Living with a Kingdom Focus: Unity and Truth

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing People in the Kingdom

Paul’s closing greetings in Romans 16 highlight the immense value God places on individuals within the church, regardless of their background, status, or gender. Each name listed—Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, Eponetus, Mary, and many others—reminds us that God’s work is accomplished through real people with real stories, and that every act of service, generosity, and faithfulness matters deeply to Him. The church is not a faceless institution but a family knit together by Christ, where each member is seen, known, and honored. As you consider your own place in God’s family, remember that your contributions, no matter how small, are significant in the eyes of the Lord. [14:02]

Romans 16:1-16 (ESV)
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Reflection: Who in your church family can you intentionally encourage or thank this week for their faithfulness or service, letting them know they are seen and valued by God?

Day 2: Protecting Truth and Guarding Against Division

Paul warns the church to be vigilant against those who cause division and distort the truth, reminding believers that protecting sound doctrine is essential for the health and unity of God’s people. He urges the church to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil, recognizing that spiritual attacks often come through subtle deception and smooth talk. The call is not to be suspicious of everyone, but to be discerning, rooted in God’s Word, and quick to avoid those who would lead others astray for selfish gain. In a world full of competing voices, the church must stand firm on the truth of the gospel, even when it is countercultural or costly. [28:38]

Romans 16:17-20 (ESV)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve been tempted to compromise biblical truth for the sake of comfort or peace? How can you lovingly stand firm in truth this week?

Day 3: Unity in Diversity—The Gospel Makes Us Family

The diverse list of names in Romans 16—men and women, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor—demonstrates that the gospel unites people who would otherwise have little in common. In Christ, social status, background, and personal interests fade in importance compared to the new identity and family we share. The church is a place where differences are not erased but celebrated as evidence of God’s grace, and where unity is forged not by similarity but by the love and work of Jesus. This unity is a powerful witness to the world and a source of encouragement for every believer. [32:17]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one way you can reach out to someone in your church who is different from you—whether in background, age, or interests—to build deeper unity in Christ?

Day 4: Kingdom Focus—Balancing People and Truth

Paul’s closing challenge is to live with a kingdom focus: to prioritize people without sacrificing truth, and to protect truth without neglecting love for people. The false dichotomy that we must choose one or the other is a scheme of the enemy; instead, the church is called to hold both together, reflecting the heart of Jesus who was full of grace and truth. Living with a kingdom focus means cherishing God’s family, guarding His Word, and letting every action be motivated by a desire to glorify God. This balance is not easy, but it is the mark of a mature, gospel-shaped community. [35:10]

John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection: In your relationships this week, where do you need to ask God for wisdom to hold both love for people and commitment to truth together, rather than choosing one at the expense of the other?

Day 5: Promoting Praise—Glorifying God in All Things

As Paul concludes his letter, he erupts in praise, reminding the church that the ultimate goal of all doctrine, service, and unity is the glory of God. The gospel is not just information to be believed or a set of rules to follow, but a message that leads to worship and adoration. When we see all that God has done—His faithfulness, His grace, His power to save and transform—it should move us to glorify Him with our words, our lives, and our community. Let your heart be stirred to praise, knowing that God is able to strengthen you and that His glory is the purpose of all things. [37:57]

Romans 16:25-27 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally praise and glorify God today, letting your gratitude overflow into worship and action?

Sermon Summary

As we come to the end of our journey through Romans, we find ourselves reflecting on the remarkable faithfulness of God and the transformative power of the gospel. Over the past 18 months, we have seen how Paul’s letter to the Romans is not just a theological masterpiece, but a deeply practical guide for living out our faith in community. In Romans 16, Paul closes with a beautiful demonstration of what it means to live with a kingdom focus—prioritizing people, protecting truth, and promoting praise.

Paul begins by commending Phoebe, a servant and patron of the church, highlighting the essential role of both men and women in the advancement of the gospel. He then greets a long list of individuals and house churches, showing us that every name, every story, and every act of service matters deeply to God. The diversity among these believers—rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, men and women—reminds us that the gospel unites us in ways the world cannot understand. Our unity is not based on background, status, or interests, but on Jesus, who makes us family.

Yet, Paul does not shy away from warning the church. He urges us to be vigilant against those who would cause division or distort the truth. Protecting the truth is not about being combative, but about being wise, discerning, and obedient to God’s word. We are called to welcome those who seek Christ, to be patient with those who are weak in faith, but to avoid those who seek only to serve themselves and sow discord.

As Paul’s final words turn to praise, we are reminded that all of this—our relationships, our vigilance, our unity—should lead us to glorify God. The gospel is for all nations, and the obedience of faith is the goal. We are strengthened not by our own efforts, but by the grace of Jesus, who has already won the victory. The call is clear: cherish God’s family, guard His truth, and let your life overflow with praise.

