the goal of the Christian’s dealings with others (Rom 12:18; 14:19; Heb 12:14, etc.), that which marks one’s identity as a “child of God” (Mt 5:9).^[4]

B.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE ARE NO LONGER CONDEMNED.

Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Having trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, we are shielded from official and legal condemnation from a divine direction. Yes, our hearts may still condemn us at times, and the devil will point a finger of accusation, but zero condemnation will come from God—the God who declared us as righteous. Note the insightful observations of J.A. Witmer,

But first Paul reminded his readers that therefore—since deliverance is “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (7:25)—no condemnation (katakrima, “punishment”) awaits those who are in Christ Jesus, as a result of their faith and identification with Him (cf. 6:13; John 5:24). They are justified, declared righteous, and therefore stand in His grace (Rom. 5:2) and not under His wrath (1:18), and possess eternal life (5:17–18, 21). Christ is the sphere of safety for all who are identified with Him by faith.^[5]

God has declared us as righteous in Christ Jesus and his word is final. He will not change his mind if we fail in some area or sin. Our justification before God is not based on our performance or the lack thereof; it is entirely based on God’s work in Christ Jesus. God is not so confused that he will eventually condemn people who have believed the Gospel. There is zero condemnation from the divine direction; instead there is full acceptance and security in Jesus Christ for such believers. Dr. Wiersbe’s thoughts on this cannot be improved upon saying,

The verse does not say “no mistakes” or “no failures,” or even “no sins.” Christians do fail and make mistakes, and they do sin. Abraham lied about his wife; David committed adultery; Peter tried to kill a man with his sword. To be sure, they suffered consequences because of their sins, but they did not suffer condemnation. The Law condemns; but the believer has a new relationship to the Law, and therefore he cannot be condemned.^[6] 

So, again because we are justified by God because of faith in Jesus Christ we are no longer in threat of eternal condemnation in the Lake of Fire forever. We should experience peace and deepening assurance based on these first two points alone. The Spirit of God is working to bring these spiritual realities to the conscious and experiential level for real believers. Peace and assurance are yours due to the Spirit of God’s work deep within as we embrace these statements of Scripture. None of this negates the Lord’s work of chastening and correcting believers when we live in a disobedient manner, but remember God chastens his children (Heb. 12). That is correct, chastening by God for disobedience in believers is a legitimate indicator of real spiritual sonship to God. In contrast, real believers will never be condemned to hell by their heavenly Father…we have been declare as righteous and are viewed as no longer guilty before God. Jesus paid it all!

C.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE ARE NO LONGER CHARGED WITH SIN.

Romans 8:33-34, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The Apostle Paul aptly poses the question, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" That is who can effectively bring a charge or accusation of guilt against believers? Who can place responsibility for our sins, the moral failures of God's chosen people, upon us? Certainly, no mere human being can play this role! Who is left to make such a charge then? God?.... Wait...God is responsible for justifying real believers, so why would he then charge them with sin? "It is God that justifieth." With this being the case, it is reasonable to conclude that absolutely no one can make a charge of sin stick against a real child of God!  Because we are justified by the God-Judge we are no longer subject to any charges of sin before the divine court. 

Furthermore, the believer cannot be charged with sin because our sins were tried, condemned and judged completely on the Cross of Calvary. Our past sins, present sins, and future sins were all already paid for. When we sin we do break fellowship with God, but we can never break relationship to God. This is why we can never be charged with sins or condemned to hell for them. It is Christ who died and it is Christ who rose again; we are entirely identified with the Lord Jesus who conquered sin, death, the grave, and hell through his resurrection. We share the credit for achieving all of this also! We are with Christ and victorious over death, sin, hell, and the grave! This is our position in Christ and the Bible challenges us to live out this victorious reality in every facet of our lives and experiences. Finally, to further assure us of our security in the work of Christ…God tells us that Jesus is at his right hand presently praying for you and me and all believers! Remember, the place at God’s right hand is the place of power and authority after Christ’s triumph at Calvary and the resurrection. He ascended back to heaven to represent and minister on the behalf of every real believer. He is there to preserve us until we are changed in the Rapture—when redemption is completely and fully realized.

