This Worldwide Movement // Romans 16 // Romans # 31

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

This Worldwide Movement // Romans 16 // Romans # 31 This Worldwide Movement // The whole letter is worth a read, but one of my favorite sections reads like this: Romans 16 // Romans # 31 I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, [but] as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure Martin Luther King Day of satisfaction from the label. This weekend is MLK Day--a time where we celebrate, remember, and Was not Jesus an extremist for love? “Love your enemies, bless them prayerfully continue to pursue the legacy Dr. King championed. that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” In April 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sat in a small, solitary jail cell in Birmingham, and it’s there he penned his now famous “Letter from a Was not Amos an extremist for justice? “Let justice roll down like Birmingham Jail.” Dr. King’s letter confronted inaction and passivity with waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” the authority of a biblical worldview, particularly one shaped by the gospel. We often talk about Dr. King’s vision of racial equality. But “Letter from a Was not Paul an extremist for the gospel? “I bear in my body the marks Birmingham Jail” reminds us that this wasn’t Dr. King’s vision. It was God’s of the Lord Jesus.” vision. Was not Martin Luther an extremist for justification by faith? “Here I Dr. King called for an end to racial injustice not by appealing to political stand; I cannot do otherwise. God help me, Amen.” correctness or even the will of the majority. Dr. King’s “Letter” ground his call in God’s purposes for humanity. A vision rooted in the gospel. And John Bunyan? “I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make ● Multi-racial unity, he said, is God’s intention for his church. a butchery of my conscience.” ● Reflecting the unity of the coming Kingdom of God is God’s intention for the church. And Abraham Lincoln? “This nation cannot survive half slave and half ● People of different ethnicities, backgrounds, political affiliations, free.” income levels, and even languages coming together is God’s intention for the church. And Thomas Jefferson? “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal …” “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” was a thunderbolt in the battle for racial justice, and it remains a powerful wake-up call to this day. So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will A lot has changed in the past 57 years, but the need for us, the church, to we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of lead out in the fight for racial reconciliation as a distinguishing mark of justice? gospel proclamation is as pressing as ever. Summit family, we want to be fervently devoted as extremists of love, for ● It destroys the pride that leads to division by showing us that we justice, and for unity in the gospel. are all sinners in need of grace. ● It destroys the despair by making one person feel inferior to This is why, at the Summit, we’ve established the Commission for Oneness another because it shows us that we are special creations, made and Reconciliation (CORE). CORE is made up of members from all over our in God’s image, recipients of his love. church, and CORE’s mission is to provide vision, leadership, and guidance to The Summit Church in our pursuit of racial reconciliation, ethnic diversity, Paul says that in the cross Jesus made us one by “tearing down the and gospel unity. dividing wall of hostility.” He did that by shedding his blood his blood CORE is our way of showing this isn’t just talk for us. We want to move for our sin, and the way we remember that is by taking communion toward healing, racial reconciliation and unity in the body of Christ right together. here in our church. With their guidance, we have put out a goal called “25 by 25” – having a church membership that is at least 25% people of color by As you take that bread and cup, I want to remind you of two things: 2025. 1. Only for believers What would it look like if 25% of our congregation, our leaders, our elders, 2. For believes, communion is a time where Paul calls us to our SG’s, our staff—were people of color? By God’s grace, I hope we find “examine ourselves.” I think when it comes to division in the out very soon. church, we’ll all find that when we look within we’ve contributed plenty to the problem. If you want to know more, and to access some of their resources, visit summitchurch.com/core. So I’d like for us to have a time of corporated repentance before we COMMUNION take the bread and the cup together by reading this prayer of 1 repentance : Well, OUR TEAMS are going to pass out the bread and the cup… ● Forgive us, Lord, for the pride that leads to division, and the apathy that keeps us apart. Once a month here at TSC we take communion together, and I think ● Forgive us for looking at others with suspicion and distrust. it’s meaningful to do it in light of our desire for unity and healing. ● Forgive us for not accepting others as freely