First Things First Series

First Things First

Romans 1:1-7

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. Romans 2:16

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 MESSENGER OF GOD – v 1.

Concerning himself, Paul makes three statements:

He is a servant of Jesus Christ. Servant [doulos] – A bondslave, the possession of Christ! Paul wasted no time revealing that he recognized himself to be the property of Jesus Christ. He recognized that, his time, his strength, his talents, his entire life did not belong to him, but to Jesus Christ.

He is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Apostle [apostolos] – One sent forth. Acts 9

He is separated to the Gospel of God. Separated [aphorizo] – To mark off from others by boundaries; to limit, to separate. Ps 4:3 Know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself.

Notice what is said about…

#2. THE SAINT OF GOD – v 5-7.

What is true of Paul, is true of us – v 5-6. Notice the personal pronouns. Paul wrote – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 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.

We are "the called" of Jesus Christ – v 6. 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."

Notice what is said about…

#3. THE MESSAGE 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, 16-17 "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;... so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."

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."