Webster And John Colby

The oldest sister of Daniel Webster was married to John Colby—the wickedest man in the neighborhood in respect to swearing and impiety. Then news came to Webster of a change, and he went to visit him.

On entering the house, he saw a large-print Bible opened which Colby had just been reading. The first question Colby asked Webster was, “Are you a Christian?” and then suggested that both kneel and pray!

When the visit was done, Webster told a friend: “I would like to hear what enemies of religion say of Colby’s conversion. Here was a man as unlikely to be a Christian as any I ever saw; and he had gone his godless way until now with old age and habits hard to change! Yet see him—a penitent, trusting, humble believer! Nothing short of the grace of Almighty God.”^[7]

D.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE ARE COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUS.

Philippians 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

This is the focus of this entire study—through faith in Jesus Christ alone we are justified before God. This is a present reality—we are counted as righteous before God and by God. Our spiritual account has been credited with the marvelous righteousness of God himself. The righteousness graciously given to repentant believers is identical in quality, duration, value, and perfection as that of the Triune God-head! You and I as believers in Christ Jesus are regarded by God himself as righteous! Just like himself!

Paul upon exposure to Christ the Savior yearned to truly be found in Christ fully relinquishing any scrap of self-righteousness or works righteousness from the Law and trusting Christ alone for God-righteousness! The justified ones possess God-righteousness alone and are rightly counted as righteous by God.

E.  BECAUSE WE ARE JUSTIFIED WE PERFORM GOOD WORKS.

James 2:20-26, But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  21, Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22, Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  23, And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  24, Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I only wanted to mention this fact to state that this form of justification is before people and not before God. People can make judgments about the legitimacy of our claims to be Christian. What demonstrates that our claims are genuine is the fact that we live and serve like real believers. Again this is not justification in the court of God by God. No, this is vindication before fellow human beings regarding the reality of our claims to be Christians. Justification before people is the idea. There is only one way to be declare righteous before God and it is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. However, the way we justify ourselves before other professing believers is by living out our faith—involving ourselves in wholesome activities that glorify God and help our fellow man. Our faith takes on street credibility when it positively impacts our world. While anyone can claim to be a believer in Jesus Christ, only those who live out the implications of their faith through service should be taken seriously. It is true we cannot see the true hearts condition of another person, but it is equally true that we can discern the fruit of a tree to detect its true nature.

George Muller’s Turnabout

At the age of sixteen George Muller of Bristol, England, was imprisoned for theft; and later at the university he lived a drinking, profligate life, acting dishonestly even toward his friends. At twenty years of age he came under the influence of the Bible, and the miracle of regeneration was wrought. He who had been a thief was now so utterly a new creature that in the course of the years he gave away, of the money sent to him for his personal use, no less a sum than $135,000, and when he died his personal possessions were valued at less than $1,000.—Christian Digest^[8]

CONCLUSION:

God on the basis of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection declares believing sinners justified in His sight. Therefore, we are no longer obligated to sin’s penalty, and we are set free from its guilt to live for God. The Perfect Judge declares believing sinners as righteous! Beloved, He has the final Word in this matter. In addition, justification can be experienced. You can know by the work of the Spirit of God and the statements of the Word of God that you are viewed as righteous by God. Peace, assurance, acceptance, freedom from condemnation, and a lifestyle of fruitful activities that honor God and help others are certifiable proofs of real conversion. We are not justified by these efforts, but these realities are sensed deeply in our own spirits and the Spirit of God shows us we are just before God.

Once again an anatomy affords us a structure and some organization of this giant topic in the Bible. Hopefully this article with the other two on this topic enables conversation on the topic of justification; my aim has been to expose the constituent parts and their relationship to each other. Much like a human anatomy diagram will demonstrate the various internal organs and their approximate relationship to each other. In this anatomy of justification series we showed the relationship of other grand theological concepts to each other. In this article we demonstrated some ways justification is experienced by the genuine child of God, and this provides proof of our standing before God.

Before I close this article I would like to ask one last question. Have you been saved God’s way or have you been deceived by false notions associated with Christianity? I realize the question is a bit intrusive, but you are important to God. There is but one way to God and his name is Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn. 14:6). Absolutely no one can come to God for salvation and relationship without the Lord Jesus Christ. There is only one divine liaison between humanity and God and he is our Lord Jesus Christ. No one else in the entire universe qualifies for this job. 

