The End of the Letter to the Romans
Romans 16:17-27
Dec 29, 2024
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig
I. Introduction
A. This unfortunately is the final study of the Letter to the Romans
1. I feel we have not scratched the surface of all the truths and doctrines that God wrote down for us in this rich Letter
2. We have only dug a few inches deep for all its treasures and truths that go miles in depth!
3. But we are finishing its study today, and moving to another Book
B. Letters like Romans are very important to know, and study and believe
1. Ignorance of this Book in the Bible has made it possible for so many cults and lies to be believed by modern Christians today! Romans is a cornerstone of Theology
2. You would do well to read this Letter with fresh eyes, every year, pondering and studying every subject this Book speaks about – take nothing for granted
C. Because…
1. It is THE Book of the Bible that caused the Reformation, and turned millions of people away from the catholic Church and back to the Gospel!
2. It contains the simplest explanations for the Gospel, how to be saved from sin and God’s judgment, and how to be free from sin’s power
3. And, It explains most of the foundational truths every Christian has to know and believe to be steady and strong in their faith
D. Oh that we loved this Book, and every Book of our Bible!
II. Message
A. Final Warnings (Romans 16:17,18)
1. Romans 16:17,18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
2. Speaking to US – to brethren, Christians. Every church is responsible for doctrinal purity, and must make sure what is taught is from Scripture only, and not from culture, or fancy-talking religious hustlers!
3. Mark them which cause divisions and offenses
a. Mark means, Identify – clearly recognise – don’t be deceived by some teachers
b. Concerning doctrine – absolute truths
c. Criteria – how do we know false doctrines, heresies?
1) Whatever is contrary to what Paul has clearly written in this Book
a) The reason why there are so many different kinds of churches is because so few people know the Bible – they just go where they feel comfortable
b) A good church ALSO is supposed to make you feel VERY uncomfortable
2) Anything or anyone that leads you away from what is written in Scripture, in its context, is not to be believed or obeyed
3) THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING QUESTIONS, and CRITICAL THINKING. Study, learn for yourself!
4) But it is wrong to argue against the clear words of Scripture and to question simply because you want to believe your own theology and promote your own way of worship!
5) I don’t believe what I believe because I like it all – I believe it because it is written
d. The Book of Romans clearly defines Christian doctrine
1) Doctrine is absolute Biblical truth – not opinions, or traditions, but clear truths taught by the Bible alone
2) In other words, Everything discussed in this Book of Romans is Doctrine
3) Anything taught that does not agree with what is written in Romans is questionable
e. So, Learn doctrine – not just the easy stuff! But the complex and hard things
f. Know that there is a real battle over whether people hear the truth
1) 2Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2) All the new bibles (over 200 different ones since 1881)
3) Act 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
4) All the new teachings and revelations and theologies that are popular today
g. Religion is big business, so, it must be anchored to absolute truths, not constantly changing fads and opinions and culture, or else it only DAMNS the hearers!
4. So, Avoid them!
a. Paul commands us Christians to stay clear of such false teachers
b. I try to get along with everybody. But if you are going to teach things clearly different than in this Book, then I will avoid you like the plague!
c. You need to MARK those that divide Christians – identify them, expose them
d. And avoid them – pull away from their influences
e. 2John 1:10,11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (DEITY OF CHRIST), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
f. So,
1) If anyone preaches a different kind of Jesus than is presented in the totality of Scripture, they are to be avoided – we don’t need new Jesus’ or modern Jesus’
2) If anyone preaches, or teaches people are basically good and not sinful to the core, they are to be avoided
3) If anyone preaches or teaches you to hate the Jewish people, and not prioritise them, then THEY are to be avoided – there goes about half of YouTube teachers
4) If anyone teaches or preaches that you need to keep the Law at all to be saved (like keep the Sabbath), then avoid them – run from them
5) If anyone preaches or teaches that you no longer sin, run from them!
6) If anyone preaches or teaches that you have to live right, and constantly believe right in order to STAY saved… avoid them like the plague! There is no condemnation now to the believer!
7) If anyone does NOT teach that we have to serve one another and love one another like Jesus loves us, then AVOID them! Walk away, switch them off.
