Romans Chapter 16 

AN APPLAUDABLE CHURCH

Introduction:

        This concluding chapter has several references to the local church.

                 "Church"        vv 1,5

               "Churches"     vv 4,16

               "Mystery"        v 26; Eph 3:3,6; Eph 2:20

         Marks of an applaudable church from this chapter and others of this Epistle

         - Church at Rome (v 19; 1:8)

1. Admonishing one another 

             15:14

            All members important (vv 23,11b)

            Daily exhortation (Heb 3:12,13)

            Resulting from fullness of Spirit (Eph 5:18,19)

            and Scripture (Col 3:16)

2. Appreciating the sincere

          vv 3-16, 21-24

          Honour one another (Rom 12:10)

          Esteem others better (Phil 2:3b)

           Appreciation is a great incentive. We lose nothing but others gain a lot!

3. Assisting the needy

          vv1,2

          Help the household of faith (Gal 6:9-10)

          Help the saints (Rom 12:13a)

          Material help (1 Jn 3:16-19)

4. Annuciating the Gospel

          vv 4,6,7,12,19a; 1:8

           Women's active part -

        •    Phobe (v 1)            •    Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis (v12) 

        •    Priscilla (v 3)           •    Mother of Rufus (v13) 

        •    Mary (v 6)              •    Julia and Nereus' sister (v15) 

5. Avoiding the false

          vv 17-19

          Stand on the pure Gospel (1 Cor 15:1-5)

          How to identify the false (1 Jn 2:26-27)

          Don't even greet the false (2 Jn 9-11)

6. Adoring the Lord  

        vv 25-27

        The Church to glorify God (Eph 3:20-21)

        Built to offer praise (1 Pet 2:4,5)

        Sacrifice of praise (Heb 13:14,15)

7. Abating the Enemy

        v 20

        Church Vs Gates of Hell (Mt 16:18)

Conclusion

          The overcoming Church becomes the Bride of Christ and it will receive

           the Heavenly applause!