6.7. PICTURED EXAMPLE OF STABILITY (Romans 16:25-27)

God is able to establish all who obey the gospel.

Romans 16:25 "Now to Him who is able to establish you ... "

Only God has the power to establish, strengthen, so that the sinner saved by grace is able to stand (Ephesians 3:20, Jude 20 ). God brings settled persuasion in Christ through the proclaimed gospel of truth.

Romans 16:25 "... according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, ..." "

The very doctrines written in this epistle. This teaching strengthens and confirms in the faith. God established by the revelation of that which previously was concealed but is now communicated.

Romans 16:25 "... according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began"

"A mystery was not something "mysterious" (in the hidden sense) but something unknown until revealed to the initiated". Ryrie

Colossians 1:27 "... the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Ephesians 3:16 "... to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,"

The secret of our stability is His indwelling Spirit.

God establishes through His prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations (Romans 16:26 ). The prophetic writings of the prophets contain all the revelation of God's great salvation. Their reliability is positively demonstrated in the literal fulfilment by Jesus Christ of the clear predictions of Scripture concerning Himself.

His birth fulfilled the promise that He would be called "the Seed of the woman" (Genesis 3:15 ).
He came of Abraham's line for the blessing of all nations (Genesis 12:3; Acts 3:25 ).
He came of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10 ), and of David's family (2 Samuel 7:12-14 ).
The time He would come was told to Daniel (Daniel 9:25 ).
The very town where He was to be born was declared in Micah 5:2.
His coming was to be preceded by a forerunner (Malachi 3:1 ).
He would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12 ).
His manner of entering Jerusalem was told (Zechariah 9:9 ).
The manner of His death by crucifixion (Psalm 22:16 ).
Not a bone of Him would be broken (Psalm 34:20 ).
And He would rise from the dead (Psalm 16:10 ).
God's part in Christ's death was foretold (Isaiah 53:10 ).
He would be identified with transgressors and pray for them (Isaiah 53:12 ).

All the doctrines of the New Testament are rooted in the Old Testament evidenced by the constant referring back to the Old Testament, in confirming the truth of the New. Through the Scriptures God makes known His salvation offered to all nations, and through His Word He establishes those who believe. It is the everlasting God's commandment that the message be preached to all (Romans 16:26 ), to produce obedience to the requirements of the gospel. God's plan of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ sets Him forth to be the "alone wise."

Romans 16:27 "to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. "

All praise and all honour is God's for so great salvation - the redeemed shall forever promote and give Him glory, and that through Jesus Christ for ever.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Have you noticed that Paul the apostle always had fellow workers? Is team work a New Testament principle that should be in operation today (Romans 16:21-24 )?

2. Have you wondered at how quickly early church believers became established? Is the answer to be found in Romans 16:25-27?