as you have accepted us. Because, see, the gospel gives us a unity nothing else can. 1 Adapted from Nolan Palsma’s prayer for reconciliation, Pitcher Hill Community Church, North Syracuse, NY ● Forgive us for caring more about our preferences than your modern-day Palestinian politics, how we should feel about Donald glory Trump, drinking alcohol and whether public school or home ● Forgive us, Lord, for not loving our neighbors as ourselves, and school is the best choice. ● We said “circumcision” like 53x. you supremely above all ● And you’re still here! Turn to your neighbor and say, “I’m really ● Reconcile, O Christ, by your cross, in your name, for your impressed with you. You. You are a serious Christian.” glory. Everyone stand up ○ If you were here when we began Romans, remain standing" Eat and drink. ○ if you have heard every one of the messages… either here or by podcast, remain standing. By the way, many churches throughout the country are ○ If you were HERE for every message, remain standing. commemorating another important event this weekend—Sanctity of ○ Extra credit: "if you were here AND you still have your Human Life Sunday. We haven’t forgotten about that, but in order to Romans journal” give that the weight it deserves, we’ll be focusing on it next week. Romans 16… Romans 16 ● Reading this chapter reminds me of a tradition my family had at New Years. On New Years my mom cooked Corned beef and Well, for the last time, open your Bibles to the book of Romans. I’m cabbage w/ coins in it. I hated corned beef and cabbage, but it kind of sad. Romans 16. In your journal, p. 88. was by far my favorite meal of the year. ● Anyone else have that tradition? (You know how when you’re Can I just say, “We did it!” a kid you just assume that what your family does, everyone ● FWIW, we broke all the church growth rules with this series. does? Then you find out later that nobody did what you did? According to the church growth gurus we’re not supposed to do a We got married and my wife was like, “You did what?” series over 4 weeks long and it’s supposed to have a really ● Eating that meal is what reading this chapter is like. This chapter creative title. We overshot that by about 27 weeks and we were reads like a random list of names, like it’s Paul’s list of Twitter really creative with our title: ‘ROMANS.’ followers or the credits at the end of a movie that you don’t ● But do you know why it didn’t matter? We had 981 people give watch unless someone has told you they’re followed by bloopers. their lives to Christ throughout this series. ● Most readers are tempted to skim through it. But this chapter is ● And that’s because the power is in the gospel, not in the far from irrelevant. Sure, it’s a list of names, some of which are presentation. Romans 1:16. When you have a powerful gospel, hard to pronounce. you don’t depend on flashy packaging. ● But it shows you the personal nature of Paul’s ministry, and ● And, God as my witness, we didn’t skip anything in this book, did tucked among all the cabbage of these names are some awesome we? In this series, we’ve talked about total depravity, God’s gospel-coins. wrath, predestination, homosexuality, the exclusivity of Christ, MUSIC 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the 17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who 2 church in Cenchreae. So you should welcome her in the Lord in a create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she learned.
Recommended publications
  • Romans 7 and Sanctification by Andy Woods
    Romans 7 and Sanctification by Andy Woods Introduction This article will argue that one’s understanding of practical sanctification is profoundly impacted by how one views the “I” in Romans 7:7-25. Specifically, the article will argue that the “I” in Romans 7 is Paul, and in verses 14-25 Paul is reflecting upon his post conversion experience. In addition, the article will maintain that a post conversion view of Romans 7:14-25 leads to a dual nature view of the believer. This view teaches that although the believer has a new nature that he received at conversion, his Adamic nature still exists within him and continues to tempt him to return to his former sinful lifestyle throughout the course of this life. Finally, the article will contend that viewing believers through the lenses of the dual nature view shapes one’s understanding of practical sanctification in several important ways. Who is the Speaker in Romans 7:7-25? Three options for the speaker in Romans 7:7-25 have been proposed.1 First, some have proposed the theory of the Rhetorical “I”. According to this view, the pronoun “I” in Romans 7:7-25 serves as a literary device that depicts all of humanity. Thus, the “I” is not autobiographical but rather represents the experience of everyone. Second, others have proposed the theory of the Representative “I”. According to this view, the pronoun “I” in Romans 7:7-25 depicts the life experience of a representative figure that is typical of every person including the speaker. For example, the “I” of Romans 7:7-25 could represent the experience of Adam at the time of the fall.