B. Why avoid them? (Romans 16:18)
1. Can’t we all just get along? Listen to Paul’s reasons…
2. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
3. They do not serve the Lord Jesus – they are not servants, but arrogant, self-important, proud, egotistical manipulators! People who don’t teach only the Bible are above people
4. They are serving only their own belly – they are self-serving, pleasure seeking, hyper-critical, spoiled brats!
5. They use good words, and they use fair speeches to divide brethren
a. Jesus calls men to feed His flock, and teach His people – but these men destroy them
b. Jeremiah 23:1,2 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
c. How do they do it?
d. They use “fine speaking”, that is, “elegance of language” – sound so good!
1) To split churches – to destroy the work of God
2) To come between believers who used to love each other
3) It is like when someone comes between you and your children
4) Or between you and your wife, trying to ruin your marriage
e. They can’t wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
f. 2Corinthians 4:1,2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
g. THIS is going on throughout Christianity!
h. And Solomon sadly says in Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. [IS CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT HE IS BELIEVING]
6. They don’t preach Jesus Christ, they preach themselves
a. They do not seek the things of Christ, like His honour and glory and worship; or like the spread of His Gospel, and the enlargement of His kingdom
b. They seek their own things, worldly honour and applause; riches, wealth, and greatness – and they get it!
c. They don’t seek the joy of the Holy Ghost – they seek the joy of success and pleasure
7. All because… Their god is their belly
a. Their only goal in life now is to keep themselves happy, not the Lord Jesus!
b. And deceive the hearts of simple minded believers to get them to follow them instead
c. Philippians 3:18,19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) [INSTEAD OF LIVING FOR HEAVENLY THINGS]
8. I cannot imagine someone thinking they need to preach and teach Psychology, or teach Emotional Counselling, or Scientific Studies and Research in a church, when God gave us HIS Mind and Heart in the pages of this Book to preach and live by!
C. The Mature Christian (Romans 16:19-20)
1. Has A Good Testimony of Obedience (Romans 16:19)
a. Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad [APPEARANT] unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
b. Do you have a testimony of obedience to the Scriptures?
1) Everyone here needs to be known for doing what they hear the Bible says
2) Not being hearers only
3) LIVE what you learn here – if you are not, then quit calling yourself a Christian
c. Be wise (deep thinking) about good things, and be simple (shallow thinking) about evil things
d. That means:
1) Do NOT study to know all that the homosexual crowd is doing, and what paedophiles do, and what they are doing to children even today! Don’t go deep.
2) When I was a new Christian, we studied the lyrics of the Rock Music of our day – the rhythm and patterns of the drum music, the ways music manipulated young people full of hormones. And it hurt many a young Christian’s walk with God!
3) No one needs to go swimming in the sewer to know that it is dirty!
4) Stay simple about sex, and marriage, and politics, and focus on what are the right things we should be doing like humbling ourselves, and serving, and praying for one another, and losing our lives in the will of God!
5) Study good truths, study godliness, holiness, healthy truths
6) Work on becoming deeply wise in godliness!
7) THIS is how we stay right with God and with each other
2. The Mature Christian, Knows that One day soon, we win (Romans 16:20)
a. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
b. Three great statements about the future
1) The God of peace – the God who brings peace
2) Will bruise Satan – Crush, weaken, wound him
3) Under OUR feet! Not just Jesus’ feet!
c. You know where that promise comes from, right?
1) It is the first promise in the Bible about the Messiah
2) Genesis 3:14,15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent [SATAN], Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity [WAR] between thee [SATAN] and the woman [EVE], and between thy seed [SATAN’S ANTI-CHRIST] and her seed [MESSIAH]; it [THE MESSIAH] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt [ONLY] bruise his heel.
3) Halellujah!
4) That was promised 6,000 years ago, and is about to happen, when Jesus comes again! AMEN!
d. What does it all mean?
1) Jesus took the wrath of God upon Himself at His first coming, but He did not crush the devil yet
2) When Jesus faced Satan the first time on the cross, Satan only bruised Jesus’ heel – wounded His heel (unique fact that the crucifixion is the only form of punishment that could hurt a man’s HEEL, by a nail).
3) When Jesus returns at His Second Coming, He will crush the devil’s HEAD!
4) He CRUSHES the serpent’s head, under OUR feet
5) We Christians will all come BACK with Jesus at His Second Coming and will walk all over the devil!
