Not-So-Ordinary People
Kris Brenes
Part of Ordinary People
June 24, 2024

Phoebe

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae … —Romans 16:1

Not-so-ordinary people in Rome…

  • Prisca and Aquila

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus… —Romans 16:3

  • Andronicus and Junia

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. —Romans 16:7

  • Tryphaena, Tryphosa and Persis

Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. —Romans 16:12

  • Rufus and his mother (Romans 16:13; Mark 15:21)

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. —Romans 16:13

Ordinary people demonstrate their love for God by sharing His love with others.

Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus is welcome in God’s kingdom.

  • God’s love extends beyond social, racial, cultural, and gender barriers.

  • God’s love unites us around a common mission.

The Gospel is the power of God for salvation for all people.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. —Romans 1:16

God invites us to partner with Him in telling His Story. Who will you tell?

  • Start a conversation.
  • Ask questions.
  • Listen.
  • Tell the story.

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ… —Romans 16:25

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

God works through ordinary people to build His church and advance His kingdom. The church in Rome was no exception. Many of us probably skim through the list of names in Romans 16 and wonder how it is relevant to our spiritual life today. These men and women demonstrated the love God has for all people. They also showed how ordinary people can respond to God’s love by sharing His love with others. Let’s be like these ordinary people. This summer, let’s practice SALT and trust God to work through us as we start conversations, ask questions, listen, and look for opportunities to tell God’s story.

Romans 16:1-16, 25-27; Romans 1:16-17; Mark 15:21; Acts 11:19-21; John 3:16

Discussion questions:

  • Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

  • Read Romans 16:1-16. Which of the people Paul mentioned did you find the most interesting? Why?

  • Which descriptions of ordinary church members stood out to you? What would you like to be said about you? What steps can you take to embody those values in a greater way?

  • Read Acts 11:19-21. The first-century church grew because its leaders were so focused on sharing God’s love that they were content serving in anonymity. How does your ego handle when you don’t receive credit for something you do (ie: project at work, an idea, place where you serve)? Why do we want recognition so badly?

  • Read Romans 1:16-17 and 16:25-27. Where are you a “regular”? How will you create space this summer to start conversations, ask questions, listen, and tell God’s story? As a group, practice sharing the Gospel message.

Take a Step

  • Consider the last question. Where are you a “regular”? Carve out some time this summer to share your love with others by practicing SALT.

Here’s My Prayer

Thank You, Jesus, for giving us examples of ordinary people being used by You in powerful ways to move Your mission forward. I believe that Your Gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who receives it by faith. Work through my life as You worked through the lives of the people in the early church so I can be a light for You and bring many into Your kingdom. Give me boldness and courage as I open my mouth to tell others about the goodne