Romans
The Preface
7 April 2013 AM – Romans 1:1-7 – Scott Childs
Introduction: This morning we are going to begin an adventure in the book of Romans. The apostle Paul wrote the book while on his third missionary journey, probably from Corinth, about A.D. 57.
God inspired Paul to write this book to guide Christians. However, from a human perspective, Paul wrote to prepare the way for his desired visit to Rome. He also longed to minister spiritually to the Roman Christians. He may have also feared that persecution might prevent his visit. (Constable’s Notes)
Romans is Paul’s most doctrinal letter. In it, he expounds the gospel of Jesus Christ, which reveals God’s righteousness for believers. Paul addresses God’s Righteousness Missing, Provided, Realized, Assured, Rejected, and Practised. The book has three main divisions: Section One – Doctrinal (1-8), Section Two – National (9-11), Section Three – Practical (12-16).
Transition: In the preface to the book of Romans, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to describe both the gospel and various titles of Christians. Both descriptions are a great help to us. Read text.
I. Paul Describes the Gospel
The very first verse mentions the gospel of God. The word “gospel” means “good news”. Paul speaks of a specific gospel.
A. It was promised before in the Old Testament
1. God promised this good news years before it came. One example of this is found in:
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
2. Old Testament prophets spoke of this good news. Isaiah for one prophesied of the gospel in chapter 53.
B. It was purchased by God’s Son, Jesus Christ
1. The gospel is all about how Christ died in our place to pay for our sins and give us eternal life.
2. Paul clearly identified this Jesus Christ.
a) According to the flesh (physically), He was of the seed of David.
b) According to the spirit (spiritually), He was declared to be the Son of God with power
(1) Proved by His spirit of holiness
(2) Proved by his resurrection from the dead
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God the Son. He is the second Person of the Trinity. While on earth, Jesus took on human flesh, yet remained God.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
3. Christ gave Paul both [saving] grace and apostleship, [the duty to preach the gospel] (v.5). Why does the gospel need to be preached? Two reasons:
a) It is preached so people from all nations may obey and place their faith in Christ.
b) It is preached that Christ’s name might be glorified.
II. Paul Describes Various Titles of Christians
In this preface, we find six titles of Christians that ought to both encourage and challenge us.
A. Servant of Jesus Christ (v.1)
1. The term “servant” refers to a slave or bondman.
a) A slave had no rights.
b) He is fully under the control of his master.
2. Paul considered himself a servant of Jesus Christ. Can you say the same thing?
3. Every Christian ought to be a servant of Jesus Christ, but many have not yet fully surrendered to Him. Such surrender is a daily event. It is letting Christ control our attitudes, actions, thoughts, and words.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
B. Sent one (an apostle) (v.1)
1. Paul was called an apostle. An apostle was a delegate, a messenger, or one sent as an official representative.
2. Christ personally selected the apostles in the New Testament. There are no such apostles today.
3. However, in a general sense, God has sent every Christian to be His representative to the lost. We have a duty to do as the first century Christians who spread the gospel everywhere they went.
Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
C. Separated unto the gospel of God (v.1)
1. Paul was separated unto the gospel. That means he was given a specific duty to preach the gospel.
2. This duty is not just for leaders like Paul. It is for every Christian. As God’s servant, whom He sent to represent Christ, sharing the gospel is your main duty in life.
Years ago, a godly Christian attending the businessmen’s class in D. L. Moody’s church, sat by a man whom he did not know. After the class was dismissed, the stranger turned to him and asked, “What is your business, sir?” The godly man replied, “I am a Christian.” “I understand that, but what is your business; what do you do?” the stranger asked again. “My main business is to be a Christian, but I pack pork on the side to earn a living. My business of first importance is to live a separated life for Christ.” That man was separated unto the gospel.
D. Summoned (called) (v.6)
1. The word “called” refers to those who have answered God’s call to salvation. In context, the word makes no sense if translated “invited”.
2. Paul was addressing the believers at the church in Rome. They had heard the call of God to be saved and answered it. They now belong to Jesus Christ because they heard and obeyed the gospel. The gospel call must be obeyed.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
3. Have you obeyed the gospel and answered God’s call to be saved? If so, you are one of the called of Jesus Christ.
E. Special – beloved of God
1. God loves the world and does not want any sinner to perish, but He has a special love for each one who answers His call to be saved.
2. If you are a Christian, you are one of God’s loved-ones. You are part of His family.
My friends, never allow sickness or sorrow to be used by the devil to such an extent that you doubt God’s love for you. (Talbot)
Later in the book we will learn that nothing can separate God’s loved-ones from Him.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
F. Saints
1. God called the Roman believers, saints. The word saints refers to God’s holy ones. As a Christian, you are holy because of your relationship with Christ. God has set you apart from unbelievers for His service.
2. God sees you as His holy child, washed clean by the blood of Christ. Saint is an honoured title that God expects you to uphold. You cannot do it in your own strength. However, you can if you stay close to Him.
It is as if God is saying to every Christian, “Child, remember you are a saint. Let me help you live like one!”
Conclusion: In the preface to Romans, Paul described the gospel of God that Christ provided and offers to everyone. He also described six titles of Christians. This raises two questions: 1) Are you sure you have obeyed the gospel of Christ? If not, you must do so. 2) Do the six titles of Christians describe you? Are you living up to your duties? If not, you have some work to do. You need to get alone with God, confess your sin, and seek His help to make the needed changes in your life.
Song: I Am Resolved – 389