Romans 16:1-27
Thursday, 15 July 2021
“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ……” -Romans 16:25
In this concluding chapter of Romans, after personal greetings Paul is commenting on the very subject that was his concern in the first chapter of Romans (1:11)—the establishment of the believers in the church at Rome. Growth and stability are the core issues that concern the Apostle all through his ministry. After planting churches at various places, he visited those churches repeatedly to ensure their growth. Paul has a reason to be concerned about the establishment of the believers, which is given in Vs.17& 18 – the false teachers! They cause dissensions (divisions) and hindrances. Such people have a different objective – they deceive the hearts of simple believers by smooth and flattering words. Paul goes on to say that a believer needs to be wise towards what is good and innocent towards what is evil (Romans 16:19)– or in other words, we need discernment. In the same verse Paul gives the key to be established – the gospel of Jesus Christ or the Word of God. Looking into the practical application of this aspect, there are two images that the Bible portrays the Word of God: water and mirror.
Washing of water with the Word (Eph.5:26)
Looks intently at the perfect law as in a mirror ( James 1:23-25)
Both the above aspects of the Word are beautifully combined in the picture of the brazen laver in the Tabernacle. (Exodus 30:17-21; 38:8; 40:7)
Purpose of the Laver (Ex.30:17-21): For washing or cleansing, before they enter the tent of meeting.
Preparation of the Laver (Ex.38:8): The laver was made from the looking glasses (mirrors) of the women who were serving at the door gate.
Place to keep the Laver (Exodus 40:7): Between the tent of meeting and the altar.
All the above point to a cleansing aspect of God’s Word for a believer.
The one who is made righteous through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (the altar) needs a cleansing daily. Aaron and the priests were instructed to do the washing each time before they entered the sanctuary to minister. A servant of God needs to cleanse himself on each occasion he/she stands to minister. Like a mirror, the Word will expose our short falls. But as we know that a mirror will only show us the dirt, but cannot wash it, in the same manner when the word shows our “dirt” we need to do the cleansing process. A believer is in need of daily cleansing through repentance and washing by the blood of Christ (1John 1:7-9).
Other aspects of God’s Word:
Word makes us Wise Ps. 119:97-99 - the Word God makes us wiser than our enemies and teachers.
Word will build us up The Word is able to build you - Acts.20:32 – And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up…!!
The Word is able to save our souls James 1:21: Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Attention to the Word keeps us from being drifted away Hebrews 2:1 - For this reason we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.
May God’s Word establish and strengthen you!
Let us pray: that the God of all grace………will Himself…………establish us (based on 1 Peter 5:10)