Romans 16:19: “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
Don’t we all want our parents and our boss to be proud of us? We want reaffirmation that our efforts have been appreciated and noticed regarding our benefit in what we do or have done as we became an adult, and in our work role. However, what is even more critical, is for God to say to us – You have been faithful to me. Well done – good job!
Paul lists in the last chapter of Romans, thirty-five people that stood out to him from being a benefit to him in his ministry. Many of the people he listed were unknown. It is the most extensive list and intimate expression of love for fellow believers and coworkers in the whole New Testament. It gives us a glimpse of the character of this early church and how personal Paul was in his relationships with people. Friends were important to him besides being a soul winner.
Paul mentions ten women, two married couples, single people, five men that appear to be spiritual leaders, two groups of whole households, and at least three groups that represented house churches, that had influenced people for Christ with Paul, that he is sending greetings to in the last chapter of Romans. He lists Epenetus, the first convert in Asia. One name of particular interest to me was Aristobulus. He was a grandson to Herod the Great. The very one that had tried to annihilate Jesus by killing all the Jewish males under two years of age. Herod was a butcher of anyone threatening his power. Yet his grandson is listed among the household of faith in Paul’s list, that had been of benefit to Paul and stood out in Paul’s memory as being durable and faithful leaders. Each one held a positive memory and contribution to Paul’s ministry.
I can think of five people that have encouraged and influenced my Christian walk during my lifetime as Paul said in Romans 16:19b: “to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” Who are the people in your life that have done the same for you?
We must remember to keep doing the main thing which is the main thing: To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as Christ has loved us. Jesus warned the apostles in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Even today we must use good judgment and be aware of false teachers while reading books and listening to various teachers and preachers trying to convince one that they are teaching the truth. Paul says to identify them and avoid them.
Despite our maturity in Christ, we must expect disillusioning crisis circumstances will occur, but to be unwavering in our perseverance and endurance in maintaining our Christian character.
Studying the book of Romans should make us more stable in our faith, clearer in doctrine, understanding principles to live by, and grasping the power of scripture and prayer. Then we must apply God’s will to our lives by walking fully in the grace and glory of God, demonstrating love for one another in unity, as we march forth today in His presence, in obedience and staying faithful. How have you been challenged in these areas recently?
May God say “Well done! Good job!”
Listen to The Afters – Well Done (Official Lyric Video).