Key Takeaways

1. The Kingdom Focus: Living with a kingdom focus means refusing the false choice between loving people and standing for truth. True gospel living requires both—cherishing relationships without compromising conviction, and holding fast to truth without sacrificing compassion. This balance is only possible through the transforming work of Christ in us. [05:17]
2. The Value of Every Name: Paul’s long list of greetings is not filler; it’s a testament to the value God places on every individual. No act of service, no story, no person is overlooked in God’s kingdom. Our unity as a church is built on the recognition that each member, regardless of background or status, is essential and beloved. [22:05]
3. The Role of Women and Men: The early church thrived because both men and women were empowered to serve, lead, and sacrifice for the gospel. Paul’s commendation of Phoebe and others challenges us to honor and utilize the gifts of all believers, while also seeking wisdom and humility as we discern roles and responsibilities in the church. [18:02]
4. Protecting Truth with Grace: Guarding the truth is not about suspicion or harshness, but about being wise, watchful, and obedient. Paul warns against those who divide and deceive, reminding us that spiritual vigilance is necessary for the health of the church. Yet, our defense of truth must always be marked by grace, humility, and a desire for restoration. [26:26]
5. Praise as the Ultimate Response: After all the doctrine, relationships, and warnings, Paul ends with doxology—praise to God. The ultimate aim of our lives is not just right belief or right relationships, but the glory of God. When we live with a kingdom focus, our hearts are drawn to worship, and our lives become a testimony to the grace and power of Jesus. [35:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Reflections on the Romans Journey
[02:35] - The Importance of Romans in Church History
[05:17] - People vs. Truth: A False Dichotomy
[07:49] - Paul’s Greetings and the Value of Names
[11:54] - Prioritizing People: The Example of Phoebe
[14:02] - The Cost and Commitment of Gospel Partnership
[15:46] - The Role of Women in the Early Church
[18:02] - Equal Value, Distinct Roles
[20:04] - Unity in Diversity: Five House Churches
[22:05] - Honoring the Whole Church Family
[24:24] - Encouragement and Strength for Believers
[25:07] - Protecting Truth: Warnings Against Division
[26:26] - Characteristics of False Teachers
[28:38] - The Promise of Victory and Grace
[31:48] - The Countercultural Unity of the Gospel
[33:23] - From Doctrine to Doxology
[35:10] - Living with a Kingdom Focus
[36:19] - Questions for Reflection
[37:57] - Closing Prayer and Communion Invitation
[40:56] - End

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 16 (ESV) — [Read the whole chapter together, or assign sections to different people.]

Observation Questions

Who does Paul commend at the beginning of Romans 16, and what does he say about her role in the church?
How many different house churches or groups does Paul greet in this chapter, and what does this show about the early church community?
What specific warnings does Paul give the church in verses 17-20, and what reasons does he give for these warnings?
How does Paul end his letter, and what is the focus of his final words?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul takes the time to list so many names and greet so many individuals and groups in this chapter? What does this communicate about God’s view of people and community?
Paul commends both men and women for their service and leadership in the church. How does this challenge or affirm your understanding of the roles of men and women in ministry?
Paul warns the church to avoid those who cause division and distort the truth. What might this look like in a modern church context, and why is it important to be both gracious and discerning?
Paul’s final words are words of praise and doxology. Why do you think he ends with worship, and how does this connect to everything he’s written in Romans?

Application Questions

Paul refuses to choose between loving people and standing for truth. In your own life, do you tend to prioritize one over the other? Can you think of a recent situation where you struggled to balance both? What would it look like to hold both together?
Paul lists many names, showing that every person and act of service matters. Is there someone in your church or small group whose contribution you’ve overlooked or taken for granted? How can you encourage or thank them this week?
The early church was made up of people from different backgrounds, social statuses, and cultures. Are there people in your church family who are different from you? How can you take a step toward deeper unity and relationship with them?
Paul commends Phoebe and other women for their leadership and service. Are there gifts or callings in yourself or others that you (or your church) have not fully recognized or encouraged? What’s one way you can help empower others to serve?
Paul warns against those who cause division or distort the truth. Have you ever witnessed or experienced division in a church? How did it affect you? What practical steps can you take to protect unity and truth in your community?
Paul’s final response is praise. When you think about your own faith journey, do you find yourself drawn to worship and gratitude? If not, what might be getting in the way? How can you intentionally cultivate a heart of praise this week?
Paul says we are strengthened not by our own efforts, but by the grace of Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own strength instead of God’s grace? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Him?

