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Post by Paws on May 28, 2007 6:47:25 GMT 12.75
I know this person is saved. I can only muster a prayer though for God's Will in this case and to remove my hatred.
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Post by brittonfaith on May 28, 2007 13:42:46 GMT 12.75
.... cause man I despise this person.... and I know better... What did I do this time to get you so ticked off? Whoever this person is, saved or not, I would think it be good to pray for them; as not praying only allows the hatred swelling up in you to give Satan the upper hand and lets the person you say you despise to sink even deeper. Show that demon he ain't got no control!
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 3, 2007 23:01:34 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:1, 2 (King James Version)
1. I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea. 2. That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
As you recall, we have been studying the farewell address of Paul to the church at Rome. We have learned in the last few weeks that we should pray for our missionary's, for our pastor, and for others that stand in need of our prayers. We have also learned that we should support our missionary's in their work so that the Gospel can be spread to every living creature. It is hard to be a missionary because you have to leave your family, your home, and your friends, to go to someplace foreign to you, so that the Gospel will be spread. It would be like me leaving Arkansas and going to Ohio, a place that I am not familiar with, although it is in this country. The language would be a little different, the way things are done, and so forth. So, we need to pray and support our missionary's.
We are now entering in a new phase of Paul's farewell to the Romans. In chapter 16 we see that Paul lists a whole lot of people that he sends personal greetings to. This is the longest list of personal greetings Paul has in any of his letters. Most, if not all, have some personal greetings in them, but this one is the longest. As I studied about this, I had to keep reminding myself that ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16). So while preaching personal greetings isn't easy, it is scripture and there is something we can learn from these people to help us in our everyday walk of life for the Lord.
In verse 1 we see that Paul commends unto the church at Rome a woman named Phebe. This is the only place in the Bible we have mention of this lady. We do know that Phebe had business in Rome, but we don't know what that business was. It is quite possible that she was moving to Rome. She lived in Cenchrea which was 7 or 8 miles from Corinth, depending on whose measurements you believe. She was probably saved while Paul was in Corinth, or maybe even from an outreach that the church there had. We just don't know. But we do know that she was a servant of the church at Cenchrea. Now, some translations use the word "deaconess" here for servant. Please don't get this confused with the office of a deacon. They are two totally different things. Now the word deacon literally means servant. So while she was a servant of the church, she had no special office. If this confuses you, please read in I Timothy 3:7-10 which gives the qualifications for the office of a deacon. Notice in verse 1 that Paul commended this lady to the church at Rome. Now, the word "commend" means to join two things together. In my mind I had to equate this with marriage. Why marriage? Think about it a moment. What is a marriage? It is supposed to be two people working together for the glory of God. So, isn't this the same thing? Paul gave his recommendation to the church at Rome for Phebe so that if she desired to move to Rome she would be accepted and could work together with the church there for the glory of God. Notice also that Phebe was a servant of the church. Now, we have already discussed in part about this, but I would like us to think about it a little more. What is a servant? A servant is one who serves, or literally a slave, bound to a master. Phebe literally worked for the church at Cenchrea. She done what needed to be done. How many times have you seen something that needed to be done around the church building, whether it be mowing the lawn, emptying the trash can, or just making sure that visitors are welcomed, and think, oh the preacher or the deacons can do that? Folks, Phebe did what needed to be done. She helped in whatever capacity was needed of her. Now, we don't know what that was, but it doesn't matter. She helped out! Don't wait on the pastor or others to do the things that need to be done. If you see something, maybe that others have missed, then pitch in and do it. And don't expect praise from men for what you do. It is not about you anyway. It is all for the honor and glory of God.
