A Biblical Theological Approach to Understanding the Lord's Word- Devotions on the Word of God

Study 138

Romans 16:25-27

THE GIVING OF A BENEDICTION

Ending with a blessing
As we come to the end of the book of Romans, Paul sought to give a special blessing to the brethren in Rome. It is called a "Benediction". What is a benediction? It is a special pronouncement that is made by the ordained leader of the church to bless the brethren. It is a prayer that is made on behalf of the congregation to plead for the Lord to bless. Each prayer is specially crafted depending on the needs of the church. It is also a commendation in which honour is given to the Lord. As Paul wrote about all that the Lord had done, he sought to exalt Him. Paul commonly wrote such benedictions in his epistles as he ended them. It was with faith and trust in the Lord that these benedictions were offered…that He would do according to what had been pleaded for.

Paul's benediction for the brethren in Rome
1. A prayer to be established
"Now to Him who is able to establish you…" Romans 16:25
What does it mean to "establish"? It means to "set fast or make stable." Paul was praying for the brethren in Rome to be set fast in a certain way…that they may be truly strong and stable. This is especially crucial in view of the false teachings that were prevalent then. It is vital that we pray to be established too. We do not want to be drawn away by false teachers who work according to their sinful ways. Let's pray that we would be challenged to be truly established.

2. The place of God's Word in being established
How should we be established? In what direction should we be set fast in? Paul wrote of how we need to be established according to the Lord's Word. Paul used different ways to describe the Scriptures. We begin by being established through knowing the gospel…the preaching of Christ. "According to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ…" (Romans 16:25) Paul prayed further for their faith to be further strengthened through having knowledge of the once secret mysteries of the Lord. "According to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations…" (Romans 16:25, 26) Being established was also done through obedience to the Lord's commandments. "According to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith…" (Romans 16:26) Our faith would be so much strengthened and established as we obey the Lord's commandments fully. Truly, the Lord's Word plays a significant role in the establishing of our faith. Let's be challenged to really know the Scriptures well.

The glorious exaltation of God
"To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." Romans 16:27
Finally, as Paul came to the end of his epistle, he broke forth in glorious exaltation of God as one who is the only wise One. There is none like Him. He deserves all the glory and honour.

As I end this article, I too would like to give praise to the Lord for His grace in helping me write about the Lord's Word from the book of Romans. May we truly find a greater sense of joy and fascination in the study of the Lord's Word.

~ A-P Rev Mark Tan ~