6) Jesus gives US the honour of stomping on the devil in victory one day soon!
7) Joshua 10:24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
D. Look Who is With Paul (Romans 16:21-24)
1. These FIVE men were with Paul sending greetings also to the Christians in Rome
2. Romans 16:21-23 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
3. Timothy
a. You know Timothy
b. Travelled with Paul, and was taught much by Paul like a son learns from his father
4. Lucius
a. No one is exactly sure who Lucius was, but probably another name for Luke, Lucas
b. He travelled with Paul everywhere since Acts 16, so Luke was probably whom Paul was referring to
5. Jason
a. A kinsman of Paul – a fellow Jewish believer
b. Travelled with Paul helping him preach and teach the Gospel
c. Doing whatever needed to be done so churches could be started and strengthened
6. Sosipator
a. Another kinsman of Paul
b. Travelled with Paul helping him preach and teach the Gospel
c. Doing whatever needed to be done so churches could be started and strengthened
7. Tertius
a. Romans 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
b. The secretary of Paul – carried a satchel full of blank papyrus, with ink and pens
c. Paul authored this long letter, but did not write it down. Tertius did. Paul “dictated” all these words
d. That was how God inspired all the words of every page of your Bible
e. 2Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
f. The New Testament does not have just one author like the Koran did (Muhammed), but 8 different men spake the words of New Testament Scripture, and wrote them down.
g. Tertius was a kinsman of Paul, which means he was a JEW, who wrote down Scripture. (Romans 3:1,2) What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them [THE JEWS] were committed the oracles of God.
8. It is good to Never do the ministry alone. Just be willing to.
a. The Gospel minister needs helpers.
b. Be one or the other
c. A preacher, pastor, teacher, evangelist,… or someone who helps them
d. Just don’t be neither!
E. Doxology – Final Praise of God (Romans 16:25-27)
1. Paul Loves to Pray for God’s Grace Upon Believers (Romans 16:24)
a. Romans 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
b. Paul can’t say this enough! This is the 3rd time he has tried to finish this letter!
c. Emphasizes the grace of the Lord Jesus that every reader needs!
2. Romans 16:25,26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
3. All glory, honour, attention, worship and praise must go to only one Person...
a. He who has the power and the ability to establish and secure you
b. To the God who is only wise - in other words you can trust him because he is only wise, and knows only the best way to do things tomorrow
4. By-the-way, Preaching expects obedience - “for the obedience of faith”
a. Don’t just believe the gospel
b. But repent to an entirely new life as a Christian – to actually live a life of repenting
1) There are people in this room who easily believe that Jesus died for them and that he rose again
2) But have no intention of ever repenting of their own life in living a new one!
3) Are those people saved? Maybe. But none of us will ever know because they are still living just like the world around them...
4) They take on the temperature, the attitude, the lifestyle of the world around them, simply because they do not wish or want to obey the gospel
5) The Gospel calls every person who claims to believe on Christ to now follow him! And to be like him!
5. Final Amen!
a. And then Paul finishes this letter, for the last time! (Romans 16:27)
b. Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
III. Conclusion and Final Review
A. How this letter got HERE...
1. Tertius writes a little postscript of his own at the end of this letter explaining where he had written down Paul’s words, and who was carrying the letter, and what church was behind it all (Romans 16:27) …Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
2. Inspired by God (2Timothy 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
3. Spoken by the Apostle Paul (Romans 1:1,7) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,... To all that be in Rome...
4. Written down by Tertius (Romans 16:22) I Tertius, who wrote this epistle…
5. Copied and carried by Phoebe to the Christians in Rome “sent by Phebe”
6. Read by the Christians in Rome
7. Copied again and sent throughout the world (Colossians 4:16) And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
8. Bound together with 27 other letters and Books into the New Testament
9. And then bound with the Hebrew Old Testament and called ‘o byblios – the Book
10. Translated in Old Latin in 120 AD, and then hundreds of other languages throughout the world
11. Burned, and banned for over 1,500 years
12. Mocked and ignored for the last 100 years
13. And yet, read by us, and studied line by line for the past two years!
B. Where it goes NEXT is up to US
1. Do you believe the Gospel? It can save your soul right now if you would only believe!
2. Has it had any effect on you and your home and family?
3. Then preach it – publish it – give it away – explain it – love it – study it
4. And
most of all – live it!