In verse 2 we see that Paul desired the church at Rome to accept Phebe as becometh saints. Why did Paul say this? This is just conjecture on my part, but could it be that it was where Phebe was from? Remember, she is from Cenchrea, which is close to Corinth. Corinth is in Greece, and Rome is in Italy. Could it be that there was some hard feelings between Italy and Greece? It is quite possible, but I am not totally sure. It would be like if we went to Mexico. While some look down upon the citizens of that country, don't they need the Lord too? So, Paul wanted the church at Rome to accept Phebe as Christians should. Shouldn't we do the same? If a person from somewhere else comes, desiring to join us in our worship of, and work for, the Lord, shouldn't we also accept them as Christians should? Notice also that Paul told the church at Rome to assist Phebe in whatever business she had need of them. Now, like I said earlier, we don't know what Phebe's business was in Rome. Some have said that she was the one who carried Paul letter to Rome. We just are not sure. But, we do know that Paul wanted the church to help Phebe in whatever she needed help in. Isn't this what we are to do? Aren't we to help others? Now, I don't mean just helping in times of need, but in all things. If Phebe was moving to Rome, she would need a house to live in, so the church might have been able to help her in this regard. Or it could have been something else. We just don't know. But, the church was to help her. Are we willing to help others? Not just in time of need, but in all aspects of life. If there is a older widow nearby, are we willing to mow her lawn for her? That would be a need. There are countless others. But, are we willing to help others? Looking further in verse 2 we see that Phebe had been a succourer of others, even Paul. Succourer is defined as a protectress, or patroness. It is a word of dignity, used here instead of something else, like helper. It is used to show the high regard that someone has for something or someone else. In other words, Paul had a high regard for Phebe who had helped him. Now, we don't know how or in what way Phebe helped Paul, but in whatever way it was, Paul held her in high esteem. Folks, this speaks a lot about Phebe. She was a lady that would help in whatever need there was, and because of this, Paul held her in high regard. Can others say that about us? Do others hold you in high esteem because of your work for the Lord? Or do they think that you are a hypocrite? I have said many times, that others are watching you. In your life, can they see Jesus? Can they see how much you love the Lord?
In conclusion. we have looked at the life of a lady that loved the Lord, was willing to do whatever needed to be done, and was held in high esteem by Paul for this. What do others see of us? Do they see us like we have seen Phebe? Or do they see something entirely different? It is your choice. You can be viewed as Phebe, or you can be viewed as something else. How do you want others to see you? More importantly, how does the Lord see you? Does He see one of His children, or does He see someone that is unrepentant, someone that cares only about himself?
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Post by Toby Benoit on Jun 4, 2007 9:39:11 GMT 12.75
"Succourer is defined as a protectress, or patroness. It is a word of dignity, used here instead of something else, like helper. It is used to show the high regard that someone has for something or someone else. In other words, Paul had a high regard for Phebe who had helped him. Now, we don't know how or in what way Phebe helped Paul, but in whatever way it was, Paul held her in high esteem." Phebe was a succour to many, therefore I feel Paul's high regard wasn't for what she did for him, but in how she had given help to so many others. How did she help so many? By leading them to a relationship with Jesus and through that, their salvation. It seems to me, his respect for her was through her work in the church in cenchrea. Good point about there still being lots to be learned through these letters from Paul. Keep it coming!
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Post by Paws on Jun 6, 2007 9:43:52 GMT 12.75
Man this is hard! Cause you know what Pastor? I always say that I don't care what others think of me because their opinions don't count for nothin'; but, that really isn't true at all. For some reason I do worry about what other people think or at least I'm sensitive to it. Not to the point that I'm going to do things differently because at the end of the day I have to examine and live with my intent and choices and nobody else's. I try to do my best to do the right and necessary and helpful thing. Sometimes I blow it bigtime. Sometimes though I think I get it right once in a while.
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 6, 2007 9:57:56 GMT 12.75
I know what you mean Phil. I get the attitude at times of not caring what people think about me. But how does that reflect on my Master? People can think I'm a religious fanatic all they want, but how I live my life reflects on how much I love the Lord.
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 10, 2007 23:54:02 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:3-6 (King James Version)
3. Greet Priscillia and Aqulla my helpers in Christ Jesus. 4. Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5. Likewise greet the church in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6. Greet Mary who bestowed much labour on us.
A usual, a short review is needed before we look at our passage. We have seen in Paul's farewell address to the church at Rome a list of personal greetings. Last time we look at a wonderful lady named Phebe who some say delivered this letter to the church at Rome. As we study, we need to always remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration and is given for a reason. That reason may be for our instruction, for our reproof, for our correction, whatever, but it is all for a reason.
