Romans 1:1-7 Paul,
a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel
of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the
holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And
declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness,
by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received
grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his
name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To
all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and
peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we examine the first several verses of this epistle to the
Romans we should be aware that Paul has now been a Christian for about 26
years. It is his 6th epistle.
The Gospel is spoken of using three different expressions:
- “The Gospel of God” (v 1).
- “The Gospel of Christ” (v 16).
- “My Gospel” (2:16).
In this epistle we see The Progress of Redemption…
- God is the author of salvation.
- Jesus is the source of salvation.
- Paul is the advocate of salvation.
V
17 says this Gospel reveals the righteousness of God. This
book will lead you to a greater understanding of the righteousness and glory of
God!
The first 7 verses is one sentence consisting of 126 words. This sentence will be our focus today. Notice with me several things that are of great importance to us.
The first 7 verses is one sentence consisting of 126 words. This sentence will be our focus today. Notice with me several things that are of great importance to us.
Notice what is said about…
1.
THE SERVANT OF GOD (v 1). Concerning himself, Paul makes three statements…
- He is a Servant of Jesus Christ. Doulos = A bondslave, the possession of Christ! Paul recognized himself to be the property of Christ. He recognized that, his time, his strength, his talents, his entire life belong to Him.
- He is an Apostle of Christ. Apostle = One sent forth (See Acts 9).
- He is Separated to the Gospel of God. Separated [aphorizo] – To mark off by boundary; to limit, to separate. Ps 4:3 Know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself.
2. THE SAINTS OF GOD (v
5-7). What is true
of Paul is true of us (v 5-6).
- Notice the plural pronouns. Paul wrote, Ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
- We are the CALLED of Jesus Christ (v 6). Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ. God has called us to…
-
Salvation.
1 Peter 2:9 Ye are a chosen
generation,..that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you
out of darkness into his marvellous light.
-
Follow.
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye
called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye
should follow his steps.
-
Be
a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called,…
-
Glory.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace,
who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have
suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
- We are BELOVED of God (v 7). To all that be in Rome, beloved of God,..
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God:…
- We are CALLED to be Saints (v 7). Called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Saint [Gr. Hagios] = holy one. This should cause us to strongly consider our representation of Christ.
1Peter 1:16-19 It is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father,
who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the
time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
3.
THE SALVATION OF GOD (v 7).
To all that be in Rome, beloved of
God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the
Lord Jesus Christ.
- “Grace to you.” Grace is when God gives us what we do not deserve!
- There is Grace for salvation. Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
- There is Grace for living. Grace is the desire to know and follow the will of God cheerfully. Following God does not come naturally.
- “Peace from God.” Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;...
CONCLUSION:
- God’s plan for your life is for you to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
1Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will
have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
- God’s plan for your life is for you to serve him (Romans 12:1-2).