Yes, there is such a thing as self-righteousness where people hold themselves up as a standard of acceptable lifestyles and behaviors. The problem is they judge others by their actions and give themselves a pass by judging themselves based on their intentions. Condemnation, pride, and estrangement are the natural out workings of this poor system. It does not even slightly approach the righteousness of God (Rom. 3).

Another misconception is works-righteousness which consists in our personal performance and obedience to God’s Law and requirements. In this model we fain to keep the Ten Commandments, to obey the Golden Rule always, to treat others right, and to generally be good people (Phil 3). The problem with this approach is that we cannot do only right and we cannot stop all sinning. Even one sin by any person is a violation of the entire standard requirements of God! No matter how hard we try to do well and right—to live good lives—we still cannot change our very nature. We are sinners. That is correct…we sin because we are deeply sinful within our hearts, minds, spirits, and desires (Rom. 3).

We need a miracle from God to change us. We need God to graciously save us. That is why Jesus died willingly at Calvary…to do for us what we could only do for ourselves if we were condemned to hell forever. Instead Jesus took our place and suffered and died in our stead for our sins and evil. Jesus rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly said he would. This signified that he is indeed the Savior and that he did pay for sin completely and that God the Father was utterly pleased with Christ’s sacrifice (1Cor. 15). Beloved, Jesus is the only means of real salvation and obtaining God-righteousness (2Tim. 1:9-10). I ask again…have you been saved God’s way? If not…discard your self-righteousness and your works righteousness and choose instead God-righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no need to delay. Trust Jesus Christ today for the forgiveness of sins. Then God will graciously declare you as righteous. He did this for me and he will do the same for you. Trust Jesus Christ for God-righteousness.  

 

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^[1] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Peace. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1635). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1695). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1204). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[4] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Peace. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1635). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

^[5] Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 469). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 538). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[7] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1230). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[8] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1230). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

Honoring God’s Servants

 

ROMANS 16:1-16

SUBJECT: HONOR

THEME: honor, appreciate, and celebrate Christian servants who have greatly impacted your life and ministry in the church, at home and professionally. We need each other to accomplish the work of God!

INTRODUCTION:                                               

5188 Service of Henry Martyn

Henry Martyn had already done more than his share of missionary service in India when he announced he was going to Persia. Doctors had told him that the heat would kill him if he stayed in India, and the heat in Persia was worse.

Martyn arrived, studied the Persian language and translated the New Testament and Psalms in an amazing nine months. But then was told he must have the Shah’s permission to circulate it.

Martyn traveled 600 miles to Tehran, only to be denied permission to see the Shah. He then turned around and made a 400-mile trip to find the British ambassador who gave his credentials and said, “This is all I can do. You will have to present them yourself.”

Barely able to stand, Martyn rode at night on the back of a mule and rested in the daytime, protected only by a strip of canvas from the sweltering heat. He was received by the Shah who gave permission for the Scriptures in Persian to be circulated.

Ten days later, in 1812, he died in Turkey. Shortly before he had written in his diary, “I sat and thought with sweet comfort and peace of my God. In solitude my Companion, my Friend, and Comforter.”^[a]

How could we not appreciate such a marvelous example of devoted service to our Lord? Certainly such believers should be appreciated and appropriately celebrated as such devotion is indeed exemplary and should be followed by us all. Paul was an incredible servant of the Lord Jesus, but according to this great chapter, he had the privilege of working with some noteworthy servants of the Lord and he cherishes them as such. Now that we've gained an overview of this chapter in the previous article, let's dive into more of the specifics, beginning with verses Romans 16:1–16.

LESSON:

I.               Honor, Appreciate and Celebrate the Contributions of Others (Rom. 16:1-16)

It has been observed that when Paul wrote to churches he had founded, he made few personal references. Perhaps he did not want to show favoritism within groups that claimed him as a spiritual father.                                         

     A.  Why was Paul Naming These Individuals?

When he wrote to the Colossians and to the Romans, churches he had never visited, he gave many personal greetings to show his knowledge of the groups and to win their confidence in what he wrote by his association with these godly saints he mentioned. (See Col. 4:7–15; Rom. 16:1–15).

