Introduction To Romans Series

A study of Romans is particularly beneficial because it sets forth the essentials of the gospel. In the days ahead, we will have to defend the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is revealed in the Bible. We need to know Romans so well that we can discern subtle deceptions. Departures from the faith typically begin in very subtle ways. To discern what is happening we need to know the word of God well, and we need the Holy Spirit to alert us and guide us.iv The trend in today’s churches to minimize doctrinal teaching is very, very dangerous. It leaves people ill-equipped for avoiding deception and ill-equipped for living godly lives. Here is Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim 4:13-16). That’s what we intend to do as we learn from the book of Romans. We will approach this book respecting it as inspired of God and instructive value for our daily lives.

Paul’s greeting is found in Romans 1:1-7. Today we will only have time to deal with the first verse: “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” In verse one Paul identifies himself as the author of this letter. Then he makes three statements about himself.

I. He says he is a BONDSERVANT of Jesus Christ.

He has surrendered his life to the Lord and lives to do his bidding. On the road to Damascus Paul had his first encounter with the risen Christ. He was in the process of opposing Christianity and imprisoning followers of Christ. He was a proud, zealous Pharisee defending Judaism from what he thought to be a false sect. He had led the martyrdom of Stephen. Now he is proceeding headstrong to stamp out Christianity. Suddenly, the Lord intervened in his life. That was a profound expression of God’s grace. That was an awakening that changed Paul’s life forever. Unexpectedly and suddenly Paul is knocked off his horse and hears the Lord speak to him. Paul responds with two questions: (1) “Who are you, Lord”? (2) “Lord, what do you want me to do?”v Those two questions indicate an immediate surrender to Christ. In both questions, he refers to Jesus as Lord.

The answers to those two questions are essential for everyone of us. First, “Who are you, Lord?” The first thing we need to know is who Jesus is. If we get that wrong, our eternal destiny is in jeopardy. Salvation is only available through Jesus.vi We have to bow to Him as Lord if we want to be saved. The second question was, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Behind that question is a decision to surrender to His will. I am no longer my own. I am bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus.vii I am committed to do whatever you tell me to do. Therefore, Paul says in our text, “I am a slave of Jesus Christ.”