Read the Book: July - SeptemberSample

Week 36

Romans 16

The Church Today

After 15 chapters of Paul’s most incredible writings on the gospel message of Christ, chapter 16 concludes this letter with joy-filled and authentic salutations to other Christians who were committed to The Way. I find it remarkable how he calls out individuals, both men and women, who are leading the cause, as well as entire house churches. 

Sometimes we can get caught up in the bible “titans” like Paul and Peter that we lose sight of the everyday folks who had played just as important of roles in the early church. What we can take away from this is that our role as members of the church body is the same today: we get the opportunity to share the good news of how Jesus has changed our lives in hopes that others will want to know that same Jesus as Lord of theirs.

Sandwiched between the shout-outs to fellow believers, verses 17-20 include bold instructions that Paul wants to make sure the crew remembers, almost as if Paul was like, “Oh, yeah! I almost forgot a really important point!” Paul implores the Church to be wise yet kind-hearted as it keeps careful watch for false teaching and selfish ambitions that can creep into the body of Christ. If this kind of behavior within the body appears, we can try to help restore our brother or sister by gently speaking the truth in love (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-20). And yet, if division persists, there is room for a boundary to be put in place (v. 17, 2 Thes. 3:6, 2 Jn 10) with the hope of reconciliation one day in God’s timing.

Above all, we ought to seek to follow the humility of Jesus as described by Paul in Philippians 2:1-11, which speaks of valuing others above yourself, humbling yourself, and seeking unity with others, as Christ is the focal point of our relationships as brothers and sisters in Him.

Family Connection: Put a long piece of tape on the floor or follow a line on the tile. Can you walk across the line balancing a stuffed animal on your head? What happens if people throw paper balls at you? Which was the easiest? Talk about what the word “peace” means. When we have peace with people we can have a closer relationship with God. What happens when we don’t have peace? It is like throwing paper balls at our life; it becomes much more difficult to walk towards God. Scripture says we should have peace with each other.