Sermon Clips

However, I do want to share, like, your leadership team, your pastoral team, we're not done learning. We're not done growing. We're not done pressing in and saying, Lord, what do you have for us in the next year, five years, 10 years? Let us seek to understand and have wisdom as much as is humanly possible. And so we are still growing in our understanding. We're still pressing into the Lord. We're still seeking his spirit for this church in what is the function and purpose of deacons today and into the future. And so while historically we've said ministry leaders, regroup leaders, y 'all basically live and function like deacons. I don't know that that's going to be the future of how we embrace deacons. Things look different 10 years in than they did in year one. [00:19:22] (41 seconds) #GrowingInWisdomAndPurpose

Paul wants to honor these churches and what God is doing.He wants to celebrate the unity of the churches, even among all of the diversity, whether they were Jew or Gentile, whether they were wealthy or poor, whether they were free or enslaved, whether they were men or women. He is just excited about all of the work that Jesus is doing amongst the different people. He wants to strengthen the churches. Think about how you would feel if you were in a house church of Rome. 50 people or less. And you gather to hear this letter being read.And all of a sudden, your pastor's name gets shouted out. Your small group leader.This is such a cool moment for the house churches in Rome. And Paul wants to highlight, guys, we're a team. We're in this together. I know you guys. We're fellow workers. We're beloved. We're chosen. We're laboring together. We're servants of Jesus together. He wants to remind them of the unity and encourage them, despite the fact that they are apart, that there's a lot of distance and a lot of difference.He wants to encourage these churches. [00:23:16] (72 seconds) #GuardTruthRejectDivision

They put obstacles in people's way of growing and becoming like Jesus. They put stumbling blocks and things that hinder growth. They serve their own desires. They're literally about themselves. And so rather than trying to rally people around the word, rather than trying to grow together, they try to smooth talk and flatter their way into, you think like I do. Not let's discover truth together.With no humility, but instead, how can I win you to my cause so it can be me and you against someone or something else?And Paul here says, no, no, no.The church needs to be protected against this. That those who stir up cause divisions, create obstacles, just avoid them. [00:26:50] (48 seconds) #UnitedByJesusFamily

When it comes to people who want to grow and follow Jesus, like someone like Phoebe, what does he say? Welcome them. When it comes to weaker in faith, those who are still trying to figure it out in chapter 14, what does he say? Welcome them.But to those who do not have the spirit of God and those who just want to pretend to be a sheep in wolf's, or a wolf in sheep's clothing, he says, avoid them.Have nothing to do with them. [00:27:39] (30 seconds) #ScriptureRevealsJesus

He gives them hope and confidence that they can do this in verse 19. He says, for your obedience is known to all so that I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise as to what is good, innocent, and innocent, and as to what is evil. May the God of peace who will soon crush Satan under your feet, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you. Here he tells them how to battle these false teachers. And it starts with being watchful.Tells the church, pay attention. Pay attention.Don't just assume that everybody that walks in here has your best and your good in mind. That there is a very real spiritual attack and the best way to fight it is to be obedient to the Lord, to be people who know his word, stand on his truth, and are watchful and ready for the scheme of the enemy. [00:28:11] (52 seconds) #KingdomFocusForPraise

But for some of us this morning, the wake -up call maybe needs to be there are false teachers and maybe the challenge isn't that we need to prioritize people, but some of us maybe need to protect truth a little more.We need to be on guard. [00:30:06] (16 seconds)

Paul is demonstrating that in this list of names who are now getting the opportunity to send their greetings. I think about guys like Tertius, who it's his job literally to write down the things that Paul is saying, which is an incredibly hard job. But he never got to add his two cents. That was like forbidden as a scribe. And towards the end of his letter, Paul must have said, hey, you take a line. What a cool moment for Tertius.But that's because of the work of the gospel in a guy like Paul, who has the humility to say, why don't you send some greetings as well, Paul? Or Tertius.This is such a cool moment that is then capped off at the end with Paul just prompted to praise, to make much of Jesus. [00:32:59] (48 seconds)

And in a lot of ways, end right where he started. And I just wanna, I'm gonna compare this.Oh man, we were doing so good. There we go. Romans 1, 1 through 7, starts in a staggeringly similar way to how Paul ends. It's almost like the Spirit of God was writing this thing. In chapter 1, we get that the source for the gospel and all that's going to unfold is the scripture, the Old Testament. We're gonna reread it as a close here in just a little bit. But in chapter 16, we're told that it is revealed through prophets. Prophets, that's another way to say that the source for everything Paul has just talked about is the Bible.The subject that Paul is introducing in chapter 1 is Jesus. The subject that Paul is talking about and proclaiming in chapter 16 is Jesus. The scope, who is it for? In chapter 1, it's all the nations. As he gets to the end and he's gone through all the doctrine and life change and everything that is supposed to be considered, who is it for? It's for all the nations. The message hasn't changed.The goal at the beginning is that as they start reading this letter, that they would receive the grace of God.And at the end, as he has said everything that needs to be said, all he can help but do is glorify God. [00:33:46] (84 seconds)

And so before we close and read this benediction, I wanna remind us the question that's before us, the question that I want us to wrestle with, the false assumption that you have to either choose to stand for people or choose to stand for truth. Paul wants us to be a church that has a kingdom focus, that prioritizes people, that protects truth, and that results in praise.So are you living with a kingdom focus? [00:35:10] (35 seconds)

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