Introduction: Paul is in Corinth 57AD. He sends the letter of Romans with Phoebe. He asks for prayer and reveals his plans to go to Jerusalem, Rome, then Spain.
“Strive together with me in your prayers.” Romans 15:30
1. Pray for Rescue: “That I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea.” 15:31
2. Pray for Reception: “That my service to Jerusalem may prove to be acceptable to the saints.” 15:31
3. Pray for Relaxation: “That I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company.” 15:32
4. Pray for Resources: “I go to Spain – for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you.” 15:24
Paul’s final instructions to the church in Rome and to us today.
1. Admonish One Another
Romans 15:14 (NASB), “And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
Jay Adams, Nouthetic Counseling, “To admonish one another is lovingly confronting other Christians out of deep concern in order to help them make those changes that God requires.”
2. Greet One Another
Romans 16:1 (NASB), “I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well... 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
Paul sends greetings to 26 in Rome from 8 in Corinth.
• Show and Tell: A 1st Century Erastus Inscription was uncovered in Corinth. It says, “Erastus, in return for his aedileship [city administration] laid at his own expense.”
• This may be the same Erastus mentioned in Romans 16.
3. Turn Away from Deceivers
Romans 16:17 (NASB), “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached everyone; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
* Turn away is the final command in Romans.
* This is a call for discernment.
Charles Hodge, “Satan is a conquered enemy, and God will ultimately crush him under the feet of his people.”
• Every time the church moves forward in truth and love, in worship and discipleship, in evangelism and service to the Gospel, Satan’s lies are crushed.