I think it is also safe to say that Paul wanted to recognize and honor these incredible servants of God now serving the Roman congregations. Not in a manner that deny the Lord the glory he most certainly deserves, but to give honor where honor is due (1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10; 13:7; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).

    B.  Who Are These Incredible Believers In Rome?

While some are a bit obscure, these are notable believers and committed Christians as a group. All of them a more then members of the fellowship; they consistently make meaningful contributions to the cause of Christ and the welfare of the congregation. Paul cherished these associates in Christ deeply.

          1.  Paul Saluted a Group of Women in Rome

It’s not that the men are not important here, but this list has a number of noteworthy women.

                a) Phoebe

Her name means “pure or radiant as the moon.” She served the church in Cenchrea, a port city just a few miles east of Corinth. She very likely carried the letter of Romans to the church in Rome, which would explain why Paul “commends” her to the Roman Christians.     

                    1) Her Character (Rom. 16:1-2)

                        i) She Was a Saint   vs 2

Saved by the grace of God and set apart unto God!  She was a holy Christian a ‘sanctified one’!

It is also important to notice that Christians are saints as a result of being saved and that these believers were living saints not people who were canonized after their death.  (Rom. 1:7; I Cor. 1:2; II Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 4:21; Col. 1:2)

Ephesians 5:3-5, But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  4, Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  5, For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Titus 2:3-4, The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  4, That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

                        ii) She Was a Servant   vs 1

 This word ‘servant’ may be translated ‘minister’ (as in Mark 9:35; John 2:5, 9; Rom. 13:4; 15:8), or ‘deacon’ (as in Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12), suggesting [the idea of a ‘deaconess,’ but not necessarily an official officer] that Phoebe’s service in the church at Cenchrea was beyond ordinary. Thank God for the Phoebes I have been entirely honored to serve along side!

                      iii) She Was a Succourer   vs 2

Paul calls her a “succourer of many” (v.2), implying perhaps that she made it her ministry for the Lord to be helpful especially to the poor, sick, and strangers in Cenchrea and Corinth.  Perhaps she was the tireless sister who was forever showing hospitality to preachers and other believers in Cenchrea. Her name, however, is immortalized by her faithful service to the apostle, to the church at Rome, and to the ages from then till now in carrying this incredible letter to the Roman church.

                   2) Her Commendation (Rom. 16:1)

Paul commended Phebe to the church at Rome; since she had business in the capital, he want to encourage her reception by the church. This was a wise custom in the early church, and one still widely practiced today, to afford believers leaving one locality for another with letters of commendation to the church in the new vicinity (2 Cor. 3:1). It insured for the traveler a friendly reception in the strange city and helped the church there in its reception of believers from other places. We still practice this when we receive relocating believers from churches of like faith and practice into our membership by letter of Commendation. “I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is the servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints….” Churches did exercise some reservation about who they received into their ranks to guard against persecution, false teachers, and false brethren!

                b)  Priscilla (Rom. 16:4-5)

She is the faithful wife of Aquila and a fervent servant of our Lord. As an excellent wife, she stayed by her husband’s side through thick and thin working and serving God together. Priscilla was the faithful other half of an outstanding husband wife ministry team. Accordingly, she gladly used her home for evangelism and was extremely flexible when it can time to move from Rome to Corinth and then to Ephesus. She and her husband are a brilliant example of how God uses couples in the church to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ!

My wife and I have had the honor of serving our Lord Jesus all over this country and many places on the continent of Europe. God influenced us over the years with the ministries of some incredible servants of God—husband and wife teams—who were all in for the work of Jesus Christ. We repeatedly witness them serving, sacrificing, struggling, believing God, believing God some more, and triumphing in the Lord again and again. Each of them were impactful to varying degrees, but truly meaningful ministry to be sure. Patrice and I are extremely honored to know and work alongside such choice servants of the Most High. What an inspiration they are!  

                   c) There are Other women mentioned in Romans 16. Among the others Paul names are Mary (v. 6), Tryphena and Tryphosa (v. 12), Persis (v. 12), Rufus's mother (v. 13), and Nereus's sister (v. 15). Junia (v. 7) and Julia (v. 15) may also be women. The mere fact that he mentions so many women is incredible because of the very low social standing women had in the first-century Roman world. But notice, too, what he says about them! It tells us that the Lord and Paul valued these faithful ladies and here Paul expresses his appreciation of them!

                 d) Why Is It Important That Paul Mentioned Women?

