Week 70 - Free Weekend Program for Children

Text : Romans 16: 1- 16

Theme : Faithfulness in Service

1“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchrea.

2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia

6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.

Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.

Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.”

Romans 16 serves as a powerful conclusion to this profound message from God. Through Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we hear these words and we know it’s from God because all scripture is God-breath.

While many disciples contributed to the writing of scripture, it is the Holy Spirit who is the true author, everyone else serves merely as instruments in His hands.

In this chapter, we see God acknowledging those who have significantly helped Paul in his divinely assigned work. Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, Epaenetus, Mary, and others are mentioned. It is one thing for humans to recognize and praise our efforts, but it is an entirely different matter for God to commend us by name.

God does this for a reason. His commendation is not mere flattery or a tactic to keep us subservient through careful manipulation; rather, it reflects His desire to honor those who serve Him.

The Almighty needs nothing from us. Our service is a privilege, and He, in His sovereignty, can fulfill His plans without our assistance. Yet, He chooses to involve us so that we may share in His eternal joy and inheritance.

Notice how some opened their homes for the Lord’s work, others risked their lives, endured persecution, and even faced imprisonment. Many labored diligently, and Apelles persevered through trials.

God is attentive to every aspect of our Christian journey and service. He sees our efforts—our prayers, commitments, sacrifices, endurance, and faithfulness. He is aware of your contributions to this program, recognizes the dedication of His people, and is ready to commend us when necessary.

Sadly, not all believers are true hardworking labourers in his vineyard, but it’s important to mark those who dedicate themselves to service and help them however we can. It could be through prayer or personal service.

However, remember that while we are not saved by our works—salvation comes solely through the shed blood of Christ—good works naturally follow as a fruit of our faith. God rewards these efforts. Consider it this way: God gifts us both spiritual and physical blessings, continually encouraging and strengthening us to use these gifts. Then, He turns around and commends us for utilizing what He has first given freely. What an incredible God we serve! He orchestrates everything and allows us the joy of enjoying the rewards of our service.

Always keep in mind that if you are saved, dedicated, committed, faithful, generous, steadfast, or enduring hardships, it is God who has made it possible, He alone made it so. He works in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure.

I was filled with joy when Deborah, Esther, and Hannatu visited my home last weekend. Their happiness brought me immense joy, and I look forward to more moments like that. It was God who provided this opportunity, supplying all that was needed to make it a reality. He placed the desire in my heart and granted them the grace to receive it with joy.

Our roles and responsibilities may differ, shaped by God’s grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, one thing remains certain: wherever God has assigned us, we must work diligently, wisely using all the resources—time, talent, and treasure—that He has freely given us for His glory alone.

Now is not the time to compare ourselves to others, don’t be discouraged because others are commended not you. some of you here won scholarship, don’t feel proud, give thanks to God because it is a gift from Him. The knowledge, the wisdom, dedication, commitment and understanding are all from God and am glad He commends you through this little scholarship award.

If you didn’t win, don’t feel discouraged. Instead, pray to God to help you overcome laziness and distractions. Ask Him to make you diligent and faithful. Remember to thank Him for the opportunity to grow. Pray like Jabez, asking Him to increase your efforts, and trust that God will answer your prayers.

Finally, let us look to the Lord, using the gifts He has given us to serve others for His glory. He is a rewarder, look only to Him not to men. While salvation is a gift of unmerited favor, by grace, we can experience the accompanying joy of obedience, an unbreakable union with Christ, and meaningful fellowship with other believers that are truly encouraging and edifying