In verse 3 of our passage, we see two people that Paul had a lot of contact with. They are Priscilla (the woman) and Aqulla (the man). This couple was very helpful in spreading the Gospel. We find more references to them in Acts 18. There we see in verse 1 and 2 that Paul found Aqulla and Priscillia in Corinth. We also see that Aqulla was born in Pontus, which is on the Black Sea, was a Jew, and that this couple had lived in Rome for a while until Claudius, the Roman emperor, drove them out. Some have said that they were at Jerusalem during the Pentecost after Christ's crucifixion, but we don't know for sure. We do know however that they were Christians and that they loved the Lord. Paul stayed with this couple while in Corinth because they were of the same trade as he was, which was a tent maker. Now, a tent maker might not seem like much of a job to you, but it was very important in those days. it would be like someone who builds houses for a living today. Later on in Acts 18, verse 7 to be exact, Paul left this couple and moved in with Justus. Now some say that it was because some Jews were trying to stir up trouble for Paul, and Paul didn't want to get this couple into trouble. While that probably is the reason, we are not totally certain. We next see this couple leaving with Paul, in verse 18, who was on his way to Syria. But, when they came to Ephesus, Paul left them there. Not because of any rift between them, but because Paul needed to go to Jerusalem to keep a feast. Paul knew he was going to be captured at Jerusalem, and didn't want to place this couple in harm's way. But while in Ephesus, they didn't sit on their laurels and do nothing. They served the Lord. In verse 24, we see that a man named Apollos came to Ephesus, preaching the things of the Lord, but not understanding fully what he should have known. So, Priscillia and Aqulla took Apollos into their home and taught him more about the Scriptures. And then we see that Priscillia and Aqulla were back in Rome, possibly due to Claudius death, but nevertheless in Rome. But what can we learn from this wonderful couple other than what history tells us? Notice what Paul says in Romans 16:3. They were his helpers in Jesus Christ. They were willing to serve the Lord no matter what the situation. Remember, they had been driven out of Rome because they were Jewish, but this did not keep them from serving God. How many times have you heard someone say that because so and so is there that they will not worship the Lord? I have heard it a lot. Folks, we should not let anything stand in our way in our service to the Lord. Sure, they were drove out of Rome, but did that stop them from helping Paul? No! They served the Lord no matter what. We should be more like them!
In verse 4 we see that Priscillia and Aqulla had risked their life for Paul. Remember, in Acts 16 we learned that while in Corinth there were certain Jews that caused trouble for Paul. I believe that they literally tried to have him killed, and Priscillia and Aqulla sheltered Paul during this time. There are two things I want us to learn from this. (1). Do we love the Lord enough to open our home to others that love the Lord? Are we willing to give a missionary that is passing through a safe place to sleep for the night? (2). Do we love the Lord enough that we are willing to risk our life, and the lives of our loved ones, for the furtherance of the Gospel? I love the Lord, but am I willing to risk the lives of my wife and children to shelter someone who others are trying to kill? I want to say that I will, but until I have been in that situation, I can not say for certain. Folks, it may come down to that though. In the Tribulation Period, it is quite possible that those who love the Lord will be persecuted and hunted down, even here in the United States, for their beliefs. If this was happening to me, would you give me a place to stay, even if it meant you were risking the lives of those you loved? How about if you had never even met the man who was being persecuted? Do you love the Lord enough to shelter him?
In the last part of verse 4 we see that Paul gave thanks to Priscillia and Aqulla, not only for what they did for him, but what they did for all the churches of the Gentiles. Think about this for a moment. If Priscillia and Aqulla had not sheltered Paul, you might have never heard the Gospel. Paul started a lot of churches for the Gentiles, and from those churches, other churches were started. It continued on until the Gospel was brought to the United States. If Paul had not been sheltered by this couple, it is possible that the Gospel would not have spread like it did. We should also give thanks to Priscilla and Aqulla for what they did. Now this doesn't mean to pray to them, like some believe. It just means we should be thankful for what they did so that we might receive the Gospel.
In verse 5 we see that Paul sends greeting to the church that was meeting in Priscillia and Aqulla's house. Folks, this couple loved the Lord enough that they allowed a church to meet in their house when it is quite possible that they would be killed for it. Remember, they are in Rome now, and Rome has a history of killing those who served the Lord. It was just a few short years after this, that Nero blamed the Christians for Rome's burning, and persecuted them. So, Priscillia and Aqulla were taking a chance by letting a church meet in their home of getting killed. Do we love the Lord enough to allow others to meet in our home? Remember, this was not just adults, but also children. We all know how children are curious. Do you love the Lord enough that you would allow a child free access to your house? What would that child find when it became curious and looked through your cabinets? How much are you willing to do to serve the Lord?
In verse 5 we also see another that has moved to Rome. That person is Epaenetus. This is the only place in the Scriptures that this person is mentioned. All we know is that this person was an acquaintance of Paul's and that they were the first fruits of Asia (Achaia). Some commentators have said that this was possibly one of the first three people to have been led to the Lord by Paul in Asia. But again, we don't know for sure. All we do know is that they were saved. Isn't that the main thing? What better testimony can we have in that others can say that we are a child of God? Can others see that in your life today?
In verse 6 we see Mary, who bestowed much labor on Paul. Now some say that this could have been Mary Magdalene, or it could have been another. Mary was, and still is, a very common name. While we are not certain if this Mary was mentioned in other places of the Bible, we do know that she was a servant of the Lord. She served the Lord by helping Paul. Now how she helped, we don't know, but we do know she worked. She was another who was willing to do what ever it took to further the Gospel. Can others say that about us today?
