The Christians in Rome encouraged others because of their obedience (see Romans 16:19-20). Their obedience brought joy to Paul and he responded in turn by urging them to be discerning in their obedience about what is good and what is evil. He encouraged them further by reminding them of God’s plan regarding Satan. Lastly, he encouraged them by praying that the Lord Jesus would bless them.Step 4 of “Relate Appropriately”: Paul’s example reminds us also to encourage Christians who excel in some spiritual discipline. Do you urge other Christians to be discerning in their application? Do you encourage them to remember the promises of the God we serve? Do you pray for them? In doing so, remember to use gracious speech. Would you advise comparing them to others? What did Titus observe that encouraged him?
Make a list of spiritual disciplines and ask members what they could give a person to encourage that person to practice the spiritual discipline. For example, give a map of local-park, walking trails to encourage meditating alone with God.
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I'm currently reading John Piper's book "Future Grace," and chapter 4 has an interesting observation related to Romans 16:20. Here's a snippet:
The only life I have left to live is future life. The past is not in my hands to offer or alter. It is gone. Not even God will change the past. All the expectations of God are future expectations. All the possibilities of faith and love are future possibilities. And all the power that touches me with help to live in love is future power. As precious as the bygone blessings of God may be, if he leaves me only with the memory of those, and not with the promise of more, I will be undone. My hope for future goodness and future glory is future grace. ... Without exception the apostle Paul begins and ends each of this thirteen New Testament letters by blessing his Christian readers with future grace.
Here are the references he mentions:
Rom. 1:7, 16:20
1 Cor. 1:3, 16:23
2 Cor. 1:2, 13:14
Gal. 1:3, 6:18
Eph 1:2, 6:24
Phil. 1:2, 4:23
Col. 1:2, 4:18
1 Thess. 1:1, 5:28
2 Thess. 1:2, 3:18
1 Tim. 1:2, 6:21
2 Tim. 1:2, 4:22
Titus 1:4, 3:15
Philem. 3, 25
(Hopefully I don't have any typos there)
In each of Paul's letters, he starts by saying "grace to you." I take that to mean "I, Paul, am about to deliver a measure of God's grace to you through what I'm about to say." Then at the end, he says "grace be with you." He's saying, "Now that I've imparted a measure of God's grace to you, I pray that it will stay with you and fuel your faith."
I'm only through the first 7 of 31 chapters, but one of Piper's main points thus far is that "faith" is "faith in future grace or goodness from God." The fact that every letter Paul wrote starts and ends this way is intriguing.
I'm not sure how/if I'm going to work that into my lesson yet but wanted to share it with you.
Cameron, your comment reminds me of the previous lessons on grace from Romans. The Lifeway Leader Guide (p. 135) also makes the point that grace starts and ends Paul’s letters.
Taking off on your point that Paul delivers grace in his epistles, clearly each letter is a blessing from God. We didn’t merit having access to God’s Word, but He chose to bless us with it, and as you say, it certainly stays with us and strengthens our faith.
I’m going to use an illustration that comes from Bill Gaither’s book, It’s More Than The Music. While in middle school in 1949, Gaither demonstrated great interest in the new style “gospel music.” He listened to radio programs, bought 78 LPs, and organized mock performances where he was the DJ. He loved listening to Wally Fowler’s All-Night Signing broadcast live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Bill asked his parents to drive him 8 hours to Nashville to see and hear a show in person. Here is a portion of what Bill wrote (p. 33).
“Dad was a farmer and a toolmaker in an auto parts factory, and Mom was a homemaker who played a bit of piano. Neither of them was musically inclined, and they certainly had no illusions about my one day making a living as a gospel musician. Nevertheless, they recognized that I had a passionate interest in this phenomenon, and they loved me enough to encourage me even though at the time, my interest made little sense to them.
Amazingly, Dad and Mom consented to take me to Nashville. I was so excited, I could hardly wait.”
Many parents would have said “no,” but Bill’s parents’ willingness to encourage him in the grace gift of music helped develop a talent that has blessed countless millions.
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