Woman carrying a letter through an ancient harbor market
Bible, Entrust, Recommendations, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Trust, Trustworthy

RECOMMENDING OTHERS

ROMANS 16:1

“I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea,”

We’re beginning Paul’s “sign off” of the letter to the Roman church. In these 27 verses of chapter 16, he mentions by name 35 people plus gives references to others not named specifically. Paul valued people. Through his years of ministry, he had many believers who served beside him as well as those who served him. He knew the ministry God had given him was not his alone. He needed others to carry out the mission. As we go through this final chapter, don’t just read the names and move on. See what you can find out about each person named. I hope to share much of that with you but do your own deep dive.

Paul begins this last chapter naming a lady who we have all probably heard of, right? Paul recommends her to the church. This probably meant she was the bearer of the letter to Rome. It was customary for the bearer of the letter to be named and introduced to those receiving the letter. Phoebe was a Greek name, and she was from the church at Cenchrea. She was possibly a widow traveling to Rome on business herself.

APPLICATION

I get asked occasionally to write a letter of recommendation for someone. I was asked that recently by someone who used to work with me in another state. In order to recommend someone, you have to have personal knowledge of their character. Undoubtedly, Paul knew Phoebe well enough to trust her to not only deliver this letter but to also answer any questions that might arise upon its reading. That was also a responsibility of the letter bearer. She is called a “servant of the church at Cenchrea.” The word “servant” is the Greek word diakonos from which we get our word “deacon.” Much has been made of this one little word attributed to Phoebe. I do not want to get into a debate about the role of women in the church. Let me just share the context of this letter.

In the early church it was common for women to be “ordained” as deaconesses to serve other women. These were generally older women who could teach and guide younger women. They also were usually widows who could give the time needed without disrupting their own home. Paul had obviously observed Phoebe serving in that role or had been informed by others.

Cenchrea was a hard place to be a Christian. Some ancient texts called this port the “wickedest place on the face of the earth.” You can imagine an ancient seaport and the kind of sailors and merchants who gathered there. Phoebe had to be tough and resilient to live a life as a godly woman in such a wicked place. But she had shown Paul she was a woman to be trusted with these precious words to the church.

Let me ask you a question. Could someone recommend you for such a task? Have you proven yourself worthy of such an honor? Seek the Lord with all your heart and strive to please Him in all you do. Others will see that and one day may even ask you to take on a task such as this.

O Father, count me worthy of Your work today. I only want to please You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Harmony, Peace, Romans, Scripture, Whole

PEACE LIKE A RIVER

ROMANS 15:33

“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

You probably know the old Christian song “I’ve Got Peace like a River.” It says, “I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.” It’s a simple little song, but it packs a powerful message.

Paul ends this chapter by giving the Lord a third character title. In Romans 15:5 he calls Him the God of patience (endurance). In Romans 15:13 He is called the God of hope. And here in today’s verse He is called the God of peace. What does that really mean? What is peace? It has been said that you cannot experience the peace of God until you have peace with God. That’s where it all starts.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “peace” is eirḗnē. When two armies make peace, they stop fighting. That is not what eirḗnē means. You can experience God’s peace even in the midst of conflicts. The word means “wholeness, harmony, and well-being granted by God and experienced among His people. In the New Testament it is never a mere absence of conflict; it is the positive, covenantal state that flows from God’s redemptive work in Christ and is applied by the Holy Spirit to individuals and communities.” (Topical Lexicon)

One of my favorite verses on peace is Philippians 4:7 which says, “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse follows the verse that tells us to not be anxious about anything. Do you have that kind of peace today? It is within you if you are a follower of Christ. How do I know that? Because we are told that peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 tells us that. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,…”

No more comforting words can be found than in John 14:27 when Jesus tells His disciples, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you.’” Christ’s peace far exceeds any kind of peace the world may offer. His peace is perfect. Paul is praying for God’s peace to reign among the Jewish and Gentile believers there in Rome. You see there are three kinds of peace mentioned in the Bible – the peace with God, the peace of God and the peace with others.