    [Show full text]
  • Experiencing the Glory of God Genesis 28:10–19A Romans 8:12
    Andrew Kinoti Vermilion July 23, 2017 Experiencing the Glory of God Genesis 28:10–19a Romans 8:12–25 The Hebrew word for glory is Kabod, usually used in connection with God. Its basic meaning is “weight” or “importance.” It is the term that has been used to describe the importance or the significance of God when encountered by the humans. Mainly the term is used when God reveals God-self to humans eliciting a complete sense of awe and excitement. When God reveals the divine-self, there is a sense of glow that that accompanies it, bringing with it a spontaneous realization of the divine presence. It is this sense of glow that may have led English to translate this term as glory. That means an extra-ordinary shining that can only be majestically divine. In Old Testament we see several examples where the glory of God shines upon specific people. Patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) all had those instances where they experienced the presence of God in their own specific ways. We also see God revealing the Divine-self to Moses in the burning bush experience, as he is sent to redeem the Israelites from Egypt. It is the same glory of God that follows the Israelites in their exodus journey in a form of “cloud of fire.” In these examples, among many others, we see God’s glory shining upon a particular person with immediate realization of the divine experience. When these individuals experience the glory of God they react in a way of worship.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 8:1 Commentary
    Romans 8:1 Commentary PREVIOUS NEXT Click chart to enlarge Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Romans Overview Chart - Charles Swindoll Source: Dr David Cooper Click to Enlarge ROMANS ROAD to RIGHTEOUSNESS Romans 1:18-3:20 Romans 3:21-5:21 Romans 6:1-8:39 Romans 9:1-11:36 Romans 12:1-16:27 SIN SALVATION SANCTIFICATION SOVEREIGNTY SERVICE NEED WAY LIFE SCOPE SERVICE FOR OF OF OF OF SALVATION SALVATION SALVATION SALVATION SALVATION God's Holiness God's Grace God's Power God's Sovereignty Gods Glory In In In In The Condemning Justifying Sanctifying Saving Object of Sin Sinners Believers Jew and Gentile Service Deadliness Design Demonstration of Salvation of Sin of Grace Power Given Promises Fulfilled Paths Pursued Righteousness Righteousness Righteousness Righteousness Righteousness Needed Credited Demonstrated Restored to Israel Applied God's Righteousness God's Righteousness God's Righteousness God's Righteousness God's Righteousness IN LAW IMPUTED OBEYED IN ELECTION DISPLAYED Slaves to Sin Slaves to God Slaves Serving God Doctrine Duty Life by Faith Service by Faith Modified from Irving L. Jensen's chart above R Ruin (Romans 1:17 – 3:20) – The utter sinfulness of humanity O Offer (Romans 3:21-31) – God’s offer of justification by grace M Model (Romans 4:1-25) – Abraham as a model for saving faith A Access (Romans 5:1-11) – The benefits of justification N New Adam (Romans 5:12-21) – We are children of two “Adams” S Struggle w/ Sin (Romans 6:1-8:39) Struggle, sanctification, and victory Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • THE ROAD of the RIGHTEOUS Expositional Study of Romans Romans 16:21-27 Written by ©Pastor Marty Baker March 29, 2020
    The Book of Romans Romans 16 THE ROAD OF THE RIGHTEOUS Expositional Study Of Romans Romans 16:21-27 Written By ©Pastor Marty Baker March 29, 2020 hen Liz an I married in May of 1980, I took a job for one year working for Ireland Landscape in Stockton, CA. One day as I headed to my truck after taking care of the W turf at an apartment complex, I watched as a blond, long-haired, muscle-bound, tattooed mean-looking dude walked away from a car near me. As he walked away from the vehicle, I noticed he had left a book on the roof of the car. So, I yelled, “Hey, man, I think you left something on the top of your car.” When the blue book turned out to be a Bible, I started talking more in depth with him. That book, which I still have today, turned out to be the Bible he received while a prisoner in San Quentin Penitentiary. His name was Alan Reasoner and he loved that Bible because he came to know Christ as his Savior in that pen. Eventually, I got him a job working with me, so for the next year I discipled him, and he taught me much about life and dealing with really rough, wicked people. In the summer of 1981, Liz and I moved to Dallas so I could attend Dallas Theological Seminary. I hated leaving Alan, who was now my best friend, but I had to move on. I counseled him how to live for Christ, how to avoid temptation, and how to stay strong in his faith and he said he would give it his best effort.
