December 10, 2018

You've Gotta Have Friends!

Romans 16:3–16

Antoinette Davis
Monday's Devo

December 10, 2018

Monday's Devo

December 10, 2018

Central Truth

We've got to have friends! God designed us to live life best when we share it with others. We need friends to help us become all that God has created us to be and remind us that there is no life separate from Him.

Romans 16:3–16

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 1 16:5 Greek firstfruit to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, 2 16:7 Or Junias my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, 3 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 4 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.

Footnotes

[1] 16:5 Greek firstfruit
[2] 16:7 Or Junias
[3] 16:7 Or messengers
[4] 16:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17

Dive Deeper | Romans 16:3–16

Friends. Imagine the 1990s television show "Friends" redone with a biblical twist. Paul, Persis, Hermes, Julia, Rufus, Priscilla, and Aquila are all friends, living in community in ancient Corinth. Over the course of time, these friends go through persecution, family troubles, disagreements, growth, laughs, tears, and surprises as they learn what it really means to be a true friend.

Paul knew and understood that God didn’t design us to do life on our own. Scripture is filled with exhortations to engage in community with fellow believers. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 explains, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” We need other believers to help us become all that God has created us to be and remind us that there is no life outside of Christ and obedience to Him.

In the New Testament, Paul’s letters often begin and end with tributes to friends who ministered to him, supported him, counseled him, prayed for him, and loved him. What a beautiful tribute by Paul to people he deeply loved and who had helped him excel in ministry. How different would your life be without the community of believers God has given you? What would your trials and joys be like if you experienced them alone?

God loves to encourage and speak wisdom into His people through the words and actions of a community of believers. If we don’t make time to develop deep Christian friendships and be loved by others, then we miss an opportunity to both give and receive the love and power of God in a real, unique way.

This month's memory verse

The Example of Christ

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

– Romans 15:1

Discussion Questions

1. How would Paul have described you if you were on his list of friends? How would you like to be described?

2. Who are the people who have most encouraged you in your walk with Christ? Make a list of their names and thank God for how each has impacted you. Pick one or two people on your list and send them a note or text thanking them for their impact on you.

3. How are you doing as a friend investing in, ministering to, supporting, counseling, and praying for others? How can you improve as a friend?

4. Paul’s list includes many friends who first heard the gospel from him. Can you share the gospel clearly when you get the chance? Make a list of people in your life who do not know the Lord (your "top ten") and begin to pray for opportunities to share the gospel with them.