Watch a short overview of Romans 16
Dig In:
Passage: Romans 16
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-16, 21-23 - This chapter may not seem very relevant to you, as none of the names Paul mentions are recognizable. However, these names, which represent several different nationalities and levels of society, show exactly what the Church is: a gathering of all sorts of different people who only have one thing in common: they've been grafted into Jesus Christ. It also helps to know that the church has always been comprised of regular, ordinary people.
v17-19 - Paul warns this diverse group of ordinary people with a warning that is just as relevant today as it was then: watch out for smooth talkers who will constantly attempt to get Christians to exchange the truth of the gospel for a lie.
v20 - We've called this three week journey through this awesome letter the Peace Challenge because it's through this book of the Bible that we learn so much about how it is that we've been given peace with God. In fact, Paul calls Him "the God of peace." But God's peace is not passive or weak, rather it's the result of strength and victory. Here's what you can expect as a result of having peace with God:
The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
v25-27 - This awesome epistle ends right where it began: calling you to the obedience that comes from faith (v26). Compare this to chapter 1:5-6.
Old Testament Reference -
Genesis 3:15 - Reread the promise of victory God made to Adam and Eve immediately after they fell into sin, and be reminded to the power and strength the God of Peace has saved you with.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize: a gift certificate to Lakeside Deli.
Suppose that at the very end of Romans, Paul added this line: “If you remember only one thing from this letter, let it be this: …” How do you think Paul would complete that sentence?
What would you say is the main theme (or themes) in the book of Romans?
(Questions taken from The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament.)
NEW:
Dwell:
Keep one of these phrases in your mind throughout the day and come back to it often, asking God to speak to you through these words:
v20 - The God of peace will crush Satan
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our eternal, only wise, victorious God (v26-27)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for establishing you in accordance with the gospel of Jesus (v25)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
