Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches about Romans Chapter 16 "The Priority of Intimacy" on 6/1/2026 for our Monday Upper Room Bible Study.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
Final Instructions and Greetings
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The Foundation of Worship
True intimacy begins when we recognize God's holiness and respond with genuine reverence. Worship is not merely an external ritual or a Sunday routine, but a daily lifestyle of surrendering our hearts to the Creator. As we align our affections with His truth, our praise becomes a natural overflow of love and gratitude.
The Danger of a Hardened Heart
Believers are cautioned against the subtle drift toward spiritual apathy and disobedience. When we stop listening to God's voice, our hearts can quickly become hardened by the deceptions of sin and the distractions of the world. Guarding our hearts requires consistent reflection, active repentance, and a willingness to yield to the Holy Spirit's conviction.
The Rest of God
An intimate walk with Christ ultimately leads to a place of spiritual rest and absolute security. This divine rest is found by trusting in God's sovereignty and choosing to remain in His presence through life's trials. By walking faithfully in His ways, we experience the deep, supernatural peace that only He can provide.
Final Summary
The heart of this message is an urgent call for believers to prioritize intimacy with God above all else. Spiritual stagnation is a constant risk, but it can be actively countered by intentionally seeking the Lord, hearing His voice, and remaining obedient to His word. The ultimate call to action is to daily examine our hearts, strip away distractions, and enter fully into the peaceful rest and joyful fellowship that God desires to share with His children.
