Encouraged to Encourage Others

 

Encouraged to Encourage Others

Romans 16:1-16

Paul makes mention of his spiritual brothers and sisters in Romans 16 who encouraged him. People who are now named in God’s Book of Life. Those who encouraged him in various ways: helped him, worked with him, served the Lord with him, opened their homes to share the gospel message, women who worked hard serving the Lord, those in prison with him, those who overcame tribulation and came out stronger in faith in the end...

Verse 1 mentions Phoebe, who was an encourager. Her name means radiant light. Do you know of a Christian mentor who radiates God’s light? I do. Her name is Joy. So appropriately named.

Verse 5 mentions Epenetus whose name means praiseworthy. Do you know the meaning of your name? Epenetus is remembered as a dear friend, as is Sachys in verse 9, and Persis in verse 12. In another translation, dear friend is translated “beloved.” Paul was one to wear his heart on his sleeve. After all, he had a passion for souls! Not only was Paul chosen and called by God to spread the gospel truth, he did so willingly - despite unimaginable hardships. Read II Corinthians 11.

There’s a hymn which says in part: “Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord, a passion to save the lost...” This was Paul’s mission.

Epenetus is remembered by Paul as the first convert in the province of Asia. His name meaning praiseworthy tells me he couldn’t keep the good news to himself and was bold in spreading the gospel. Verse 12 mentions Persis. The NIV note says her name means Persian woman. The gospel was spreading across the nations. Praise God!

Verse 10 acknowledges Apelles as one tested and approved in Christ. To me, that means he experienced a period of tribulation, yet in the end his faith grew stronger. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew of “in this world you will face tribulation, BUT...be of good cheer.” BUT – make a U-turn. Instead of continuing down that road of “woe is me,” count your blessings. You’ll find much to cheer about. Ask “what is God teaching me?” Truly, you have faced tribulations in the past which in the end grew your faith. Think on the words of Lamentations 3:21 – “This I recall to mind, and therefore I have hope”... It is good to look back and see how God carried you through.

Remember the promise in Exodus 3:7 -

“The Lord said, “I have indeed SEEN the misery of my people...

I have HEARD them crying...

and I am CONCERNED about their suffering.”

God knows what you are going through. He has a plan to RESCUE you – verse 8.

Apelles’ trials gave him insight into building others up through their trials. Not if, but when trials come. No one escapes trials. Notice the word through. Trials do not last forever. Andre Crouch’s hymn comes to mind, which starts with “I’ve had many tears and sorrows...” Chorus: “Through it all, through it all I’ve come to trust in Jesus, I’ve come to trust in God. Through it all, through it all I’ve come to depend upon His word.” That is, God’s promises. Your trials will eventually become encouragement to others as you share how God saw you through.

Many of the people mentioned in chapter 16 were slaves who served in the imperial household. Most likely most of the (government) employees were not Christians. Are there other Christians in your workplace that you can edify in their journey?

Verse 13 says Rufus was chosen in the Lord. Remember, you also were chosen to be part of God’s family. How sweet that Rufus’ mother was also mentioned as being a mother - an encouragement - to Paul. Is there someone you can be a mother to?

Many of the people mentioned in these verses have not been recorded anywhere else in Scripture, yet God knew them by name and saw their works of faith in spreading the gospel message. Reminds me of the people mentioned by name in Numbers. God knew their name! The Old Testament says God calls the stars by name. The New Testament says God cares for the sparrows. Your name and your heart to serve the Lord, are not forgotten by the Lord either.

Is there someone who comes to mind that encouraged you on your faith journey or you can encourage on their faith journey? Is it possible to send a card to thank them. Or a prayer thanking God for their testimony.

Genesis 12:2 says “you are blessed to be a blessing.” Encouragement is free to give and priceless to receive.

Encourage one another

and

build each other up.

I Thessalonians 5:11