Practical Theology - Part 42 - Romans 16:1-16

Romans 16:1-16 ESV

A. This section of Romans may seem like nothing more than an extended greeting, but it’s much more than that. It reveals the personal nature of the church and the deep impact relationships had on Paul. Ministry is not done in a vacuum; God calls His people to work together to accomplish His will and purposes.

B. In these partnerships we see:

1. Good doctrine leads to loving fellowship (cf. Eph. 4:1-3) – Not just an intellectual exercise, but practical benefit.

Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

2. We all have a part to play (vv. 1-6; cf. Phil. 1:3-7) – Though an Apostle, Paul saw himself as a fellow worker in Christ.

Philippians 1:3-7 ESV

3. We need each other (cf. 1 Pet. 4:7-10) – The church is a living organism that needs every part to use their gifts.

1 Peter 4:7-10 ESV

C. In these personal greetings, we see an illustration of Paul’s appeal in previous chapters for unity amongst diversity as he related the importance of partnership in the Gospel community.

II. Paul’s Appeal for Community

A. Paul’s had moments in ministry when he was alone (see 2 Tim. 4:16-18), but he was no lone ranger. Paul knew the value and importance of community for God’s people and encouraged the church to grow in this vital aspect of ministry (cf. Rom. 12:16).

Romans 12:16 ESV

B. We grow in community when:

1. We love each other (cf. Col. 3:12-17) – We try to see others as God does and not as means to an end.

1. We love each other (cf. Col. 3:12-17) – We try to see others as God does and not as means to an end.

2. We embrace each other – Paul’s repeated use of greet, here, means more than hello, it means to embrace.

3. We worship together – We keep Jesus at the center of community life.

C. How are you growing in fellowship? Community was very important in the early church, it still is. Let’s endeavor to come along side one another as we, together, live out the Gospel.