In conclusion, we have seen three different greeting today. The first was to Priscillia and Aqulla. The second to Epaenetus, and the third, to Mary. All three had one thing in common. They loved the Lord. Do you love the Lord? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to see lost souls saved? Would you be willing to risk your life so that others might be saved? In other words, how much do you love the Lord?
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Post by Paws on Jun 14, 2007 2:09:30 GMT 12.75
Thank you Pastor. Great cause for reflection here. Paul knew that everone that he was speaking to knew who Mary was else he would have used her last name; maybe given a little oratory to describe her. It occurred to me thus how important it is to keep the scripture in context with this verse as an example. Paul never gave a thought to we reading his letter now did her? Else he would have given Mary's last name and some oratory knowing that we had not met her. Therefore we know for certain that his letter must remain in context with his related writings in this book without extraction and application to unrelated verses, books, dogma conclusions. Fascinating stuff here. Thanks!
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 14, 2007 8:37:37 GMT 12.75
While we can't say for certain, I figure Paul knew that others would be reading this letter who had no idea which Mary he was talking about. But it really doesn't matter. The Holy Spirit, who inspired Paul to write the letter, knew that we would be reading it, so that makes it important for us. I think that the Holy Spirit wanted us to key on something other than exactly who Mary was. He wanted us to learn that we all can and should be servants of the Lord, no matter what the circumstances.
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Post by Paws on Jun 14, 2007 10:10:41 GMT 12.75
...and that Mary, a generic, could have been anybody; therefore, a servent can be anybody regardless of life's station.
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 14, 2007 10:40:07 GMT 12.75
...and that Mary, a generic, could have been anybody; therefore, a servent can be anybody regardless of life's station. YOU GOT IT!!
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 17, 2007 23:28:09 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:7-11 (King James Version)
7. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me. 8. Greet Amphlias my beloved in the Lord. 9. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus household. 11. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus which are in the Lord.
As usual, a short review is needed so that we will keep everything in context. Remember, context is one of the most important things to keep in mind when studying the Scriptures. When a person gets out of context, false doctrine can and often does arise. We have been looking at Paul's farewell address to the church at Rome. We have looked at several people who Paul knew that were faithful servants of the Lord. We have seen how Aqualla and Priscilla loved the Lord enough to open their house to others so that they might learn to love the Lord also. We have seen how Phebe loved the Lord so much that she was willing to do whatever it took to further the Gospel, including taking Paul's letter to the Roman's to Rome.
In verse 7 we two other people. One is Andronicus and the other is Junia. Like some of the others we have looked at, this is the only place they are mentioned in the Scriptures. But notice what Paul says of them. They are his kinsmen, fellow prisoners were of note among the apostles, and were in Christ before him. Let's look at each briefly to learn some things about these wonderful people. First, they were Paul's kinsmen. Now, this does not mean that they were actually kin, but more along the lines of being of the same nationality as Paul. In other words, these men were Jews. It is only natural that Paul would greet someone that is from the same nation as he was. They were also his fellow prisoners. Now, Paul hadn't been captured yet, and sent to Rome, so why would he say they were fellow prisoners? I think, but don't know for sure, that they had met in prison earlier. They may have been in prison with Paul in another place, perhaps in Philippi, where Paul and Silas had been thrown in jail, and had gotten to know Paul there. It is entirely possible that this is the case. Remember, Paul and Silas were singing and praising the Lord while in prison and the doors were suddenly opened by the Lord. So, these two could have met Paul there because they were glad to meet another who loved the Lord. But the thing I want us to learn is that these two were willing to serve the Lord no matter what. They literally were thrown into prison for the Lord. Would you be willing to go to prison because of your testimony for the Lord? If it was a crime to serve Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Brethren, there could come a day when it is against the law to worship the Lord in public. There could come a day when it would be against the law to have a Bible. You say it can't happen? It has before, and could again. In the Dark Ages it is estimated that over 50 MILLION people who loved the Lord were tortured and killed. In the Tribulation Period, it could happen again. What would you do? Would you be found guilty of worshiping the Lord? We also see that Andronicus and Junia were of note among the apostles. This simply means that they were known by the apostles. But why is this important? Think about this for a second. If you went into a place that you had never been before, knowing that is is possible that these new people would hate you and try to kill you, wouldn't you want a friend and maybe a safe place to stay? This is what I believe that Paul was referring to. These two people loved the Lord so much that their testimony was known far and wide. Can people say that about us today? Does anyone other than you family know you are a servant of the Lord? Paul also states that these two were in Christ before him. In other words, they had accepted the Lord as their Saviour before Paul. Folks, it is entirely possible that Paul was persecuting them before his conversion on the road to Damascus. But why would this be important? I think that this is important because of their testimony of the Lord. It had been a long time since Paul had been saved, maybe as much as 25 years. And in all that time, these people had stood firm for the Lord. Can people say that about us today? Could they say that we have been a faithful servant of the Lord for a lot of years? Or would they say that they never knew we were a Christian? What is your testimony today?
