Romans 16:21-27
Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith — to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Devotion
Paul concludes his letter to the Romans with greetings from those in Corinth and praise to God. Timothy was Paul’s close friend and coworker since his second missionary journey. Tertius was Paul’s scribe. Once again, we see the importance of “others” as we work together to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
Paul’s letter to the church at Rome started (chapters 1-11) by defining and describing sin. “Sin’s consequence was judgement. The result of which was death. Our sin debt could only be paid for by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He shed His perfect blood on our behalf as payment for our sin debt. Then we are told how to live as a Christian. Satan no more has dominion over us. We belong to Jesus who bought us with His own blood” (Ray Stedman). Next, we learn how to relate to fellow believers (chapters 12-15). Finally, we see the men and women who influenced Paul’s life in Rome. It reminds us that ministry takes a team of committed believers, each doing their part, to see men and women come to know Christ as Lord and Savior.
The “mystery” that Paul refers to in verse 25 means that “it” had not been revealed in the Old Testament. “It” here refers to the present age when God is taking both Jew and Gentile and fashioning them into one Body, the church. Here we see the obedience of faith. When you trust Christ, you will obey Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Obedience is the work and fruit of faith.
Questions to Ponder
Who is pouring into your life spiritually? Whose life are you pouring into spiritually? What are you trusting Jesus for today? Do you hear the voice of the Great Shepherd speaking to you through God’s Word? What is one area of your life you need to surrender to Christ? Are you living today as a “living sacrifice”?
Prayer Points
- Worship the LORD as Your God and faithful Shepherd.
- Thank Him for your own salvation. Thank Him for those who prayed for you, led you to Christ, and walk with you on your journey.
- Confess any wicked ways in you, any offense or unforgiveness you may have. Ask for forgiveness for cherishing sin in your heart and broken fellowship with Him. Repent from all sins and receive afresh His forgiveness, mercy, and grace.
- Ask the Lord to guide and lead your heart today, grant you greater love for Him and others, help you to hear His voice and walk in obedience, and listen and obey.
Suggested Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for being You, just as You are. There is none like You. Forever You have been, and forever You will be, God. I praise You, Lord, that in Your strength and power You hold the stars in place, command the rising of the sun, and know each star in the galaxies by name. I declare glory, power, and majesty to You, oh God, who sits on the throne! You are worthy, oh LORD, the Slain Lamb, soon-coming Bridegroom King.
I ask, Lord, that You shepherd me and Your church, Oak Pointe, to continue to be guilty of having beautiful feet that bring the Gospel of peace. Cotinine to empower us with Your indwelling Holy Spirit to encourage and bless each other as we pour into one another, speaking truth in love as we live a life as a living sacrifice.
Cause each one of our lives to be a sweet-smelling fragrance unto You, my Lord and my God. For our lives are not our own, but Yours, oh God. I ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.