So many of us grab onto those first two and shrug off the third. But we are told to pursue this peace in 2 Timothy 2:22. “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Paul mentioned this earlier in Romans 14:19. “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Today, as you enjoy the God of peace, make peace with others.

I do have peace like a river, Lord. Let my peace with You flow over into the lives of others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Joy, Relaxing, Rest, Restoration, Romans, Scripture

CHILLIN’

ROMANS 15:32

“so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company.”

Don’t you love to relax sometime? We all do. But I know some people who have a hard time turning off their “go switch” and simply relaxing. Whether it’s with family or friends, they just can’t seem to shut down. I used to be that way, but as I have gotten older, I have learned to enjoy time to sit and relax. I have found all kinds of ways to relax. Some of those ways may seem like work to you, but they relax me. Even God rested on the Sabbath, didn’t He?

Paul was looking forward to visiting the church in Rome and to relax in their company. I don’t think he envisioned his first visit being under armed guard. But he was allowed visitors in his rented quarters, so he did in some way relax with them. The word “relax” is synanapaúomai “(from sýn, ‘identified with’ and anapaúō, ‘pause completely’) – properly, pause together, i.e. when people enjoy God’s unique rest together which only results from first fighting God’s battles in the unity of the Spirit.” (HELPS Word-studies). This word only occurs here in the New Testament. I always find that interesting, don’t you? Why here? Why did the Holy Spirit inspire Paul to use this word?

APPLICATION

You need to remember that Paul had no idea at the writing of this letter in Corinth when or if he would get to visit Rome. He wanted to, but he knew he had to deliver the gift to the Jerusalem saints first. We know what happened there (as we discussed yesterday). Paul was arrested and eventually winds up in Rome under house arrest. I truly believe this word was prophetic in that Paul actually did have a relatively comfortable place to await his hearing. He had the chance to relax with fellow believers.

Paul probably did arrive with joy, as he says in today’s verse. Can you picture the joy the Roman believers must have expressed upon finally seeing Paul in the flesh? They had heard about him and had probably been praying for him. Now, they had the opportunity to serve alongside him and minister to him while he was there. We know the impact Paul had on some of the Romans soldiers and probably other unbelievers.

Let me turn this conversation a bit. Maybe you have a property that you can make available to a servant of the Lord. These servants often do not have the means to afford expensive vacations and could use a simple place to relax and spend time with the Lord. I have some friends who have made their places available to my family, and it has been greatly appreciated. Relaxing or chilling is healthy for all of us. Don’t feel guilty if the Lord allows you time to do that.

I truly appreciate the opportunities You have given me, Lord, to relax and unwind. I have needed those times.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Prayer, Romans, Scripture, Service

ANSWERED PRAYERS

ROMANS 15:31

“that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;”

Sometimes you just know you are going into dangerous territory. I have traveled in some parts of the world that were a little “sketchy.” I knew I was supposed to go and trusted the Lord to protect me. He has done that, and I believe He will continue to do that as long as I am doing His will and not mine. I am not saying I may not suffer hardships, but I know He will see me through in one way or the other. I always have people praying as I go.

Paul asked for prayers in the previous verse, and in today’s verse he says why. If you want a great reminder of the dangers he was facing, go back and read Acts 21 and 22. Keep in mind, Paul had been given letters by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to go and arrest Christians. Instead, Paul had been arrested by Jesus on the Damascus Road. These leaders were furious and now wanted Paul dead. So, Paul knew he was entering into the lions’ den upon returning to Jerusalem.

APPLICATION

Do you struggle trusting God in times of trouble? Don’t feel bad. Most everyone does. Even the strongest believers can get weak knees at times. A momentary lack of faith does not mean you have lost your faith. But in those darkest moments God grows you. There is not a hole too deep or an ocean too wide that God cannot reach you. He is right there with you.

I recall one time I was in a part of Uganda leading a conference where most of the people were Muslim. There had been attacks on Christians there for sharing the Gospel and here I was training these Christian leaders. I had not even realized it, but we started this conference on the very days leading up to Ramadan. If you know anything about Islam, Ramadan is a holy period of fasting and praying for Muslims. One morning just before daybreak I heard drums beating and they were getting louder and louder. I looked out my hotel window and could see nothing but drums and chanting. I never got scared. Maybe I was just naïve, but I truly believe the Lord calmed my spirit.

