READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary I Christ-like intentional living goes beyond mere social gathering. Through the early church community of believers, we see attributes to learn from and prioritise today:
Advance God’s Mission – Paul was not alone in his endeavours to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ that saves humanity from sinful depravity and death. (Romans 1:16) Writing from Corinth, he was supported by a diverse network of Jews and Gentiles – among them apostles, a minister-deacon and patron-leader, leaders of at least five house churches, fellow workers in Christ, and believers. All worked hard together in the LORD to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. (v21-23)
Paul commended Deacon Phoebe, whom he entrusted to deliver his letter to the Roman Christians, asking them to welcome and help her where she needed, after enduring an arduous journey of several weeks over sea and land. Leading the church at Cenchreae, a port city near Corinth, Phoebe – described by Paul as a benefactor – was likely a wealthy business woman who used her resources to support the church and missionaries like himself. Then there was married missionary couple Priscilla and Aquila who used their vocational skills and trade to establish livelihoods in the community, while hosting a house church in Rome. Having hosted Paul while in Corinth, (Acts 18) they also offered their home and resources as a base for traveling missionaries when they relocated to Ephesus and Rome.
Not content with just business, God’s pioneer tentmakers were motivated to advance His mission by combining all they had – vocation, trade, skill, resources – with their passion for Jesus. Whatever our occupation, as urged by Paul in Romans 12:1 – in view of God’s mercy – offer as our true and proper worship, not some but all of our bodies, as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Like Phoebe, church members who are marketplace business leaders advance God’s kingdom where He positions them by shepherding and benefiting others when using their influence for Christ. Blessed with resources, where and how is God leading you to advance His mission?
Advocate God’s Hospitality – Only the gospel has the power to heal divisive fault lines. Being one in Christ Jesus, the same LORD is LORD of all who call on Him. (Romans 10:12, Galatians 3:28) Without distinguishing race, gender, or status, the early church presented the gospel to Jews and gentiles, slaves or freed, regardless of power and privilege. Gentile Christians like Phoebe worked together with Jewish believers Priscilla and Aquila to proclaim Jesus. Celebrated, honoured and esteemed, Paul greatly valued women and the important role they played. Slaves sat with their masters in the assembly of God.
To the last, least and lost, Christianity in cities offers charity and hope to the homeless and impoverished – attachment to newcomers and strangers; sense of family to orphans and widows; solidarity to those torn by violent ethnic strife. (Rodney Stark) The theology of Romans asks, “How can I be hospitable and show God’s love daily?” Will we at Wesley partner COSC to bridge the social divide – even redesign one-room flats to make them more liveable, or befriend migrant and domestic workers – generally welcoming with God’s love those who feel different so they may find acceptance?
Appreciate God’s Family – Paul didn’t bark orders, use people or his supreme intellect for personal gain. He would not have been an apostle of Christ if he didn’t have a heart for fellow believers, co-workers, and Gentiles he was called to reach out to. Infusing his greetings with deep affection, he modelled love for one another. Going through thick and thin with them, Paul showed vulnerable need of support from his church siblings, whom he regarded as family. The church exists for this very reason – to reach the last, lost and least for Christ, and to hear each other’s grievances, negativity and loneliness. As God’s family, we are a life group of brothers and sisters to journey, support and be happy with. Church, as God intends us to be, welcomes lonely, troubled people without family, to belong in the presence of Jesus Christ. Do we in our darkest hour journey with fellow Wesleyans in small groups; through care and affirmation encourage one another to persevere in faith?
Whatever background and personal circumstances, God counts us worthy, not by merit but by faith having been redeemed by Jesus, to be part of His one family. We are strengthened to reflect Christ’s presence and the glory of God wherever we are when we look to the only wise God through Jesus Christ.
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What strikes you the most about all of these names and people?
- We see Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquilla using their gifts and resources (including their social networks and business acumen) in service to God’s mission. In what ways are you (or might the Lord be leading you) to use your gifts and resources to advance His mission?
- What does it tell you about Paul’s view of women’s roles in the church that he commends Phoebe (as a deacon), and trusts her enough probably to have her deliver the letter to the Romans in person?
- Consider how Paul knew and worked with a diversity of fellow Christians (i.e. Jews and Gentiles, male and female, free and slave etc.).
- What does this teach us about church diversity and inclusiveness in the early church?
- What does this have to teach us today, where prejudices & disunity exist within and outside the church?
- Consider how you might extend God’s hospitality to those who are different (especially the vulnerable and marginalized)?
- Romans 16 shows that Paul knew many of the believers in Rome by name and some of them closely. What does this tell us about Paul? How does Paul reveal his affection and respect for them, in the way that he addresses them?
- Share what God’s family here at Wesley means to you. What are some ways you can appreciate fellow Wesleyans and deepen your relationships with them?
