Practical Theology

Part 43 - Romans 16:17-27
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: A unified church is centered on Christ, His Gospel, and all for God’s glory.

I. Focus on Jesus (vv. 17-20)
Romans 16:17-20
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

A. Paul’s love for the church and his heart for its community is evident here. While we don’t know the exact nature of the false teaching Paul is admonishing the church to steer clear of, we do know that his focus has been on sound doctrine, and anyone or anything that detracts or hinders from that priority is to be avoided.

B. The church is called to:

1. Center on Messiah Jesus and His teachings (vv. 17-18 cf. Phil. 3:17-21) – False teachers serve themselves rather than Christ; they use Jesus rather than love Him.
Philippians 3:17-21
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

2. Unite around Christ and His teaching (v. 17; cf. 2 Tim. 2:14-19; 2 Pet. 2:1-3) – False teachers divide the church rather than unite it around Jesus and they often use rhetoric, not sound doctrine, to persuade people.
2 Timothy 2:14-19
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of 14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

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
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

2 Peter 2:1-3
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

C. When we focus on Jesus, we have an assurance that He will return and usher in Satan’s final defeat. This assurance strengthens our faith and helps us stand firm in trying times.

II. Emphasize God’s Glory (vv. 21-27)
Romans 16:21-27
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

A. Paul ends this majestic letter in the most appropriate fashion by reminding us that good theology has the ultimate goal of highlighting God’s glory. The purpose of study is not simply intellectual exercise, but to lead God’s people into deeper levels of relationship with Him that He may be worshiped, and His people built up.

B. We praise God through:

1. The proclamation of the Gospel (vv. 25-26).

2. The study of His Word (v. 26).

3. Faithful obedience to His Word (v. 26).

C. God, in His goodness and wisdom, has revealed to us His salvation through Messiah Jesus and is worthy of all glory and praise (cf. Eph. 3:14-21).
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.