Necessary Recognition Romans 16:1-27

Text:  “But ye, Brethren, be not weary in well doing.”

2 Thessalonians 3:13.

          “And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9.

Good morning, Christian well-doer!  Praise God for your constancy in Christian living!  Praise God for your untiring service to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ!  Praise God for your ever-giving, of yourself and of your resources to the work of the Lord!  As you have done well unto many and for your Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, may you be blessed a thousand fold in every area of your own life.  Your work has been clearly recognized, and your witness is both appreciated and powerful.  Amen.

The apostle Paul, in his Spirit-led letter to the Christians at Rome, ends his epistle with a long list of commendations, giving clear recognition to many believers who have been faithful and constant in their ‘well doing’.  What the Holy Spirit is teaching here, through Paul’s letter, is the necessity of giving clear recognition to those Christian workers that deserve it.  It’s a Godly trait to say, “Well done!”. 

“His Lord said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”  (Matthew 25:21;23)

How often we hear of sound Christian believers, who have been pillars of a church group; always the first to volunteer for service; and present at every meeting - suddenly falling down into deep depression, or a situation of gross, uncharactistic sin?  They have suddenly and visibly become what the Scripture texts above calls, “...weary in well doing....”.

The Devil is a sly old serpent.  Not being able to break our God-given faith in the Lord Jesus, he tries to multiply the faithful Christian’s work-load, while at the same time, decrease his/her recognition within the church group.  The Christian naturally becomes ‘...weary in well doing...’, and  while in such a state, vulnerable to the Devil’s wiles. 

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.”  (Ephesians 6:11)   

We Pastors can be the worst perpetrators of such discouragement.  It is our pastoral duty to not only ‘...feed the flock...’, but to watch out for the individual’s welfare.  So often we can take the faithful Christian worker completely for granted - encouraging other ‘...bruised reeds and smoking flaxes...’, while missing the needs of the faithful who are usually and continually ‘right under our noses’. 

The disciple, Thomas, is known internationally as ‘Doubting Thomas’, but few give recognition to his courageous commitment as he boldly declared, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”  (John 11:16)

Thus it is that, in this last chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans we find the wise apostle exercising a duty that we, Pastors and church leaders, must learn afresh and practice continually - the absolute necessity of ongoing recognition for work well done within the Church at large.

Have you got a faithful Phebe in your fellowship who has “...been a succourer of many...”?  Have you got some diligent Priscillas and Aquilas, helpers who volunteer day and daily to do the manual and often tedious work within the church, yes, and in many cases, “...laid down their own necks...” for the life of God’s people?  Have you recently recognized, and greeted publicly from the pulpit, the Marys of your fellowship group who have consistently, “...bestowed much labour on us...”?

Well, Pastor, Elder, Shepherd, Deacon and Youth Leader:  there is no time like the present in which to do so!  Let these dear people hear your “Well done!” today.  Praise God for the wisdom of His Word!  (Psalm 119:98-99)

Of course, the reverse side of this principle must be promoted and taught also if any church group is to flourish and renew itself daily.  Congregation member, when was the last time you stood to your feet in a church meeting and, with all respect to the speaker, and in the power and boldness of the Spirit of God, declared your full appreciation for the Minister, the Pastor; the Elder; the Choir Master; the Deacon, etc.?

I wonder how many Christian congregations understand the extra pressures that are endured by Christian leaders within the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ?  The Devil will attack the leadership first, with all the legions of evil at his vile disposal.  Why?  Because the leadership of a church group are leading the flock.   If the leadership can be tainted, pulled down; or disillusioned into apostasy - then the whole congregation will very soon follow that path.  Whole sections of Christ’s Church can be rendered useless in this manner.  The leadership of church groups must also be constantly encouraged that they become not “...weary in well doing...”. 

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for ME, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  (Ephesians 6:18-20) 

With the above teaching in mind therefore, go to, Christian soldiers, follow Paul’s great Spiritual examples in the Book of Romans - for in so doing , you too will one day hear the Master’s Almighty “Well done!”.

Thought:     Christian well doing deserves clear and constant recognition!

Dr C.K. McClinton Ph.D. Ulster/American Christian Fellowship (C) Copyright strictly reserved (2001)
NOTE:  Next week, God willing, I will commence an exposition of the entire Gospel of John.  Tell all your Christian friends/fellowship to send me their email addresses, if they desire to have these FREE Bible Lessons sent to them via email weekly.  The Lord bless His Word to you.