sitting in bed
Lynsey is making pancakes and bacon-YUM
might be buying a road bike today!
Romans 1:1-7
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,Paul begins the book by summarizing a lot of things. Here's how I break down the first 7 verses.To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Outline
1. Paul introduces himself
a. bondservant
b. called to be an apostle
c. separated to the gospel of God
2. Describes the gospel of God
a. God promised it through the prophets in the Scriptures
b. the gospel is about Jesus
i. Jesus was from the seed of David
ii. Jesus was "according to the flesh"
iii. Jesus was declared to be the Son of God
iv. Jesus had power according to the Spirit of holiness
v. Jesus obtained this power by being resurrected from the dead
c. Jesus does things for man
i. we have received grace and apostleship
-we have this for obedience to the faith among the nations
-this glorifies the name of Christ
ii. we are the called of Jesus Christ
3. Paul greets the people in Rome
a. they are beloved of God
b. they are called to be saints
4. Paul blesses the people of Rome
a. grace
b. peace
-both are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Word Study
servant (bondservant in NKJV)--a slave, chained to something, used exclusively in the NKJV (13 times in the Pauline epistles), used 26 times (servant) in ESV
apostle--a person sent by another, used sometimes referring to Christ, also refers to the 12 apostles (or disciples) of Christ
set apart--designated, to be called to do a specific task, made to do one specific thing, also being different
according to--in agreement or harmony with, assent towards
apostleship--the office of being an apostle
In My Own Words
Paul, someone who serves Jesus, the Messiah was called to be a messenger of this same Christ. His task is the gospel of God--his mission in life, what he was set apart to do. This gospel was promised and prophesied a long time before now in the holy Scriptures, written by prophets of God. This gospel is about the Son of God. This Son was born in the lineage of David. He was man, living as a man, in human flesh. When He eventually resurrected from the dead, this same Son of God, Christ, proved that He was the Son of God. He did this with the power of and in harmony with the Spirit of holiness. Now this Christ is the Lord, the ruler of all. It is through Him that we can receive grace, that which we cannot earn ourselves, and the status of being an apostle, one sent from God for a specific purpose. All of this brings obedience through faith. This is not for the glory of any but the name of Christ. This is to be shared among all nations, namely, everyone who is called to belong to Christ.
This message is for everyone in Rome. Everyone. Not just Jews. Not one specific nationality. Everyone is loved by God and called to be a saint. God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ want to extend grace and peace to you.
God,
Your Word is life. Your Word is truth. For the opportunity to learn and study, Lord, I'm grateful. All praises be to the One who sits on the throne, high and lifted up. Who calls all men to Himself, whether Jew or Gentile. Whether in rural or urban. You have called everyone to You and are offering up grace and peace. Your salvation is for all who would believe.
It is now my duty and privilege, Father, to be a messenger, one who is set apart with a specific task to carry this gospel, Lord, to everyone.
May grace and peace go with us, Lord.
Jacob
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