                       1) It is Important Because It Proves that Paul Was Not a Male Chauvinist

Paul is sometimes viewed as such because he wrote:                                                                      

                             a) Women are to be in Subjection (Eph. 5:22-24, 33; Col. 3:18)

                             b) Women are to Learn in Silence in the Church (1 Cor. 14:33-35)

                             c) Women are not to Exercise Authority Over the Man in Church (1 Tim. 2: 11-12)

                             d) Women are not to Preach, Teach, or Pray in a Mixed Congregation (1 Cor. 11:3-4; Tit. 2:3-5)

                             e) It is important to note that these things are not chauvinistic, but an acknowledgment of God’s divine order exercised in the life of a church. (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:2-3; Eph. 5:22; 1 Pet. 3:5-6)            

                       2) It is Important Because It Proves that Women Provided Valuable Service to the Ministries of the Churches and the Missionaries. This was also true of our Lord’s earthly ministry.

Mark 15:40-41, There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;  41, (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. (Also read Luke 8:1-3)

Likewise, there are many incredible servants or God still today who are women. They labor and serve in churches here in the United States and all over the world in varied capacities for Christ’s sake. In many congregation women account for the majority of attendees and participants in the ministry.

                       3) It is Important Because It Demonstrates How Christianity Has Exalted Women from a Lowly Social Status of mere Property or Slaves to Valuable Servants of Christ.  Galatians 3:27-29, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  29, And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The Christian Faith does not suppress or devalue women; the first century churches of our Lord were uniquely elevating women in a world that had very little appreciation for the value they bring. All believers, regardless of gender enjoy equal spiritual privileges in Jesus our Lord. In this regard we all are one and the same. While the Christian Faith clearly prescribes different roles in the church and in the home for men and women, this must not be interpreted as a relegation to a lower social standing, but an acknowledgement of God’s greater plan and purpose. The roles God has given for husbands and wives are for the preservation of society, the representation of the Triune Godhead, and for his glory.

          2.  Paul Saluted a Group of Special Friends in Rome.

These are the very first people that Paul mentions there in the church at Rome. No doubt he greatly loved them and cherished their friendship and the great memories they share.

                a)  Priscilla and Aquila (Rom. 16:3–5)

This Was a Relationship of Service. These folks are Paul’s co-laborers in Christ. As stated earlier, this was a devoted husband and wife ministry team who literally risked their lives for Paul and the cause of Christ. Please note just four simple observations about their service to our Lord and learn.          

                     1) The Love of Their Service

Aquila, the husband of Priscilla, was a Jew, a native of Pontus and a tentmaker by trade. Paul first met this couple on his second missionary journey. At that time they were working hard in this occupation at Corinth. He lived with them for a period, since they were of the same trade, and quite possibly led them to the Lord. This was the beginning of their great relationship of love and service to each other. I too love the people who witnessed to me when I was lost, and I am thankful that my position in those days afforded me opportunity to meet people who were open to the gospel of Christ. By using breaks and lunch periods wisely, my professional colleagues were coming to know the Savior.

                     2) The Loyalty of Their Service

Rom. 16:4, “Who for my life laid down their own necks. ...”

Although the New Testament never explicitly says when and how Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul, the occasion may very well have been when Paul was in Ephesus and a riot broke out in reaction to his ministry (Acts 19). His life was certainly in danger there (1 Cor. 16:8, 9; 2 Cor. 1:8–10), and we know from other passages that this wife-husband team was with Paul just before this incident (1 Cor. 16:8, 19).

