How can we identify and support fellow believers in our community today? Anchored Text Romans 16:11 – “Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.” Paul’s Pattern Worth Noticing • Personal recognition: Paul singles out Herodion by name. • Family language: “my kinsman” shows closeness among believers. • Wide embrace: an entire household “in the Lord” is honored. • Public acknowledgment: greetings are recorded in Scripture, underscoring their lasting value. Identifying Fellow Believers Today Look for… • Confession of Christ – Romans 10:9: those who “declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord.’” • Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, etc., consistently displayed. • Alignment with truth – 1 John 4:2-3: confessing Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. – Acts 2:42: devotion “to the apostles’ teaching.” • Love for the brethren – John 13:34-35: genuine, sacrificial love that marks discipleship. Practical Ways to Support Greet and Welcome • A simple hello, coffee invitation, or text message echoes Paul’s heartfelt greetings. • Hebrews 13:1-2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality.” Encourage and Build Up • 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “encourage one another and build one another up.” • Share Scripture, testimonies, or a timely word of hope. Pray Intentionally • Ephesians 6:18: “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” • Keep a list of fellow believers; lift them up by name. Share Resources • Acts 4:34-35: early believers met practical needs. • Galatians 6:10: “as we have opportunity, let us do good… especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” Serve Side-by-Side • Philippians 1:5: partnership in the gospel deepens bonds. • Volunteer together—food banks, teaching, outreach. Stand in Accountability • James 5:16: “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another.” • Meet regularly for honest conversation and mutual sharpening. Staying Rooted in the Word • Daily reading keeps discernment clear (Psalm 1:2-3). • Testing everything by Scripture guards against deception (Acts 17:11). • Joint study groups mirror Paul’s communal approach (Colossians 3:16). Blessings That Follow • Unity that testifies to the world (John 17:20-23). • Shared joy and answered prayer (Philippians 4:4-7). • Strengthened witness as the body functions in harmony (Ephesians 4:15-16). Paul’s brief greeting in Romans 16:11 reminds us that identifying and supporting believers is both straightforward and deeply significant: notice them, name them, love them, and walk with them in tangible ways—all to the glory of God. |
    |