Day 68/260: Read Romans 16

In Romans 1, Paul noted the reputation of the church at Rome: “your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8). Here, at the close of the letter, Paul writes, “For your obedience has become known to all” (Romans 16:19).

True, Biblical faith produces an obedient response to God’s Word. Paul speaks of Phoebe, calling her “a servant” and stating that she “has been a helper of many and of myself also.” He notes Priscilla, Aquila, and Urbanus are “fellow workers.” He says that Mary, Tryphena, Tryphose, and Persis have labored.

Christianity is a working lifestyle. We are not called to be bench warmers. We are called to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

We are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). A disciple is a follower. Followers are “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

If Paul wrote a letter to your congregation, would you be identified as a fellow worker, a laborer, a servant?

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 2:17. When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are ___________ have no need of a physician, but those who are ___________. I did not come to call the righteous, but ___________, to repentance.”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to work in God’s kingdom and to spread His good news to those around you.