As you face uncertain days (and we all do from time to time), let the Lord calm your spirit. He has the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). He is the One who rescues every lost sheep. He is our refuge and our tower of safety. Lean into him. Ask others to pray for you and then step in faith trusting the One Who leads you.

Father, when I tremble, calm my spirit. Help me to trust You with all my fears.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Allies, Bible, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Prayer, Romans, Scripture

STRIVING IN PRAYER

ROMANS 15:30

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,”

When I read the words “strive together,” I thought of the game tug of war. You have probably played that as a child, maybe even as an adult. Two groups get on opposite ends of a long, large rope and try to pull the other group across a line. It takes every member of the group pulling together and using all their strength to win. That’s my mental image of striving together.”

I doubt Paul was thinking about tug of war, lol. But he knew he needed fellow believers “pulling” for him as he sought to share the Gospel in the Gentile world. The word Paul uses here for “strive together” is only used here in the New Testament. It’s the Greek word synagōnízomai “(from sýn, ‘identified with’ and agōnízomai, ‘agonize, strive’) – properly, fight (agonize) together; ‘to strive together with, to help (properly, “sharing in a contest”)’” (HELPS Word-studies) Remember, that preposition sýn is the one that means once together it can’t be separated. That is the kind of intercessor Paul is seeking.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says, “The word ‘strive’ denotes intense ‘agony’ or effort, such as was used by the wrestlers in the Greek games; and then the ‘agony,’ or strong effort, which a man makes in prayer, who is earnestly desirous to be heard. The use of the word here denotes Paul’s earnest desire that they should make an ‘intense’ effort in their prayers that he might be delivered.” Paul knew the success of his ministry depended on the prayers of others. In the ministry I serve, we have said many times that the success of Every Man A Warrior is due to the millions of women who have been praying for their husbands, brothers, fathers and sons.

Do you have people in your life who pray for you this way? Do you pray this way for others? I have shared before that I have daily, weekly and monthly prayer lists. I have been praying for some missionaries for decades. They send me specific prayers to lift before the Father and other times I just pray generally for them. I have been praying for a specific family need for a few years now. I will continue to “strive” in that prayer until God answers.

Now, it is important if you are striving in prayer that you pray according to God’s will. We know if we do that, He will answer (1 John 5:14).  Claim His promises for those you are praying for. Search the Scriptures for praying according to His will. Ask the Lord to show you exactly how to pray and what to pray for. He loves to hear our intercessions for others. And He will answer in His perfect time and His perfect way. So, pray believing He is listening to every word.

I know You are listening, Lord, so I come together with my fellow believers to ask that You set the prisoner free.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Completeness, Filled, Holy Spirit, Promises, Romans, Scripture

FULLNESS

ROMANS 15:29

“I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

There’s a Christian song that has a line in the chorus that says, “And now I’m filled to overflowing.” Have you ever felt that full? Maybe you had an experience and could not wait to tell someone about it. I can remember many times when a child in one of the children’s homes where I served accepted Christ and could not wait to call their mom or dad or grandma or grandpa. They just had to let them know about the change in their life. They were filled with joy and excitement.

The word used here for “fullness” is pléróma. The Topical Lexicon says it “denotes that which fills, the state of being filled, or the sum total that makes something complete. Scripture applies the term to cloth, baskets, time, the created order, Israel and the Gentiles, the incarnate Christ, the Church, divine love, and apostolic blessing. Together the references reveal a single, coherent testimony: God plans, provides, and perfects until His purposes stand complete.” I am sure that is what Paul is thinking of when he says, “the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

APPLICATION

This word is used in Mark 6:43 and Mark 8:20 to refer to the complete filling of the baskets after Jesus filled the 5,000 and the 4,000. There wasn’t just a little bit leftover. There was a lot. When God fills us with His Spirit, we don’t get just a little bit. We get the complete and whole Spirit of God. We are filled so full we overflow with joy.