    [Show full text]
  • Junia – a Woman Lost in Translation: the Name IOYNIAN in Romans 16:7 and Its History of Interpretation
    Open Theology 2020; 6: 646–660 Women and Gender in the Bible and the Biblical World Andrea Hartmann* Junia – A Woman Lost in Translation: The Name IOYNIAN in Romans 16:7 and its History of Interpretation https://doi.org/10.1515/opth-2020-0138 received June 30, 2020; accepted October 27, 2020 Abstract: The name of the second person greeted in Romans 16:7 is given as IOYNIAN, a form whose gramma- tical gender could be either feminine or masculine which leads to the question: Is it Junia or Junias – awomanor aman– who is greeted alongside Andronicus as “outstanding among the apostles?” This article highlights early influential answers to this question in the history of interpretation (John Chrysostom’scommentary,thedisciple- ship list of Pseudo-Epiphanius, Luther’s translation, and Calvin’s interpretation) showing that societal percep- tions of women’s roles were a factor in how they interpreted IOYNIAN. The article then summarises the last 150 years of interpretation history which saw (a) the disappearance of Junia from the text and from scholarly discussion due to the impact of the short-from hypothesis in the nineteenth century, (b) the challenge to this male interpretation in connection with second wave feminism, and (c) the restoration of the female reading in the ensuing debate. Bringing together the main lines of the argument, it will be shown that there is only one reading supported by the evidence, the female reading which throughout the centuries was the more difficult reading in light of the church’sandsociety’s perception of women’s
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Ted Kirnbauer Romans 16 9/2/18 Chapter 16 Is Paul's Conclusion To
    1 Ted Kirnbauer Romans 16 9/2/18 Chapter 16 is Paul’s conclusion to this great letter and his personal greetings and commendations to individuals he knows in Rome. Many in this list of names are only mentioned here, but even this teaches us many things about the infant church and culture into which it was born. In chapter 15 Paul had spoken of a mutual indebtedness among believers. The Gentiles were indebted to the Jewish believers for the salvation they enjoyed, so they gave a financial gift to help the Jewish Christians in Rome who were destitute (15:27). By receiving the gift, the Jews would then be indebted to the Gentile believers for their help. This is part of the beauty of the church. The church is a gathering of people who depend on one another. In Romans 15:5–7 Paul said, “May the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” In Romans 16, this theme is applied to specific individuals. In this passage, Paul mentions 26 individuals, two families, and possibly three house churches (it is unclear what “those of Aristobulus” [16:10] and “those of Narcissus” [16:11] refer to. Although most translations insert the words, “of the household of” or “of the family of,” those additions are not present in the original Greek.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 7: an Old Covenant Struggle Seen Through New Covenant Eyes
    MSJ 30/2 (Fall 2019) 277–302 ROMANS 7: AN OLD COVENANT STRUGGLE SEEN THROUGH NEW COVENANT EYES Jay Street, ThM The Master’s Seminary Romans 7 is possibly one of the most cherished texts in church history. But it is also one of the most controversial passages in Scripture. Many resonate with Paul’s ambivalence and insist that Paul is speaking about the Christian’s daily struggle with sin. Others strongly disagree and purport that Paul’s struggle is too defeating for the Christian life, and he must be speaking for unbelievers. However, it will be argued in this article that both sides of the debate have been speaking past each other for centuries because both sides are asking the wrong question. This is not a passage about whether Paul is speaking as a Christian or not, but whether Paul is speaking as someone under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant. Thus, when the reader’s perspective is properly adjusted, he can rightly ascertain Paul’s spiritual status in the passage—Paul is speaking as a believer under the Old Covenant before the inauguration of the New Covenant. * * * * * Introduction Most people do not realize it, but their vision is clouded. This is not referring to physical blindness or short-sightedness, but to the popular evangelical perception of one biblical passage—Romans 7:14–25. Today, this text is as popular as it is contro- versial.1 Not only is the passage well-known, it has actually been one of the most cherished biblical texts in history. This is especially the case for those who have ad- vocated that Romans 7 conveys the Christian’s battle with sin, because many have discovered an inviting home in this emotional, heart-wrenching text.