Precisely when they jeopardized their own lives for Paul's sake is not known; but since the news had evidently spread abroad among all the Gentile churches, some time must have elapsed. Ministry and service does present some dangers and challenges at times; in such situations our truly loyal friends in the Lord emerge with brilliant clarity. The Lord knits our hearts together with such champions of grace in a special way through such challenges. Fair-weather friends do not risk anything for anyone….

                     3) The Labor of Their Service—Initiative

Rom. 16:5, “Likewise greet the church that is in their house.” This means that an actual congregation of believers met in their house. Church buildings were unknown until the late second century. Earlier, when Priscilla and Aquila lived in Corinth, they had a church in their house (1 Cor. 16: 8, 19). In both Rome and Ephesus this couple took the lead or the initiative to have church meetings in their home. Now they were in Rome, and their home was once more a center of evangelism. Some years later they appear to have returned to Ephesus, for Paul greets them as being there during his second imprisonment, just prior to his martyrdom. (See Acts 18; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19)

                     4) The Leadership of Their Service

Rom. 16:3, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”

When Paul left Corinth they accompanied him to Ephesus and did the ground work for the gospel in that city so that when Paul arrived back there a little later, it was ripe for revival. While awaiting Paul’s return, they were able to instruct another gifted evangelist, Apollos, in "the way of God more perfectly."

Acts 18:24-28, And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25, This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26, And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27, And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28, For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

I am of the opinion that it takes leaders to reproduce leaders and a servant is required to lead others into impactful service for the Lord. Jesus as a servant of servant prepared and gave to the church servants! Certainly, Servant-leadership was rooted in and exemplified through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Beloved, this is leadership.

                   b)  Epaenetus (Rom. 16:5)

This Was a Relationship of a Spiritual Son. Epaenetus means “praiseworthy.” No doubt this first convert in the province of Achaia was true to his name. Paul speaks of him as my “well-beloved” indicating ‘the one loved by me.’ There is great tenderness and affection for this convert in Christ. He was the first convert that lead to other converts (1 Cor. 16:15). No doubt Paul followed up on him and encouraged him and saw him grow in the Lord.  Of course Epaenetus has moved from Achaia to Rome but notice that he is still in church and still faithfully serving God. I know from experience how encouraging it is to hear of and witness young believers transitioning to new locations and prioritizing plugging in to a good Christ-exalting Bible-preaching church. Praise the Lord for sons in the faith who continue in the Lord and stay in church.

                   c)  Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7)

This Was a Relationship of Suffering.

                     1) They May Have Been Paul’s Biological Family Members      

The word “kinsman” can mean either fellow countryman or blood relative. In this verse it is at least likely that Paul is referring to actual relatives. At the very least they were a part of the tribe of Benjamin like Paul. There are reasons for believing that the great apostle had been disinherited by his family and was no longer welcomed at his ancestral home in Tarsus. If this was so, he must have found special consolation and satisfaction in the fellowship of at least two of his relatives who were not only saved but saved before him and high in the esteem of the apostles.

                     2) They Were Paul’s Fellow Prisoners—Rom. 16:7 “my fellow prisoners,”

When and where these men were imprison with Paul we do not know, but it is certain that they were bold witnesses and suffered for the cause of Christ.  No doubt they share a great bond because they all had entered the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ.

                     3) They Were Well Respected by the Apostles—Rom. 16:7 “who are of note among the apostles,”

It is not clear from the text whether Andronicus and Junia were themselves apostles or simply highly regarded by the apostles. We can clearly see from the New Testament that while the Twelve occupied a special position, the word “apostle” was not restricted to them by the early church. There are instances were Barnabas, James the Lord’s brother, Silas, and others are referred to as apostles (See Acts 14:4, 14; I Thess. 2:6). The word apostles has a special and a generic meaning; ‘messenger’ or ‘sent one.’  In any case, Andronicus and Junia were “of note” in apostolic circles. The thought seems to be that they had the mark of greatness upon them; they were illustrious. God’s hand was on their lives and ministries in powerful and highly impactful ways. Do we not desire the same for ourselves?             

