Predestined

Introduction

In light of Easter and the remembrance of this event, it would be only appropriate if we could better understand what it means to be a Christian.

I find that Paul best explains the Christian life in the book of Romans.

Paul covers it by taking us back to the beginning.

In the beginning of the book of Romans we find these four words… Which He promised before

What does this mean? It means that we are predestined. It does not mean that we need to do nothing, but that we have to make a chose in who we will serve, God or the world.

Both in the law and in the prophets God showed his purpose to introduce into the world a more perfect and glorious state of things.

God states that it would take place under the influence of the Messiah, who should bring life and immortality to light by his Gospel.

If you would please turn with me to our passage this morning and honor the Word of God by standing as I read from Romans 1:1-6.

Scripture

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born 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 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; Romans 1:1-6 (NKJV)

Prayer

1. We must accept who and what we are.

Paul, states that he is a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God Romans 1:1 (NKJV)

For we are all predestined before the foundation of the world.

Separated to the gospel of God and called to be a servant unto the Lord and every Christian has been called to be a servant unto the Lord!

For God has said it is so and has recorded it in the Old Testament through the writings of the prophets. (MB)

God had a purpose in the life of Paul and chose Paul for this task, because Paul was the best Paul for this job.

God has a purpose for all that he has called, therefore we must accept who and what we are.

We hear some say; I have no gifts or talents that God can use.

I have so many things going on in my life, that I just do not have time right now.

I’m not good with people and so on and so on.

God has chosen you because you are the best you, you can be.

God knows what and who can do his calling for them.

Everyone is qualified to serve God!

When we back down from the calling of God, we are saying in so many words that God has made a mistake, that I am not qualified to do this work.

We limit the power of God.

God does not make mistakes!

He knows who is best for the job, so if you are not serving God, then you are in rebellion against God.

If you call yourself a Christian then there is a calling on your life and God expects you to serve!

2. We are all predestined

2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

For we are all predestined before the foundation of the world. I was called to be a servant unto the Lord. For God has said it is so and has recorded it in the Old Testament through the writings of the prophets. Romans 1:2 (MB)

Which he had promised before Both in the law and in the prophets God showed his purpose to introduce into the world a more perfect and glorious state of things.

God states that it would take place under the influence of the Messiah, who should bring life and immortality to light by his Gospel.

Paul goes on to confirm verse two in the next few verses by saying that Jesus Christ himself was predestined by the power of God, which was confirmed by the Holy Spirit and declared by the cross and the resurrection form the dead.

That He was and is the Son of God.

3. We are all called into the Servant-hood of Christ

3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

Let’s understand verse three, first;

Son = Huios, (hwee-os’) a child mature enough to take on adult family privileges and responsibilities, His Son, God’s Son.