In verse 8 we meet another that we know nothing about other than here. That person is Amplias. All that Paul mentions is that they are his beloved in the Lord. In other words, they were Paul's dear friend. Folks, it is good to have a friend in the Lord. It is good to have someone that you can go to and discuss the things of the Lord. That is how we grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Sure, we may discuss the things of the Lord here, but it is not the same thing. I count you all as my friends in the Lord, but I have never seen you face to face. But I have friends that I can go to, ask questions of, talk to, face to face, about the Lord. Do you have friends like that? If not, why not? They are readily available. Where? In the Lord's New Testament church! Folks, the Lord gave us the church so that we could fellowship one with another. Through fellowship we are strengthened, and can grow. Are you growing in the Lord?
In verse 9 we meet Urbane and Stachys. Like before, this is the only place they are mentioned. Urbane was Paul's helper in Christ. And Stachys was Paul's beloved or dear friend. Now, we have gone over a beloved friend, so I won't go over that again. But, I do want to look at Urbane who was Paul's helper. Now we don't know in what way Urbane helper Paul. It could have been about anything. But we do know that it was in Christ. In other words, Urbane worked for the Lord, doing whatever it took. Urbane rolled up his sleeves and got to work for the Lord. Are we willing to work for the Lord? Do we do what needs to be done to show others the Lord? Remember others are watching you. Do others see Jesus through our actions?
In verse 10 Paul salutes Apelles who was approved in Christ. This simply means that the Lord accepted the things that Apelles did and approved of them. In other words, Apelles did the things that the Lord wanted him to do, and he did them in the way that they should have been done. A lot of people try to do what the Lord desires, but they do not do it in an acceptable way. It is vitally important to do what the Lord wants, but it is just as important to do it the way He wants it done. Are we doing things the acceptable way? We also see in verse 10 that Paul salutes those that are of Aristobulus' household or family. Why is this important? The way this verse is worded and the way verse 11 is worded leads me to believe that Aristobulus had a Christian family. All those of his family loved the Lord. Aristobulus set the example for his family. In other words, he led his family by example in their service for the Lord. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? We, as husbands and fathers, are to lead by example. Aristobulus did what he was supposed to do. Do we?
In verse 11 we see another kinsman, Herodian. Now, like before we know nothing about him other than he was a Jew. But we know he was a Christian Jew. It is very difficult to lead a Jew to the Lord, mainly because they don't believe that Jesus was the true Son of God. But when a Jew accepts Jesus as his Saviour, you will not find a better witness for the Lord. I believe Herodian was this kind of witness. He told others about the Lord, showed others the Lord in his everyday walk of life, and lived his testimony. Can people say that about us? We also see in verse 11 that Paul greets those that are of Narcissus' household that are in the Lord. The way this verse is worded leads me to believe that some of this household were not saved, and some were. That is a sad state of affairs. Those who love the Lord are trying to do what He wants, and those that don't love the Lord are trying to do the things of the world. It is a classic case of two sides working against each other. I believe the reason Paul sends this household personal greetings is to strengthen the ones who love the Lord. Paul was telling them to keep on keeping on. Folks, we need to keep serving the Lord, no matter if our family does or doesn't. Do we love the Lord enough to serve Him no matter what?
In conclusion, we have seen several people who loved the Lord and were willing to do what it took to please Him. Can others say that about us today? Can others say that we love the Lord by the example we set before them?
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 24, 2007 23:27:05 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:12-16 (King James Version)
12. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Before we look at our passage for today, we need to take a short review as usual. I know these reviews are getting tedious for some, but I feel it is necessary so that we will keep things in context. For the last several week s we have been looking at Paul's farewell address to the Romans. In this address, we have seen some remarkable people, most notably Phebe, Priscillia and Aquilla and others. We have learned that these people did what they were supposed to do in their service to the Lord. They worked for the Lord, not for salvation, but because they were saved. They opened their hearts and homes to others so that the Gospel could be spread. Please keep these thoughts in mind as we look at some more people that Paul sent personal greetings to.
