Family Matters

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown.)

This message is part of a series of sermons on Romans. This message covers chapter 16:1-20 and emphasizes the importance of viewing church as a family.

Written Excerpts:

From 1989 until 1997 there was a TV sitcom series called “Family Matters.” I don’t know if I’ve ever seen even one entire episode, so I can’t really comment about the show. I couldn’t tell you whether it promoted traditional family values and morals or if it didn’t.

All I can say is, when I made my choice for a sermon title today I remembered that there used to be a TV show called “Family Matters”. Let me assure you, there will be no attempt in my message to draw any parallels between the TV show and our Scripture passage under consideration today.

To start off this morning, I am going to say the title of today’s sermon twice using two different styles of voice inflection and I’d like to have a volunteer to interpret the meaning according to the way I say it.

Family…. Matters     vs        family matters

In the first usage, the phrase emphasizes the fact that family is important; it has value; etc.

The second usage refers more to the idea that there are issues or concerns unique to the family that may or may not need to be addressed.

Both of these examples actually relate to the verses that we want to look at this morning.

There are two main thoughts expressed in verses 1-20 of Romans 16. They are: “Greet the saints,” and “Avoid the Unruly.”

Throughout the years of Paul’s ministry he has built relationships with scores of people. Even though he had never visited Rome before, there were obviously people there that he had known from previous places and occasions. He sends words of greeting to all of those because they are very much like family to him.

Paul’s tender greetings to these beloved members of the faith family reveal to us that family…. Matters!

On the other hand, Paul needs to address a family matter that is completely opposite in nature. He provides instruction on how to deal with “family members” who are unruly.

So, let us take a few moments today to get an overview of

B. Paul’s personal instructions for the Roman Christians. (16:1-20)

i.   Greet all the saints. (1-16)

The bulk of the section we are looking at today are used for Paul’s words of greetings that he wants to convey to various people who are connected with the church at Rome.

Some of the greetings are simple and basic: “Greet     (name)     .” (See vv. 14-15)

In some of the greetings Paul added additional comments. I want to point out some observations that came to me as I read them.

            a. I noticed that there seemed to be specific factors that promoted the bond of affection between them such as:

·        Some shared common labors (vv. 2c, 3, 6, 9a, 12)

·        Some risked their lives for him (v. 4)

·        Some were his spiritual offspring (v. 5b)

·        Some shared common persecution (v. 7)

            b. I noticed that he gave specific instructions for some of the friends.

·        Receive into fellowship (v. 2a)

·        Assist with personal and ministry affairs (v. 2b)

·        Show genuine affection (v. 16)

“greet one another with a holy kiss” – same instruction given to Thessalonians and to the Corinthians.

(Wuest's Word Studies) Regarding the holy kiss, Denney [Expositors’ Greek Testament] says, "The custom of combining greeting and kiss was oriental, and especially Jewish, and in this way became Christian . . . . By 'holy' the kiss is distinguished from an ordinary greeting of natural affection or friendship. It belongs to God and the new society of His children. It is specifically Christian." [A.T.] Robertson [Word Pictures in the NT] says, "The near-east mode of salutation as hand-shaking in the western . . . Men kissed men and women kissed women."

It appears that Paul is saying nothing more than this, “As you greet one another, you are to do so with the understanding that this is more than a common secular tradition, but you are sharing the love of Christ. And, make sure you keep your greetings sacred.” (i.e. nothing sensual about it)

After reviewing these greetings to the various people and the highlights of their special characteristics, I would restate the fact that Paul is showing us the importance of family and our relationships with each other.

ii.   Avoid the unruly. (17-20)

But, as with every family, there are some problems or potential problems that need to be addressed.

There were either some people already in the church who were known for causing divisions and offenses or there was a possibility for them to arise as had happened in other places.

So, as I implied earlier, taking care of this potential threat to their unity and fellowship was a family matter that needed their attention.

            a. There are various types of unruly people.

“divisions and offenses” – two different words that seem to highlight different kinds of problems.

One source (Theo. Dict. of  NT) implies that the “divisions” referred to disunity and party strife, while “offenses” is the word for “scandal” or “stumbling block”.

“Divisions” refer more to what they do within the church, and “offenses” sort of refer more to what they cause outsiders to think about the church.

These Christians were to “mark” them (i.e. watch out for them) and “avoid” them.

People who stir up strife and cause division are just as bad, if not worse, for the health of the church than the threat of sin and compromising with evil.

We have a number of people in our congregation who have left other churches to attend Wayside. For most, if not all of those who have come since I have been here, you remember that I specifically spoke with you about whether you were coming with unresolved conflict with the place you left.

            b. Unruly people are self-serving and convincing.

These people serve their “own belly” (i.e. satisfaction of fleshly desires, or more generically, a reference to a self-serving attitude).

These people also generally use smooth and convincing talk to persuade others and lead them astray. (Wuest)

Even though Paul knows that the Roman believers have been faithful and obedient (v. 19), he still wants them to be prepared to deal with trouble if it arises.

            c. God will overrule the entire situation.

Paul closes his comments by reminding them that God is still in control and He will completely and finally destroy Satan.

It is not a debatable matter. It is as certain as God Himself.

Conclusion:

It is fitting that we should be talking about family matters on a Sunday that we celebrate communion.

Communion is one of the physical symbols that reminds us not only of our spiritual bond with Christ, but it also reminds us of our bond with each other in the body of Christ.

As we celebrate the Lord’s supper and remember His sacrifice, let us also reflect on the importance of keeping strong bonds of love with our brothers and sisters in the faith.

 To view the next sermon in this series, click here.