Paul says in Colossians 1:19, “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,” Christ wasn’t half man and half God. He was fully human without the sin and fully God. I love it that Paul says, “it was the Father’s good pleasure.” The same is true for us. He takes great pleasure in filling us completely with His blessings.

Never let the evil one whisper in your ear that you are not fully indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We are told that we are sealed by the Spirit. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and surrender our lives to Him, He sends the fullness of the Spirit to indwell us. And to make sure it sticks, He seals us with that Spirit. God does the sealing, not us. We are full of Him through His Spirit. What a blessing that is!

I proclaim that I am filled to overflowing and I don’t mind the whole world knowing!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Completeness, Completion, Finish, Perfection, Romans, Scripture

FINISH THE JOB

ROMANS 15:28

“Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.”

I can still remember my dad teaching me how to do certain things. He could do just about anything. He was truly a “Jack of all Trades.” No matter what task he assigned me, he spent the time to show me how to do it correctly. And more importantly, he taught me how to finish the job. He always said the job was not finished until you had cleaned up. That might mean blowing off the lawnmower and putting it away properly. It might mean cleaning and putting away any tools I might have used. He didn’t want me to be lazy about a job but instead to finish it well.

Paul uses a Greek word for “I have finished” that is used ten times in the New Testament. Paul uses it seven of those times, Peter once and it appears twice in Hebrews. The word is epiteleó from epi and teleó. Epo is a preposition that reinforces the result of an action while teleó means to complete or finish. Put those together and you get the idea that Paul’s finishing this task of delivering the gift to the Jerusalem church had a major result on these saints. Paul made sure he completely finished this task.

APPLICATION

I love how this word is used in 2 Corinthians 7:1. “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” You see here that our obedience of cleansing ourselves results in holiness. That’s simple – pursue flesh and stay unholy. Cleanse yourself and achieve the holiness God expects from His children.

My favorite use of epiteleó is found in Philippians 1:6 which says, “or I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” What is Paul saying here? God does not simply work on us. He completely finishes the job. He perfects us. He saved us, He is saving us and He will completely save us. We are currently a work in progress, but God promises to finish the job.

Has the Lord given you a job to do? You know He spoke to you and told you exactly what to do. He has equipped you to do it. Finish the job. You may not see the end results right now, but God will perfect it. Don’t stop short of completion. And when you have finished that job, put your “tools” away and be ready for the next job He gives you. Always keep them ready to use. One day you will hear those words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Use me, Lord, to complete the tasks You have given me, and I will lead the results up to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Giving, Romans, Scripture

THE JOY IN GIVING

ROMANS 15:27

“For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.”

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I have always enjoyed giving to others. I wish I had a million dollars to give away. Don’t you? Think of the people or ministries you could bless with an unexpected gift. I have some very generous supporters who give sacrificially to our ministry. I am always exceedingly grateful for their gifts. It doesn’t matter the amount. It’s the thought of them believing in us. I thank them each time I receive a gift, but “thank you” is never enough.

Paul continues to express his appreciation to the churches who gave to support the saints in Jerusalem. I really like that he writes “they were pleased” to give. Don’t you know those churches loved that they were able to give to those who had helped them receive the gift of the Gospel? I bet they would have loved to have been with Paul when he delivered the gift. They didn’t have zoom or FaceTime back then to see the expressions on their faces. I am sure Paul let them know the gift was delivered.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:11 Paul urged the church in Corinth to be a part of this when he wrote, “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” And undoubtedly, from Paul’s words in today’s verse, they willingly contributed. This was just one church. We don’t know the amount they all gave. That doesn’t matter. The fact they gave speaks loudly.

I just got off the phone with one of my supporters who has been a part of my ministry partners since I started with my current ministry. He and his wife have been so faithful through the past few years. I thanked him again for his gift and wanted him to know just how much it means to me. I have the luxury of phone calls to express that. Our material blessings can mean the difference in a ministry continuing or not. Let me encourage you, if you are giving to a ministry, to reach out and check on them. I am sure they have great stories to share.

1 Corinthians 9:6-7 comes to mind. “6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Be a cheerful giver and receive the Lord’s blessings for your obedience.

