DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LORD’S PEOPLE

DESCRIPTION OF THE LORD’S PEOPLE
Rom. 16:1-27
Tom Harding

When we are reading Romans 16 there is a tendency to read over the first 24 verses and skip down to the doxology of praise in verse 25-27. We have not only in these verses the 36 names of some God’s elect chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, but also the Lord’s description of all His covenant people found in Christ (Phil. 3:9). Notice what is given to us.
1). God’s people are beloved of the Lord, “Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.” (Ver.8). I am embarrassed to talk of my love for Him. However, I love to talk about His love for His church, sovereign, sacrificial and saving love in Christ (Rom. 5:5-10; 8:32-39; Eph. 5:25; 1John 4:10).
2). God’s people are chosen in the Lord, “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord (ver. 13). This is God’s sovereign choice of His people in Christ Jesus before the world began; eternal, unconditional and personal (Isa. 42:1; Eph. 1:3-6; 2Thes.2: 13).
3). God’s people are approved in the Lord, “Salute Apelles approved in Christ” (Ver. 10). I can never be approved by my efforts and merits, oh how sinful are my best deeds (Isa. 64:6). But the believer’s hope is being one with Christ by a vital union of faith and being blessed in Him. He is the man approved of God (Acts 2:22); believers have God’s approval and acceptance only in Christ (Matt. 3:17; 2Cor. 10:18).
4). God’s people are taught of the Lord, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned” (ver.17, 25). The Lord’s people have been taught the doctrine of Christ and will not tolerate error (2 John 1:9). They have been taught by the word (Rom. 15:4), by the new birth (John 3:3-6), by the revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-16; 1Cor.2:9-15). Christ is the teacher and the lesson (Matt. 11:28-30; John 6:44-45).
5). God’s people are obedient unto their Lord, “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men” (ver.19, 27). This is the obedience of faith that labors and is motivated by love (2Cor. 5:14). This is that faith that worketh by love (Gal. 5:6), though all the time, looking to Christ for all righteousness and obedience satisfying unto God (Rom. 5:19-21).
6). God’s people are victorious over all enemies, “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” (ver. 20). What good news the gospel declares unto every believer, He always causes us to triumph in Christ (Isa. 42:4; 2Cor. 4:14). The Lord Jesus Christ is the victorious Lord over all enemies. The law is satisfied (Matt. 5:17; Col. 2:13-15). Sin is put away for ever (Heb.1:3 9:26). Death has been conquered (1Cor. 15:57; Rev. 1:18).

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