Devotional : *HONORING FAITHFUL SERVANTS IN GOD’S FAMILY*

We bless God for the journey through the book of Romans. Yesterday, we learnt about the topic "Living With A Mission-oriented Mindset".

Today we will be looking at Paul's greetings and concluding remarks to the Romans. As we proceed in the word of God today, may we be blessed in Jesus' name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: *Romans 16:1-27* 

Key Verses: ‭ *Romans 16:16-18, 27 NIV‬* 

 _Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who_ _cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them_ . _For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people._

..... _to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen._

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 *DISCUSSION* 

Romans 16 is often overlooked because it seems like just a list of greetings and names. But behind each name is a story of faithfulness, sacrifice, and love for the gospel. Paul takes time to recognize, honor, and commend the many people who labored with him in the gospel. Some believers laboured for the Lord; others “laboured much”. Is there any lesson for us today? Yes, there's. You may be serving God and it may seems as if nobody is seeing you. Don't be discouraged, you are working for God and He will reward you at the due time. Another lesson is that, Paul stated things as they were. And this will be true in the day we stand before God. He will not say anything about us that is not true or reward us for what we have not done . Everybody will be rewarded according to their deed without any bias, then the true believer will be revealed. Paul's commendation reminds us that in God’s family, every believer matters. No service is too small, and God never forgets our labor of love.

Paul also warned believers about false teacher. Truth is God’s instrument to save people and to establish and build up believers. Falsehood is Satan’s way of trying to destroy people (John 8:44). Satan uses false teachers to introduce false doctrines into churches. We can recognize false teachers by the results of their teaching (Matt 7:20). One result will be “divisions”. Another will be that obstacles in the way of following the truth will be created, and these obstacles will be contrary to God’s revealed truth. When anyone tries to bring false teaching into the church believers must do one thing only – “avoid them”. We must not accept them, have fellowship with them, or permit them to teach. If they are teaching contrary to God’s Word, it is plain they cannot be true servants of Christ. So they are serving their own desires and Satan who stands behind them. Inwardly they are like demons, but outwardly are full of smooth talk and flattery. May the lord deliver us from such teachers.

Paul ends with a doxology, lifting all eyes to God. The one true God alone is absolutely wise. He alone knows what can be known and what to reveal to men and when to reveal it. While people serve and sacrifice, the ultimate glory belongs to God who gives us strength and reveals His plan through Jesus Christ. Service is not about recognition—it is about worship.

  

 *PRAYER* 

* Heavenly father, thank You for the light of your word You've showed to me this season.

* Help me to honor others, protect the unity of the church, and always direct all glory to You. 

* Lord, help my life and service reflect Christ until the day You will bring final victory. Amen.