                     4) They Were Saved before Paul—Rom. 16:7, “Who also were in Christ before me”

Perhaps they prayed and trusted God to save their cousin Saul when he was terrorizing the churches.  My how they must have rejoiced when they heard of his salvation and zeal for Christ! Don’t stop praying for the hard cases…the Lord is still able to save modern Sauls! Yes, it is safe to conclude that birds of a feather flock together and while the Apostle Paul is a unique servant of the Lord Jesus, he had some marvelous friends in the ministry. We all need real Christ-filled friends in the Lord’s work. There is no reason to allow ourselves to settle for isolation when we could be vitally connected to others for the gospel sake. Trust the Lord for ministry friends who can help us advance the Lord’s mission. Resolve to become the friend to other servants of the Lord by first showing yourself friendly.

CONCLUSION:   

In closing, I would like to leave you some thoughts from another incredible servant of the Lord, David Livingston of yesteryears.

5189 Livingstone Thinks It No Sacrifice

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of the great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own reward of healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter?

“Away with such a word, such a view, and such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering or danger now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.”—David Livingstone^[b]

Like the Apostle Paul, we too must honor, appreciates, and celebrate those servants who have greatly impacted our lives and ministry in the church, at home, and professionally.  Have you expressed your appreciation for someone that has been a help to you along your Christian walk and service lately?  It will be good for you and it will be a blessing to them if you did. We all need each other to accomplish the work of God.

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^[a] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1178). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

^[b] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1178). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

Treasuring God’s People

 

 

ROMANS 16:1-16

SUBJECT: APPRECIATION

THEME: honor, appreciate, and celebrate those who have greatly impacted your life and ministry in the church, at home and professionally. We need each other to accomplish the work of God!

INTRODUCTION:                                               

“I did it my way. I didn't have any help from anyone. I was totally on my own. I did a great job by myself. My success is just that—mine alone. It belongs to no one else but me.”

Does that sound egotistical? You're right, it is. Does it sound selfish? Right again. But worse than that, it's simply not true—not for anyone. There isn't a human being—never has been and never will be—who hasn't drawn on someone's help at some time to do something. We come into this world with help, and we get through this world with help. We are dependent people, like it or not, acknowledge it or not.

The apostle Paul knew this. And to his credit, he not only accepted it but reveled in it. He loved the people he depended on. They were family to him, loved ones with incredible value because of who they were and what they did. He believed they deserved honor and respect, especially from fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. Church members, of all people, should embrace and support one another as family. Paul did that himself, and he expected other believers to do the same.

In the closing chapter of Romans, Paul spends the bulk of the space greeting various members of the churches in Rome (16:3–15) and offering greetings to all the Roman Christians on behalf of the believers who were with him, helping him with ministry (vv. 21–23). As we work through these closing verses, may we remember all those who have helped us along the way and renew our appreciation for them. (Source Unknown)

LESSON:

I.   Value People and the Things They Do to Help Us

At first glance the closing chapter of Romans seems to be an uninteresting catalog of names that have little or no meaning for us today. However, upon closer study this neglected chapter yields many important lessons for the believer.^[1]

   A.  Like Paul, We Must Value People

What a remarkable chapter! In it Paul greeted at least twenty-six people by name, as well as two unnamed saints; and he also greeted several churches that were meeting in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter. What is the significance of this? It shows that Paul was a friend maker as well as a soul winner. He did not try to live an isolated life; he had friends in the Lord, and he appreciated them. They were a help to him personally and to his ministry. In my own reading of Christian biography, I have discovered that the servants whom God has used the most were people who could make friends. They multiplied themselves in the lives of their friends and associates in the ministry. While there may be a place for the secluded saint who lives alone with God, it is my conviction that most of us need each other. We are sheep, and sheep flock together.^[2]

          1.  He Remembered Their Names

          2.  He Appreciated Their Helps   

          3.  He Embraced Them as Friends

Some people remember names but not faces, while others have faces etched in their minds but can't recall names to save their lives. It appears that Paul, however, remembered a lot of names and faces. People he had met, worked with, helped, and been befriended by were people he would never forget, no matter how far away they were.

