Romans
gtcotr/ss031603
Text: Romans 1:1-7
We have rights as US citizens
We also bear great responsibilities
The Book & Its Content
The Epistle Of Paul The Apostle To The Church In Rome
Author - The Apostle Paul - formerly Saul of Tarsus
Date - At or Near 57AD, 3 years before Paul traveled to Rome
Setting - Most likely Written While At Corinth to the church in Rome which, in those days, was torn in doctrine between two leading factions, Jews who had converted to Christianity, and gentile Christians. The Apostle makes his arguments to both parties.
Theme: The Doctrine and Practice of This Christian Kingdom
Read Romans 1:1-7 (AV)
1 ¶ 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.
I. Paul
A. His new name
B. A name by which the Romans would not resist nor ill favor him
C. His name in the beginning instead of the end denotes authority
II. A Servant
Note: Greek: doulos - bond servant; slave; one devoted to another in disregard to oneself
A. The condition of one who has a Master
B. Depicts the honor, dignity and extension of one’s Lord
1. On whose authority the Apostle speaks
2. As one appointed to this duty
* Admonition to Musa to declare the vision & not beg
* Derive value from the message, not its receptivity
3. Whom one belongs to determines their value
4. Whomever you serve sets your value
5. Serve Jesus in all you do (Colossians 3:17)
III. Called to be
A. not merely self appointed
B. not merely one in possession of valuable information
C. not merely one who has garnered influence and/or position
D. but one called - Divinely Selected
III. An Apostle
A. A Messenger
John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
B. One Sent by Another
‘Sent To Re-Present’
1. One Apostle of God
Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2. Twelve Apostles of the Lamb
Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
3. Many Apostles of the Holy Spirit
Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
4. Innumerable Apostles of the Churches
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
C. The Sender
1. Determines the Message
2. Establishes the Authority
* some are called
* some are sent
* some just got up and went
IV. Separated Unto
Note: Not just taken ‘from’, but with purpose and parameters ‘unto’
A. Designed & designated unto something particular
B. To mark out by fixed limits
C. Established Boundaries
V. The Gospel - (Good News) - of God
A. This Messenger’s Message
B. Paul was separated & given to the Gospel of Christ
Note: The positioning of servant as the initial claim shows deference to this position above that of the claim of Apostleship. Paul, showing true humility and valuing the true worth of his relationship with Christ, esteemed the Lordship of Christ more important than the accolades or prestige of being in any position of acclaimed leadership.
Note: We also are the called of Christ - servants of Christ
Note: We are called saints - Servant Saints
VI. Truth For Today
A. The Name Change
* Identify With The Real And Lasting Change That Came With Your Commitment To Christ
B. The Lordship of Christ
C. Your Calling
* To Be Servant Saints - not saints to be served
D. Separated
* From The World
* To Christ
D. The Good News Message
* Given To The Good News
* Giving The Good News
