Read Romans 16:17-23. Why do you suppose this is Paul’s final instruction. He could have wrote anything as a final instruction, why do you think he chose to instruct them in this way?
It seems to me that Paul’s final instruction here in Romans 16:17-23 is following right along in the same vein as what we saw in chapters 14 and 15.
In chapter 14, Paul instructed against judging one another regarding dietary preferences and said that we should instead “walk in love” for our brothers. And in chapter 15, Paul instructs the strong in faith to “bear with the failings of the weak” and follow the example set before us by Christ. Paul was speaking here on matters that caused division.
Similarly, here in chapter 16, Paul tells His readers to watch out for “those who would cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught.” It’s almost as if Paul is saying – We’ve discussed some of these matters, but there will be others. So watch out.
What did God teach you through reading the book of Romans?
If I had to pick one thing that stood out to me as we’ve been reading through the book of Romans, it would have to be Romans 3.
It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:26)
The attribute I taught for our field exercise in this section was that God is just. In my preparation, I quickly landed on Romans chapter 3. This chapter is the justness of God, rolled up with his mercy and grace, and wrapped in the gospel message.
I spent a lot of time in this chapter the past couple of months preparing to teach and teaching. I especially enjoyed comparing Romans 3:26 with John 6:44.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44)
It’s somewhat mind-boggling that God added grace upon grace when not only is he both just and the justifier for the one who has faith in Jesus, but no one would even have faith in Jesus if he didn’t first draw us.