Before we get started, just so I don't have to mention this over and over, all the people we are going to look at today, this is the only place to my knowledge they are mentioned in the Scriptures. But that doesn't make them any less relevant.
In verse 12 we are introduced to two people, who just from saying their names out loud I think were twin sisters. They are Tryphena and Tryphosa. These sisters laboured in the Lord. Thats all we know, but isn't that enough? Two things I want us to notice about these sisters. First, they worked. Folks, they were willing to roll up their sleeves and do what needed to be done to further the Gospel. They loved the Lord so much that they were willing to spend time and effort on doing what He wanted to be done. Do we? Or are we too busy with our personal lives to do what the Lord asks of us? Secondly, they worked IN the Lord. There has been a doctrine taught though out the ages that is just plain heresy. That doctrine is works for salvation. Folks, if you believe in works for salvation then I'm sorry to tell you, but you are believing in heresy. A person works for the Lord because they are saved, not for salvation. There is a big difference. Need proof? In Ephesians 2:8, 9 we see For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. So we see that people work for the Lord because they are saved, not for salvation. Looking further in verse 12 we meet another who worked in the Lord. That person is Persis. Persis is mentioned because of what he did. He laboured much in the Lord. Notice the difference? Persis labored much while Tryphena and Tryphosa labored. Persis went above and beyond. He did what the Lord asked him to do, which might have been more than others, but he did it with a loving and willing heart. A lot of times, if someone is willing to work, others will sit back and allow them to do all the work. Persis was one who was willing to do the work, no matter if others were willing to help or not. Shouldn't we be this way?
In verse 13 we meet Rufus, who was chosen in the Lord. Now, this is NOT predestination. This is simply that Rufus was chosen for something special. It could have been the ministry, or something else, but Rufus was chosen because he was faithful and loved the Lord. I know some religions believe that some are destined to be saved, and some are not. And those that are not can not no matter what. But that also is a heresy. We learned earlier in Romans that God is a loving God, and that He desires ALL men to come to repentance, not just some. So, Rufus was chosen of the Lord for a special job, which possibly was the ministry. But why was he chosen? It was because he loved the Lord and was faithful to the Lord. You want to be used of the Lord more than you are now? Then love the Lord, be faithful to Him, serve Him, and He will use you more than He is now. We also see that Paul sent greetings to Rufus' mother and his. Now I don't think that this was Paul actual mother, but was in fact Rufus' mother who treated Paul like a son. Let me try and explain. Paul was an old man (for those times) probably in his 50's or so when he wrote this book. Paul's real mother was probably dead by this time. Also, Paul was from Tarsus, not Rome, so I believe that Paul was referring to Rufus' mother here. But why is this important? Have you ever had a woman treat you like you were one of her own children, even though you were not related in any way? I have, and as I look back over my life, I can count that as one of the great blessings in my life. In fact, there is a lady in the church where I am filling in on Sunday mornings (until they call a pastor) that is more like a grandmother to me than a mother. She is always encouraging me, not afraid to tell me when I am wrong, praying for me, and other things. She has been a great blessing to me. I believe this is what Paul meant when he referred to Rufus' mother. So what can we learn from this lady? In a nutshell, we should encourage others in their service for the Lord, pray for them, love them like they are kin to us, and not to be afraid to correct them, in a loving manner of course. But isn't that what we are supposed to do anyways? Yes, but this lady walked her talk. She lived her beliefs. Do we?
In verse 14 and 15 we see two groups of people. I am not going to re-type their names. But we see two groups of people here. What I want us to notice is that in verse 14 Paul uses the word "brethren" and in verse 15 he uses the word "saints." So what is the big deal? Saints are brethren since we who are saved are all children of God. But look at it this way. Brethren indicate a closer relationship than saints. I believe Paul was closer to the group mentioned in verse 14 than in group 15. It is possible that Paul just knew some better than others. I have seen that before in churches where there were some I just knew better than others, maybe because they were more friendly, or something, but I just had a closer relationship with them than with others. If that is so, then why did Paul mention those in verse 15? I believe that it was to show no favoritism. Paul wanted to treat all equally, so he sent greetings to both, even though he was closer to some than others. Folks, I have seen it where the pastor payed more attention to some than others. That is one way to cause a church to start fighting amongst themselves. We should not play favorites! We should treat all equally.
