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4000 E.
Collins Rd. “Preaching
the Living Word through the Written Word (2Tim 4:2)” |
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FINAL EXHORTATION
TO OBEDIENCE (Romans
16:19-23) 7/5/09 Grace Bible Church, Gillette, Wyoming Pastor I.
REMAIN OBEDIENT
AND FAITHFUL (19-20) A.
Paul writes
that the obedience of the believers in Rome has been wide spread and he
desires for them to stay faithful (19). 1. Paul’s meaning for obedience (hupakoế: hupo
- under and akoúō - to hear or listen;
to come under subjection to what has been heard) would be two-fold. The first would the “obedience
of faith” (Ro 1:5; 16:26) that means they heard the gospel and responded to
it in faith. They were obedient in believing (Jn 6:28-29). This does not mean
they worked toward salvation by works. 2. Secondly, they became obedient to the Lord in living
for Him and serving Him as a result of their salvation (Ro 15:18; Ja 2:17-20; 1Ti 1:5; Ti 2:11-14; 1Jn 2:5-6). This became
quite apparent in Paul’s final salutation to the 27 names of co-laborers in
Christ at Rome (Ro 16:3-15). Such obedience and maturity is cause for Paul’s
rejoicing (chaírō).
3. In a final admonition, Paul desires for the
believer’s at Rome to be wise and knowledgeable in the things that are good (agathós).
However, he wants them to be pure and innocent in the things that are evil (kakós).
This is very similar to what Paul said to the Philippians (Ph 2:15) and what Jesus
said to His disciples (Mt 10:16). God desires that believers know all about
how to do good works, but know nothing about how to do to evil. B.
Paul gives a
promise along with his admonition that the God of peace will soon crush Satan
under their feet (20). 1. A favorite name of God by Paul that he used in
several epistles was the “God of Peace.” God made peace with sinful man
through Christ (Ro 5:1). He is the God of peace for all believers (Ro 15:33).
There is peace in knowing that God is the One who is sanctifying believers
(Ph 4:9). Now Paul tells the believers in Rome that they can have peace
knowing that God will shortly crush Satan under their feet. a) As for the reference to Satan, some take this to an
immediate reference that the false teachers will be stopped shortly. Though
possible, it is a fact that there will always be false teachers. b)
It is better to take this phrase with respect to Ge 3:15, “He (Christ) shall
bruise you (Satan) on the head.” This refers to the final defeat of Satan. Though Satan’s works
have ultimately been rendered powerless (1Jn 3:8; He 2:14), he is still at
large and able to influence and oppress mankind (Ep 2:2; 6:12). However, a
time is coming when he will be completely stopped, removed, and eternally
punished, i.e. “crushed” (Re 20:10). b) However, until that time believers must rely upon
the enabling “grace” of our Lord Jesus Christ. This promise of victory and
grace brings peace to the soul of every believer and encourages them to remain
obedient and faithful. II.
PAUL’S CURRENT
CO-WORKERS (21-23) A.
It is not just
that Paul wanted to mention everyone in his epistle, Paul’s personal
relationships, especially with co-laborers, were heartfelt. B.
Paul mentions
those who were currently with him and were co-workers. 1. Timothy a) Timothy, being one of Paul’s most known companions,
was very possibly one of his converts and taken under his wing (1Co 4:17; 1Ti
1:2; 2Ti 2:1). b) Timothy was also a co-worker (sunergós -work together) in the Lord with Paul
and was obviously with Paul at the writing of Romans. 2. Lucius a) Lucius was probably not another form of “Luke” since
Lucius may have been a Jew. b) He was probably the Lucius of Cyrene (Ac 13:1-3) and
one of the leaders in the church who sent Paul and Barnabas on their first
missionary journey, per instructions by the Holy Spirit. 3. Jason a) Jason was probably the same Jason from Thessalonica
whose house was attacked because he took in Paul and Silas. b) Jason himself was dragged out of the house and
brought before the authorities (Ac 17:5-7,9). 4. Sosipater a) Sosipater <so-sip'-a-ter> is quite possibly a different form of the name Sopater who according to Ac 20:4, accompanied Paul on
this third missionary journey. b) Sosipater was also a fellow Jew
(“kinsman”). 5. Tertius a) Tertius was Paul’s amanuensis
(secretary who wrote as Paul’s dictation), which was Paul’s custom perhaps due
in part to his poor eyesight (Ac 23:2-5 cp. Ga 6:11). b) Though at times Paul would sign
his name or a distinguishing mark (2Th 3:17; Co 4:18; 1Co 16:21). III. OBSERVATIONS AND APPLICATIONS A.
Obedience was the Character of Christ (He 5:8) B.
Obedience was the Basis for Christ’s Righteousness (He 5:9 - “having
finished perfect” cp. Ro 5:17-19) C.
Obedience is the Believer’s Evidence of Salvation 1. Obedience in Believing on
Christ (Jn 6:28-29; 1Pe 1:2) 2. Obedience in Serving the Lord (Ph
2:12) 3. Obedience in God’s Word (2Co
10:5) 4. Obedience in Good Works (1Pe
1:22) 5. Obedience in Purity (1Pe 1:14) |
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