    [Show full text]
  • The Performance Treadmill (Romans 7:7-25) Study By: Keith Krell
    Spirit of Joy Men’s Fellowship Saturday Bible Study Romans 7:7-25 The Performance Treadmill (Romans 7:7-25) Study By: Keith Krell https://bible.org/seriespage/performance-treadmill-romans-77-25 This past week my children started a new job walking our neighbor’s dogs. Fortunately, these two dogs are small and easy to walk. However, I know this isn’t the case with all dogs. Perhaps you’ve seen someone walking a dog on a leash when the dog doesn’t want to go where its owner is going? The owner is constantly tugging on the leash pulling the dog back from here and there and telling it to stop and start. That’s the way a lot of Christians live. They’re on a “Law leash.” Their lives consist of, “stop that; come back here; don’t do that,” only it’s in terms of, “read your Bible; pray; witness; go to church; serve; be Christ-like.” Now, there’s nothing wrong with these things. They are all biblical. But God never meant us to do them at the end of a leash! What a difference it is when you see a dog and its owner have a strong relationship. The dog doesn’t need the leash to go for a walk. Its owner can just speak a word and the dog responds. I’m not comparing you to a dog. Rather, I’m comparing performance to relationship.1 For years I’ve been on a “Law leash.” I’ve tried to perform spiritually by reading my Bible, praying, witnessing, serving, and being Christ-like.
    [Show full text]
  • NT503: the Epistle to the Romans Course Lecturer: Harold W
    COURSE SYLLABUS NT503: The Epistle to the Romans Course Lecturer: Harold W. Hoehner, ThD, PhD About This Course This course was originally created through the Institute of Theological Studies in association with the Evangelical Seminary Deans’ Council. There are nearly 100 evangelical seminaries of various denominations represented within the council and many continue to use the ITS courses to supplement their curriculum. The lecturers were selected primarily by the Deans’ Council as highly recognized scholars in their particular fields of study. Course Description The book of Romans is crucial to the understanding of salvation and sanctification. In this course,you will explore the rich truths of justification and other significant topics by completing an exegetical and theological study of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans in the Greek text. The course treats select historical, grammatical, structural, and lexical data that illumine the meaning of this important New Testament document. You will be encouraged to put textual theory into living practice. NOTE: This course assumes a basic skill in Greek exegesis and the ability to make grammatical and textual critical evaluations and to do Greek word studies. Course Objectives Upon completion of the course, you should be able to do the following: • Increase your Greek vocabulary and gain additional competence in grammatical analysis and translation of the Greek text of Romans. • Gain additional experience in doing exegesis from the Greek text in preparation for expository preaching and teaching. • Wrestle with selected theological issues and formulate exegetically defensible solutions. • Be involved in a study of Romans in order to be able to think through the argument of the Epistle as a whole.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 8 1-11 There Is No Condemnation
    Peter Duckworth Romans Series, Autumn 2017 NO More Condemnation: Romans 8:1-11 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set 3 you[a]free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 16:1-16 (Week 110) 01/17/2020 What Matters to Paul
    1 Romans 16:1-16 (Week 110) 01/17/2020 What Matters to Paul This is my message written out prior to being preached. Please excuse the bullet point format and any grammatical mistakes. This is meant to be spoken. • If you have your Bibles, please open to Romans Chapter 16. • I’ll begin by asking for Grace as I read the first 16 verses. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa.
    [Show full text]
  • Romans 7 Pastor Jeremy Cagle, March 18, 2018
    Romans 7 Pastor Jeremy Cagle, March 18, 2018 Go ahead and turn in your Bibles to the book of Romans. And as you're doing that this morning, we're in a series called "The Book of Romans in Three Months", where we're looking at the Book of Romans over a three month, or 12-week period of time. We're surveying the book and flying over it so you can get the big picture. And the big picture of Romans is this, Jesus saves sinners. The big idea of the book is found in chapter 1, verse 18, if you want to look there with me. Paul writes and he says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Romans is about the power of God for salvation. It's about the gospel, or the good news, and its ability to change lives. In the 1800s, a painting was found in an art gallery in Chicago called "The Rock of Ages," which showed a person clinging to a cross that was firmly embedded in a rock. And as the wind and the waves beat against him, and the ocean crashed at his feet, the man was saved. That's what the book of Romans is about. It's about clinging to the Rock of ages and being delivered. It's about being saved from the storm. I don't have to ask you whether you're in a storm this morning. I'm guessing that you are.
    [Show full text]