In verse 16 we see a verse that as a young man I had trouble with. That is to greet one another with a holy kiss. I had in my mind that I was supposed to kiss another man, and I wasn't going to do it. I was wrong in my understanding of the verse. To get a proper understanding, we need to think about how people greeted each other in the days when Romans was written. they greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek, much like they still do today in that part of the world. It was a greeting! Here in the U.S. we shake hands, which to us is a greeting. Yesterday, we had a fellowship with the missionary that we support, and he is an American with Mexican heritage. He shook my hand, and hugged me at the same time. That is the way they greet each other in Mexico. So what is Paul saying here? Greet each other. When you see a brother on the street, greet him, ask about him, show him love. In other words, show him that you care about him because you love him. In the latter part of verse 16 we see that the churches of Christ sent greetings too. Now, this is not a domination. This is simply the other churches sending greetings. But why is this important? Because we are to have fellowship with other churches. As a Baptist, I believe that each church is to be self-governing, with Jesus as the head. But, this does not mean that we can not join together with other churches (of like faith and order) to support missions and other things. Like I stated earlier, the church where I am a member at has sent out a missionary. We have set his salary at $1600 a month, which we are paying until they get to where they can support him. We have other churches that send offerings in every month, maybe $100 or in some cases more, to help us support this mission. That is part of having fellowship with other churches.
In conclusion, we have seen several different people today. We have seen those that served the Lord, some much, some not so much. We have seen an example of showing our love toward one another. We have also seen an example of churches showing love one toward another. Are you showing the love that Jesus showed unto you when he gave His life upon the cross? Are you showing the love that we are to have to others?
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Post by Paws on Jun 25, 2007 2:06:51 GMT 12.75
Hey, did Paul say Rufus is his brother? "...I salute Rufus, his mother, and mine..."
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jun 25, 2007 2:23:28 GMT 12.75
I think Rufus was Paul's brother, in the Lord. As for physically being brothers, I don't know for sure, but kinda doubt it. Remember, while some traveled in those days, most stayed close to home. And Tarsus is quite a distance from Rome.
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Post by Paws on Jun 25, 2007 3:12:18 GMT 12.75
I think Rufus was Paul's brother, in the Lord. As for physically being brothers, I don't know for sure, but kinda doubt it. Remember, while some traveled in those days, most stayed close to home. And Tarsus is quite a distance from Rome. Good point!
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Post by Toby Benoit on Jun 25, 2007 5:46:25 GMT 12.75
"In conclusion, we have seen several different people today. We have seen those that served the Lord, some much, some not so much. We have seen an example of showing our love toward one another. We have also seen an example of churches showing love one toward another." Yep! You pulled a lot of good out of that little bit of scripture. Leaves me feeling good!
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Post by Paws on Jun 25, 2007 8:18:40 GMT 12.75
Oh I don't know now. He likened giving money to showing love which would mean that both my ex-wives would like for me to show my love for them!
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Jul 2, 2007 0:29:23 GMT 12.75
Romans 16:17, 18 (King James Version)
17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
We have looked the last several weeks at Paul's personal greetings to some of the people in the church at Rome. We have seen some remarkable people, and who loved the Lord. We have seen how those who love the Lord should have sweet fellowship with others who love the Lord.
As I first read verse 17, it seemed like Paul was changing subjects, but as I sat and thought on this verse, I found that it is a continuation of his farewell. Paul went from sending personal greetings to a warning to the church at Rome. Why would he do this like this? I believe it was because he wanted the church to see the examples of Christ that these people showed in their lives. They lived what they believed. In the first part of verse 17 we see that Paul is beseeching the brethren to mark those which cause divisions. Now, the word mark means simply to keep an eye on, to contemplate. In other words, Paul is telling them to keep an eye on those that are causing divisions and offences in the church contrary to what they have learned in this epistle. Folks, we should do the same. If someone comes in to the church, teaching something that is not in accordance with the Scriptures, we should keep an eye on them, so that they will not cause divisions and offences among the assembly (church). But why would Paul teach this now? He just got through with a lot of personal greetings to his friends. I believe it was because Paul knew there were those in the church that were teaching things that were not according to the Scriptures. At the time of the writing of this letter, there were Jews who were teaching that you had to be circumcised to be saved, there were others who were teaching that only Jews could be saved, and so forth. Paul refuted each of these in this letter and many more. Is it any different today? We have people who are constantly teaching false doctrines today. One example I thought of was of women preachers. There are some who say it is alright for a woman to preach. But in I Timothy we find that one of the qualifications for a preacher is to be the husband of one wife. Now, how can a woman be the husband of one wife? She can't! So, those who say it is alright for a woman to preach are teaching false doctrines. We should keep a watch on them to make sure that what they are teaching doesn't invade our churches and corrupt the teachings of our Lord. There are many other examples and space precludes me from going into more. In the latter part of verse 17 we see that we should avoid them that are causing divisions and offences. In other words, we should just stay away from them if at all possible. Now, I know I have been saying that we should love one another, and we should. So, how can we show the love of the Lord to those that are causing divisions if we are to avoid them? It is quite simple. In Matthew 18:15-20, the Lord gives the church instructions on dealing with those who are causing divisions and offences. We are to go to them, one on one, tell them in love where they are wrong and hope they repent. If they won't, take 2 or 3 more with you the next time so that there will be witnesses. If they won't repent then, we are to take the matter before the church so that the church can deal with it. Remember, this is all done in love. But why should we avoid those that are causing problems in the church? It is so that the church can remain pure. We are to keep ourselves free from sin, as much as possible, and the church should do the same. And false doctrine is sin. So, we have learned in this verse that we are to watch those who are teaching things that are not in accordance to the Scriptures, and stay away from them to keep both ourselves and the church pure and holy.
