February 6, 2014

BOX SCORE: GOD OF PEACE (2-0) CRUSHES SATAN (0-2) IN LAKE OF FIRE RIVALRY

Romans 16

Adam Miller
Thursday's Devo

February 6, 2014

Thursday's Devo

February 6, 2014

Central Truth

When Satan reminds you of your past (inadequacies, failures, sin), remind him of his future: that he has been and will be defeated by our Savior Jesus Christ.

Key Verse | Romans 16:20

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Romans 16:20)

Romans 16

Personal Greetings

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant 1 16:1 Or deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert 2 16:5 Greek firstfruit to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, 3 16:7 Or Junias my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, 4 16:7 Or messengers and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers 5 16:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17 who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Final Instructions and Greetings

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, 6 16:18 Greek their own belly and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 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. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. 7 16:23 Some manuscripts insert verse 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen

Doxology

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 16:1 Or deaconess
[2] 16:5 Greek firstfruit
[3] 16:7 Or Junias
[4] 16:7 Or messengers
[5] 16:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17
[6] 16:18 Greek their own belly
[7] 16:23 Some manuscripts insert verse 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen

Dive Deeper | Romans 16

Look at God's track record as a General Manager. He has pulled together the most rag-tag team of wild cards, nobodies, and never-has-beens to fulfill His will and carry out His game plan.

Take a look at the starting lineup: Abraham, who actually fell on his face laughing at God (Genesis 17:17) and twice claimed that his wife was his sister to save his own hide. Jacob, a swindling con artist who played favorites with his wives and children. Moses, a murderer that struggled with insecurity and a speech impediment. He questioned God's rationale and had multiple excuses why he could not possibly play quarterback (Exodus 3-4). David, an adulterer who resorted to lies and eventually murder to cover up his sexual sin. And finally Paul, who violently pursued and eliminated anyone who stood in his way and threatened his authority and position in a man-made system.

The bench? Well, Paul mentions here in Romans 16 over 35 people, most of whom no one has ever heard of today. Now insert your name here: ______________. What is your story? What has God rescued and redeemed you from?

God uses broken, unlikely vessels to accomplish His will. "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NASB) We bring nothing to the team. God uses us despite ourselves and our best efforts. He sees potential in us that no one else can see, and He is able to get far more out of us than we ever thought was humanly possible.

In the aforementioned list of Bible superstars, I can only imagine the lies that Satan was telling them, "No one will ever listen to you after what you did. God could not possibly forgive you for that. Just imagine what those people think about you!"

But we know how this all ends. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. We have been redeemed and forgiven to live a new life free from the bondage of sin. In the end, we win, so play like a champion today and listen to truth from the Holy Spirit instead of lies from Satan.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some lies that Satan uses to discourage and distract you from fulfilling God's will for you life?

2. Do you find it is easier to feel forgiven by God than to forgive yourself?

3. What is it that you are still holding on to that you need to fully give to God?

4. What do you think God sees when He sees you?