          4. He Tracked Their Locations

The capital city of Rome was a magnet that drew people from all over the empire. In addition Paul’s travels to many of the major population centers—Jerusalem, Syrian Antioch, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus—brought him into contact with the mobile segment of Roman society. These factors help explain the presence of Paul’s many friends in Rome, but his knowledge of their whereabouts remains a tribute to his deep concern for people.^[3]

I think it is also safe to suggest that Paul made contacts with Mariners, Merchants, and traveling Believers and used the contacts to keep abreast with people he knew in varied parts of the world and to get reports on how the many churches were doing throughout the Roman Empire.

Who are some of the significant people in your life? You know, the ones who have really impacted you for good, the ones who have shaped you, been models of faith, manhood, or womanhood to you, run interference for you, stood by you regardless, or reproved you when no one else had the courage to. Some of them may have already passed on; others may have moved away; several may still be at your side. Think about them; then, in the coming days, decide how you would like to thank them for what they have done for you. Then follow through by showing your love and deep gratitude. Imagine how surprise some of them might be, and you will certainly make them feel honored and appreciated.  Maybe a “Thank you Card”, maybe a small but thoughtful gift, maybe a great big hug and a sincere thanks, maybe in a special meal, or some flowers.  Whatever the case let them know you appreciate them.

Many times in evangelistic ministry we start by showing ourselves friendly. That is literally befriending those we are trying to win to Christ—caring about them as a person. It has been said repeatedly that people do not care what you know until they know that you care. This is extremely true in this age where nobody trusts anyone they do not know already. Yes, this approach will involve more effort, time, energy, creativity, and focus…. Yes, such a strategy may take longer to win them to Christ, but it increases the chances of a genuine conversion and readily facilitates and encourages their growth in the Lord through discipleship.  You show yourself friendly then you will win friends! 

Prov 18:24, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Prov 17:17, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

   B.  Like Paul, We Must Value Devotion and Service to Christ in Others

Paul was impressed with their Christian service! This is beyond doubt what he appreciated most about these individuals.

              1.  So Often we Value People for the Wrong Reasons….

                        a. He Was Not Impressed With Their Station in Life

                       b. He Was Not Impressed With Their Bank Accounts

                        c. He Was Not Impressed With the Clothes They Wore

                        d. He Was Not Impressed With Who They Network With

                        e. He Was Not Impressed With What They Did For a Living

While some of these reasons for being connected with another can be innocent, the most of them center on using people to advance ourselves and our personal agenda. It is the habit of selecting our association because of what we hope they can do for us.

What impresses you about others? Another way to ask this is, how do you size up people? What’s your criteria? What does your values system reveal about your heart’s motives? Is it all about you or Christ? Answering these questions will tell a great deal about what you deem to be important. Sometimes we have missed placed standards or criteria about people and whether or not we will fellowship with them. Could it be possible that our fellowship with each other has no greater basis than that of the world? Their social status, amount of income, the part of town one lives in, WHO you know, ethnic background, the job they have; these are ALL worldly ties and they provide a weak basis for Christian fellowship and must be rejected!

           2.  But, Paul was Impressed with Their Devotion and Service to Christ.

                        a. Notice the Following Verses Concerning Their Salvation: Rom. 16:2, 5, 7, 13, 15

                        b. Notice the Following Verses Concerning Their Devotion: Rom. 16:4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10        

                        c. Notice the Following Verses Concerning Their Service: Rom. 16:1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 21

How does your CRITERIA compare with Paul’s? How do you measure a person’s worth? Is it selfish or Christ-centered? Do you see any places where you may have misplaced standards? What should you change them to? In other words, what would be some better biblical standards for deciding what really counts and what does not when it comes to people? It appears to me at least that the fact that a person is SAVED, DEVOTED, and SERVING Christ Jesus is a biblical criteria for mutual appreciation and honor among believers. Certainly everyone has intrinsic worth because we bear the very image of God as his human creatures, but all who love and serve Christ should be treasured for their service. This criteria will be expanded later in this same text.

CONCLUSION:   

Like the Apostle Paul, we too must honor, appreciates, and celebrate those who have greatly impacted our lives and ministry in the church, at home, and professionally. What can we do today to put this into practice? Have you expressed your appreciation for someone that has been a help to you along your Christian walk and service lately?  It will be good for you and it will be a blessing to them if you did. We all need each other to accomplish the work of God.

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1740). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 565). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[3] Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 498–499). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.