A working church Rome

They were working with a Handicap No apostles meant few/none with spiritual gifts… not “established” Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. Yet they were working effectively!

Some Today are Working with a Handicap No elders No “olders” No “youngers” Hebrews 10:36, 39 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. …But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul Godly spouse Faithful parents Circle of friends

They were working, but out of focus They were condemning each other James 4:11-12; 5:9 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.12. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand We have authority as “doers,” not judges.

What causes this loss of focus? Taking our eyes off the goal! Colossians 3:1-2 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

They were working, but faced with danger Some in danger of hypocrisy, a double standard Romans 2:6, 11 … the righteous judgment of God, 6. who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: …For there is no partiality with God.

They were working, but faced with danger Some in danger of hypocrisy, a double standard Some in danger of arrogance

Romans 11:17-21 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,18. do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.19. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in."20. Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;21. for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.

1 Peter 5:5-6 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

They were working at being a “Spirit”ual church Trying to be led by the Spirit Praying with the Spirit Trusting the Spirit’s assurance Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

What the lesson for us? They were not perfect/complete yet. They had relationship problems. We can learn that Satan is the enemy, not each other. We can trust the Spirit’s testimony of how to seize victory… and more