IV.Vision for 2025
A. Theme
1. Genesis – Where it all began, and Where We Have Gone Wrong – this Book is our pattern; our manual on life that has been neglected to our ruin!
2. Verse by verse, line by line from Chapter 1 until maybe chapter 24 (we will see)
3. We will learn about so many things
a. What Jesus thought about Genesis and all the Old Testament – that it is absolutely true
b. All the Evidences for existence of Almighty God
c. The rewards of faith in that God
d. The awesomeness of God
e. What is a proper worldview – the right lense to see life with
f. What is Sin, and temptation, and how to live in victory from it
g. The Consequences of rebellion, and living without God
h. God's righteous Judgments on sin
i. God’s Covenants and Dispensations towards mankind throughout history
j. How to walk with God
k. We will study Typology in the Bible
l. The Trinity. The Godhead
m. Eternity and Time
n. Science and the Bible
o. Marriage – roles, problems and answers
p. Modesty
q. More than you probably knew was in the Bible, but it is written for our learning
B. What are we Seeking in 2025 as a church?
1. The will of God for us as a Church – what He wants us to do and accomplish and go through next year
2. Work – not just attending and watching a Church service, but hearing the words of God, and learning them, and doing what they say do with all our might
3. And the winning of souls, and their discipleship
4. We are here as a lighthouse, for others.
a. Yes we all get such a blessing, and so much help from church, but we exist to win souls and teach them how to follow Jesus
b. Christ left us here to turn our world upside down
c. To reach THIS generation
C. We Make a Plan
1. We PLAN to keep Assembling, Preaching, Discipling, Teaching, Fellowshipping, Serving, Loving
a. Part of the rhythm and cycles of the life of the believers here
b. Church is our anchor – the centrepoint of our week and our schedules
c. Every body IN this body of believers needs to be a part, doing their part
d. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
e. 1Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
f. 1Corinthians 12:12,13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
g. That’s why we schedule to go out door to door evangelising on Saturdays
h. That’s why we have Family Bible Class, and Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer
i. That’s why we have Sunday preaching at 11am
j. That’s why we schedule Discipleship classes, and Children’s Church, and Prayer meetings
2. And we PLAN special events as a Church as well – to glue us closer…
a. We are handing out copies of the Church Calendar right now
b. Valentine’s Day Dinner - Friday, February 14, 6.30pm, right here
c. Edger Feghaly will be reporting on the Middle East - Wednesday, March 12, 7pm
d. We will be in the Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballincollig - Monday, March 17th
1) We will invite all of Ballincollig to send kids to learn “How God Made David a King”
2) We will build a beautiful Float with young David facing Goliath and his army, with a spinning slingshot
e. Mother’s Day - Sunday, March 30th at 11am – honour Mom’s
f. We will have The Lord’s Last Supper - Sunday, April 13th, 11am, with a real Passover Supper, followed by the Lord’s Remembrance Supper
g. Resurrection Sunday (EASTER) - Sunday, April 20th, 11am – an important presentation of the Gospel that you need to sign up to help with
h. Men’s Camp in Durrow – Joab - Thursday – Saturday, April 23-26
i. Church 31st Anniversary - Sunday, June 8th (All Day) - Picnic-Style Luncheon
j. Father’s Day - Sunday, June 15th, 11am
k. Church
Family Camp in Castledaly - Monday – Saturday, June 30 - July 5
The entire week this time, with twice as many of us being able to go!
l. Children’s
Bible Club
- Monday – Friday, August 11 – 15
“How God Made David a King”
m. “Light-the-Night” Church Activity - Friday, October 31st, 6.30 – 9pm
n. Christmas Play/Cantata - Sunday, December 21, 11am
o. Christmas Day Service - Thursday, December 25th, 11am – Noon
p. New Year’s Eve Church Fellowship - Wednesday, December 31st, 7 – 11pm
D. Nita and I will be in the States from May until first week of July
1. We have done this before
2. Just get into the rhythm, and serve one another, and love one another
E. All the members of this body of believers can help – will you?
F. Joshua 25:15 says, “As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord!”
G. Will you decide to do the same for 2025?