A common theme. Romans 16 is kind of fun. I love how Paul gives us this little peek into his personal life and acquaintances. It's quite a group of people (if I'm counting correctly 26 specifically by name as well as a few others). So did you do like me and find yourself wondering what some of these people were like in person? Well one thing is for certain, they all loved the Lord. Paul also lets us know many times throughout this greeting that these people are workers and servants for Him.
So what does that tell us about us as Christ-followers and what working for the Lord looks like? (Keep in mind we all have different skills and gifting so our answers won't be the same.) Any thoughts on how we can maximize our work and service? Tami W.
God created all people so we are His. We have to become more observant about our surrounding. We have to be on the look out for persons who need care and love. Someone may just need us to visit and read to them or to help them with their grocery shopping; someone to talk to on the phone. We never know if that person is lonely and needs support. Being there for them will I believe increase their faith in Jesus that He still loves them.
Tami, I just clled my brother, Winston in England and he is not doing very well, he is losing blood and also weight. He needs to have an operation so I am asking for your prayers and that God will lift him up, bless him and heal him. Jesus has never forsaken me and I know He is not going to do so now, so please add your prayers too.
God bless you all, and have a good and godly day and weekend.
Love and hugs
Joan
its great when there are people working together for the sake of Jesus Christ. These people in the passage set the example of what each individual can do in their work for Christ and the unity and brotherly love that were there for each other and i believe that they had their personal issues but they choose to be servants for Christ. I agree with Joan in that we can do our part by reminding someone about the love of Christ and encourage their faith in him, we just have to open our self to those around us and be that servant for Christ even winning souls which is the ultimate. Please pray for me , i have these inner battles i have been praying about and i really need to be set free , even in my thoughts , and truly it makes doing things for God difficult because they get overwhelming at times. I find that the things that i should do i dont do them but those things i know i should not do ,i do. Just like Paul , i need Gods Grace to see me through.Gods blessing
Joan i pray for ur brother that he will recieve his healing . I pray that as he lift his faith up to God he will feel that healing virtue flowing through his body. I pray that God will lift him up and that he will testify of Gods goodness in Jesus name amen. Joan rememeber these words in Psalms 137v8 "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me[you]"
Joan, we'll definitely be praying for your brother. Thank you for sharing with us.
Dian, you'll be in our prayers as well. Thanks for being vulnerable and allowing us to lift you up to our Heavenly Father.
Tami W.
Dear Dian and Tami, Thanks so much for your prayers. Dian this prayer is for you.
Dear Lord Jesus, We thank you for Your many blessings of yesterday and today, your love, your guidance, Your protection and provision. We ask You to come to Dian and in your understanding love when all around her seem dark and uncertain, when her faith is low and she cannot feel you near, when things seem to be slipping away and she may find it hard to pray, Come to her then Dear Lord as you came to your disciples, in the darkest hour of the night, and let the light of Your Presence dispel all her fears, renew her trust, bring peace to her heart for your temder mercies sake. We ask everything in Jesus' name. Amen
You are right about the passage being fun. I first set out to see how many people were mentioned (see below) and then what described these workers. The passage provides a vivid description about what a Christ-follower looks like. Words like helpers of many, workers, beloved in the Lord, hard workers, kinsmen, fellow prisoners, outstanding among the apostles, choice man in the Lord, and people who risked their lives. This is no small task or something to gloss over. While these are good descriptors, the message is clear that we are to be obedient, wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. I think we can maximize our work and service by hanging out with the kind of acquaintances Paul did. Now that is a team! God bless you all!
Single Reference (35): Phoebe, Urbanus, Prisca, Aquila, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Epaenetus, Mary, Persis, Andronicus, Junias, Herodion, Ampliatus, Stachys, Apelles, Rufus, Mother of Rufus, Mother of Tertius, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, Julia, Nereus, Sister of Nereus, Olympas, Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Gaius, Erastus, Quartus
Multiple Reference: household of Narcissus, household of Aristobulus, more brethren, more saints
My prayers will include all of you.