In verse 18 Paul gives us the reason for avoiding those that teach false doctrine. It is because they serve not the Lord, but their own selves. One example that I can think of real easily is Benny Hinn. Now, I'm sorry if you are a follower of him, because if you are, he is teaching false doctrine. But he is not serving the Lord. He is serving his own interests. He is out for nothing except to line his own pockets. Sure, the Scriptures teach that we are to support the preaching of the Word, but not like he teaches. Several years ago, some television station done an expose on Benny Hinn. They told how many houses he had, what they were worth, all in the 10's of millions of dollars, and other things. He is out for nothing but his own gain! Is that the way the Lord preached? No! He went about, doing the will of the Father, not for His own personal gain. In fact, there is one recorded instance that when the Lord payed His taxes, He had to have Peter take a coin out of a fish's mouth to pay His taxes. When I first surrendered to preach, it embarrassed me to take payment for my sermons. To be honest, it still does. I don't like preaching about money. I want to make sure that people know that money is not the reason I preach. I want people to know I serve the Lord and not my own interests. In the next part of verse 18 we see why those that are teaching false doctrines are able to deceive many. It is because of their good words and fair speeches. Now think about it a moment. What would you rather hear? A speech telling you how good you are, or a sermon telling you that you need to change something in your life? The majority of people would rather hear soft words, telling them how good they are. They don't want to know what they need to change in their life to be better servants for the Lord! Folks, I am not that way. If the Scriptures teach it, so will I. It doesn't matter if I want to or not, it is thus sayeth the Lord! Like I said earlier, I don't like preaching about supporting the ministry, because some will take it like I am preaching for money. But, whether I like it or not, it is Scripture and I have to preach it. In the last part of verse 18 we see who those that teach false doctrine target. It is the simple or innocent. They target those who don't study! In II Timothy 2, we read that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We need to study, so that when, not if, we find those that are teaching false doctrines, we will know it. Those that don't study, but rely on the preacher exclusively to tell them the things of the Scriptures are very easily led into false doctrine. I could stand before a congregation of people, and teach something that is not true, and those who don't study would believe me. Folks, I want you to study! There are one religion that I can think of right off the top of my head that don't even want you to have a Bible. They teach that the Scriptures are too holy for the common man to handle, so they want you to rely on them to teach you what the Scriptures say. This religion controls about 1/4 of the world's population. That is a lot of people who don't study! This religion teaches some of the worst false doctrines that is in the world today. And it is all because of those who are teaching falsehoods and those that won't study the Scriptures.
In conclusion, we have learned that we should watch those who are causing divisions and offences in the church, avoid them because of what they are teaching, because they are just out after their own interests. We have learned that we need to study so that we can know the difference between false doctrine and what the Scriptures teach. Are you one of these that Paul wrote about? Do you cause divisions in the church? If so, please repent and make things right between you and those you have offended. Has someone offended you? Then go to them, try to make things right, so that you will both have the sweet fellowship that the Lord desires His children to have. Are you serving the Lord because you love Him, or is it just because of your own selfish interests? Have you been led down the primrose path of falsehood? If so, I beseech you to get into the word of God, study, so that you will know what is false doctrine and what is the pure teachings of our Lord.
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Post by Paws on Jul 2, 2007 6:56:43 GMT 12.75
Isn't it up to the elders of the church to sort out the chaff and advise such weenies Pastor?
Are you serving the Lord because you love Him, or is it just because of your own selfish interests? Have you been led down the primrose path of falsehood? If so, I beseech you to get into the word of God, study, so that you will know what is false doctrine and what is the pure teachings of our Lord.
Isn't serving the Lord because you love Him based on selfish interests? I mean if the Lord said Pastor Freddie, serve me but still you will spend an eternity in hell, would you follow Him?
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