Geoff Hohneck
Romans 16
VALUE YOUR FRIENDS AND BEWARE YOUR FOES
12 January 2014
As Paul wraps up his master doctrinal treatise, he names more than twenty people for their contributions. Though they were ordinary people, and though all we know of them is from this one-off recognition, he still sees fit to recognise their contributions to the work of the gospel in the community. So even though it seems like his closing remarks are a mere formality they are anything but.
It would be remiss of us to gloss over these name because they've been placed here by the purpose of the Holy Spirit. And when we take a closer look at these names, two distinct groups emerge. What’s more, there are lessons to be learned from each.
Sermon Outline:
1. Those who serve in building God’s kingdom (vs 1-16; 21-23)
- God uses different people
- God uses people in different ways
- God uses people in loyal friendships
2. Those who deceive and obstruct God’s kingdom (vs 17-20)
- they cause division and hindrances
- we are to turn away from them
3. What should our attitude be? What are we to do?
- celebrate and be grateful for kingdom builders
- turn away from deceiving destroyers