Thank You, Lord, for those who support my ministry and for the ability I have to also give to those in need.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Uncategorized

FROM WHENCE IT CAME

ROMANS 15:26

“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”

I have never had a lot of money. I do dream about that sometimes though. If I suddenly fell into a huge financial blessing, I am sure my wife and I would give to a lot of needs around us. We are not into worldly possessions beyond what we need to get along. I have joked what I would do if I won the lottery. The only problem with that is you have to buy a ticket to win, right? But giving to others has always given me joy.

Paul is overjoyed that he is able to “make a contribution for the poor” in Jerusalem. This “mother” church was under constant persecution from the Jews and the Roman government. Many had lost their jobs, businesses and homes because they were followers of Christ. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, Paul is delivering the gifts he had been given by the Gentiles in Macedonia and Achaia to the church who had, in a sense, given them birth. Because of their faithfulness in the midst of persecution, the gospel had spread to them.

APPLICATION

Can I give you a short historical geography lesson which I think will help as we look at this verse today? Macedonia was a Greek region which contained a few important cities Paul visited. Berea was the city where they examined the Scriptures closely to make sure what Paul was preaching was true. You may have heard the expression “Be a Berean.” That’s where it came from. Philippi was also in Macedonia. We know the importance of this city, perhaps the first city where Paul started a church. And Thessaloniki was the capital city. I visited there once and was told that it is the only Macedonian city that has never been without a Christian church.

Along with Achaia, which contained Corinth, a collection was made to present to the Jerusalem saints to relieve their suffering. There is no indication that the Jerusalem saints asked for this help. The Gentiles volunteered the assistance out of love and respect for their Jewish brethren. You can read more about this in the book of Acts.

How does this apply to us? Look back to the source of your salvation. Was it a person from your hometown, college, neighborhood or a stranger on the street who witnessed to you? I attribute my coming to Christ to my former Youth Pastor, Julian Larsen, who knew what kind of kid I was but still loved on me and allowed me to be a part of a youth choir that changed my life. That’s a whole other story I would be glad to share with you sometime. Reach back and give thanks to those who influenced you, if you are able. We are where we are spiritually because of other saints who invested in us one way or the other.

Thank you, Jesus, for sending all the people in my life who have influenced my walk with You. Bless them today.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Called, Calling, Isaiah, Romans, Saints, Scripture, Servant, Service

SERVING THE SAINTS

ROMANS 15:25

“but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.”

Serving the saints is a noble cause. I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah (32:8) which says, “But the noble person devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands.” When God gives us a task, He expects us to follow through. I have been given many opportunities to serve the saints in my lifetime. I have tried my best to do that, but I have to admit there have been a few occasions when I did not do what the Lord asked. I didn’t exactly have a Jonah experience, but He did get me back on the right track.

Paul had been given some resources to share with the saints in Jerusalem (we’ll see more on that in the next verse), and now he is planning to do that before traveling on to Rome. In Acts 19:21 we read about his plan. “Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’” Then again in Acts 24:17 we see his purpose mentioned. “‘Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings,’” Paul was a noble man with a noble plan, and he planned to see it through.

APPLICATION

How can you serve the saints? My pastor recently made a plea to our church for more volunteers. We need nursery workers and children ministry workers. We need teachers in different age groups. I am sure there are a lot of other needs that he did not mention. The trouble is most of the time, twenty percent of the church winds up doing eighty percent of the work. That is not serving the saints well. Do you think?

Now, I believe strongly that God will call individuals to fill every need in the church. The problem is most aren’t picking up the phone. Is there something you know God has called you to do but you have not responded? What are you waiting for? Don’t wait for an engraved invitation. Step out and trust Him. If He has called you, He will equip you. You may have heard the expression “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” Is that you?

The ministry in which I serve is all about helping men become qualified to serve. We know that men are the key to strong churches. Men are the key to strong families. Simply put, men are the key. Then why do so few men serve the saints? I want to encourage all the men reading this blog today to ask the Lord how He wants to use them. Young men need mentors. Older men need companionship. Serve the saints in whatever way you can. You are not pleasing the pastor. You are pleasing the Lord.

Use me Lord however You choose. I want to be Your vessel in serving the saints.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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