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 - 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.

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Paul has a reason to be concerned about the establishment of the believers, which is given in Rom 16:17-18 – the false teachers! They cause dissensions (divisions) and hindrances. Such people have a different objective – their belly is their god. 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 (Rom.16:19)– or in other words we need discernment.

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In the same verse Paul gives the key to be established – the gospel of Jesus Christ or the Word of God

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WHAT IS THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION?
 

Two ways the Bible portrays the Word of God are: water and mirror.

• Washing of water with the Word – Eph.5:26

• Looks intently at the perfect law- James1:25 (mirror)

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Both the above aspects of the Word are beautifully combined in the picture of the brazen laver in the Tabernacle. (Exo 30:17-21; Exo 38:8; Exo 40:7)

• Purpose of the Laver - Ex.30:17-21
  For washing or cleansing, before they enter the tent of meeting. A believer is in need of daily cleansing - the Word cleanses us!!
   

• Preparation of the Laver - Exo 38:8
  The laver was to be made from the looking glasses (mirrors) of the women who were serving at the door gate.
   

• Place to keep the Laver - Exo 40:7
  Between the tent of meeting and the altar

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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 “dirts” we need to do the cleansing process. It is through repentance and washing by the blood of Christ (1John 1:7-9).

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• Word makes us Wise
  Psa 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 drifting 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.

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  Promise:

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ……”  

1Peter 5:10