Romans 16:5b-7

 

Romans 16:5b-7

Who Were in Christ

 

Rom 16:5  Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 

Rom 16:6  Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 

Rom 16:7  Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 

 

          1.      Marks of Those that Should be Honored for their Christians Service

a.       Epaenetus

                                                              i.      Well-beloved

1.      Do you bring your church leaders joy or grief?

a.       Hebrews 13:17 

2.      Do others offer the Lord thanksgiving when they think of your service to the church?

a.       3 John 1:1-4 

                                                            ii.      A source of pride and joy to those that brought you to Christ

1.      If the person who led you to the Lord could see you now, would they be proud to claim you as a convert?

a.       1 Thessalonians 3:6-9 

b.      Mary

                                                              i.      A faithful hard-working servant

1.      Are you the first to volunteer for the jobs that no one else wants?

a.       John 13:3-6 

2.      Would you refuse to help someone you knew was in need, because you knew it would be humbling to serve them?

a.       Philippians 2:3 

3.      Are you grounded deep enough in the word to be an effective servant for the Lord?

a.       2 Timothy 2:15 

4.      Do you have the attitude of Christ when you think of serving your fellow believer?

a.       Mark 10:45 

c.       Andronicus and Junia

                                                              i.      Personable

1.      Paul mentions that Andronicus and Junia are kinsmen by which he means they are fellow Jews. It is easy to imagine however, that he says this because of his great personal affection for them.

a.       Paul’s greetings in all his letters are so deeply personal and affectionate

                                                                                                                                      i.      Philippians 1:7-8 

                                                            ii.      Willing to suffer alongside fellow believers

1.      Suffering builds communion with Christ

a.       1 Peter 4:1 

2.      All suffering is temporary

a.       1 Peter 5:10 

3.      Suffering is outweighed by the future glory

a.       2 Corinthians 4:17 

4.      Everyone that lives for Christ will suffer

a.       2 Timothy 3:12 

5.      Suffering for Christ can be a joyful experience

a.       Colossians 1:24 

6.      Those that love this present life will be unwilling to suffer alongside the faithful

a.       2 Timothy 4:10 

                                                          iii.      Noteworthy among the faithful

1.      Those who are not in Christ will be blown away by the storms of trial

a.       Psalm 1:5-6   

                                                          iv.      Mature in Christ

1.      Since this couple were in the faith longer than the apostle Paul, he obviously looked up to them in his walk with the Lord. It is important to learn from those that have gone before.

a.       1 Corinthians 11:1