Pauls purpose and passion Romans 1:1 - 17:
Series: On the road through Romans.
Background: Over the next few months we are going to be travelling on the road to Rome through the book of Romans, as we do we will be stopping off on route to take in the sights. The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul from Corinth around AD 57 at the end of Paul’s 3rd journey before returning to Jerusalem Rom15.25. Where he spent 3 months Acts20:.3.
At The TIME OF THE letter Paul had never been to Rome neither had any of the Apostles, Yet a Church had been formed by the many Jews who had visited Jerusalem on Pentecost and had been converted the message of salvation went back to Rome and a Church established.
Around 3 years later under the providence of God Paul would arrive in Rome as a prisoner but even in these difficult circumstances the gospel was never bound as we will come to see so jump in and buckle up your seat belts as we travel on the road to Rome.
Overview of the task ahead Romans: is a well organized and carefully presented statement of the faith. A book which gives us clear understanding of the gospel 1:1-3 – the condition of the world and humanity 1:18 -3:20 - the need for Gods intervention – salvation is free to all justification comes through faith 3:21- 5:21 – Christians have freedom from the law - To become like Christ – discovery of God’s love 8:1-39 – How the Jewish nation fits into Gods plan 9 -11 - Jew and Gentile to united 11:13 -36 – personal responsibility to Christ the purpose of spiritual gifts and love 12:3- 21 – Good citizenship 13:1-14 – Christian freedom to be guided by love for the benefit of others 14:1 – 15:4- Unity within the Church 15:5-13 – He concludes with reasons for writing his personal plans and greetings 15:22-16:27.
Romans 1: 1- 17 Paul’s purpose driven life .
Paul’s purpose driven life : Phil3.4-6.read who knew his position in life ( a leading Pharisee), his purpose (advancement) and his priority (Persecution of Christians) I believe we would have met a very self-righteous young man. A man who could turn you inside out with words and make his case very plausible he was a gifted young man.
His credentials were impeachable: Here was a rising star in pharasical circles born in Tarsus and taught under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. He was from the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised on the 8th day, regarding the law he was faultless. Here was zealot in every matter of Religion.
What would we call him today? Paul would have called him a religious fanatic or even a terrorist in the way he would go about persecuting Christians. He really believed he was doing God a service. This rising star was heading for greater things in his circles! And he knew this, he says: Gal.1:13 -14…. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers
Persecution was a priority: Acts 22:4. I persecuted the followers of this way to their death arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison. Acts 8v1 He approved of the execution of Stephen. Act:9:1-2 Breathing threats and murder against the disciple of the Lord and sought letters to continue and carry out his threats.
1. His old Purpose is built upon law : Phil.3 :6. Legalistic righteousness faultless.
Paul was a deeply religious and was a slave to law, he was committed to obeying it, and he was bound by it. The Pharisees were ones who were set apart even from other Jews, they were known to keep to the letter of the law and for adding traditions of the elders passed down to them.
Tithing and ritual purity were kept stringentl: They would place limits on others Jews and gentile. They could not eat at the home of a non – Pharisee because they could not be sure the food had been correctly tithed and kept ritually pure. They are known for criticizing others and especially Jesus and the disciples’ (Matt.23:23-26)synomonus Pharisee/hypocrite.
Are we guilty of a pharisaical lifestyle? Are we guilty of pointing the fingers at others without looking at ourselves? Jesus said, Matt 7:1-5 Do not Judge or you too wll be judged. For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3- 5
Jesus is calling us to examine our own motives and conduct. Jesus is not saying we should never judge others - he not against all critical thinking for he calls us to later on in the passage to do just that, 7:15 Watch out for false prophets – The Bible teaches the Church should exercise Church discipline 1Cor 4:3-5.
But he is calling us to stop making the hypocritically judgments that tears others down in order to build one’s self up. Often the traits we see in others are often found in ourselves as well. Before we rush to judgment we need to examine our own hearts first. The Pharisees with all their traditions and laws , failed to examine themselves, they were right “FULL STOP”
What is your position? How are you trying to obtain a right standing with God? Through keeping a certain set of laws or moral code or by our good works does this put us right with God? Then you are a slave….
Regular Church men in fact Anglican clergy In the 18th century. Whitefield and the Wesley’s and others formed a religious club 1725-1729 it sarcastically go the name the holy club. They endeavored to live a religious life with religious duties and good works but knew not Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
Church billboard which read, "Man has added 32 million laws yet have not come up with any to match the Ten Commandments.” Psalm 19v7.“The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.”
The average person in the street see Christianity as simply law keeping - and dry formal religion: Yet the new Paul in the Book of Romans will go to great lengths to reveal to us the work of the law… The law that holds us in bondage and points us to Christ!
Rom 3.20.Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law.
Rom 3v28.We maintain that man is justified by faith apart from observing the law
v31 do we then nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather we uphold the law.
CH Spurgeon said, “The law is for the self righteous to humble their pride. The Gospel is for the lost to remove their despair.”
Gal. 3. 24. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. This is what Paul came to experience- How humbling is this to think that all he required and believed and learnt. He had to discard it and see it in a different light...
What do we need to discard? Do you have pre conceived ideas? Christianity is not about whether your Catholic or protestant, whether you have gone through particular religious observances (Christening - confirmation classes - holy communion – baptism – all religious observances are utterly hopeless to save us. Whether you’ve obeyed the law - its’s a big ask if you have been indoctrinated and saturated with it from childhood.
But it is possible to break free because of the power of the gospel. Paul is a shining example of that, look what Paul thinks now Phil.3:7—9 He considers it all rubbish (dung) compared to knowing Christ.
2. His new purpose is built upon servant hood
V1.Servant, Bond slave. Paul regards himself as a Servant (bond slave Greek. Doulos) A slave is a person who is involuntary bound in servitude to another human being. Used as an instrument of Labour. One who has lost liberty and rights? Slaves would have been bought at the Market price. 1cor.9.19. I have made myself a servant to all.
Yet Paul is now voluntary bound as a servant to Christ Jesus Acts 9.V5.Who are you Lord? Damascus rd experience… Paul is no longer a slave to law but a servant to Christ Jesus by Grace. Paul voluntary gives himself up, to the Lord upon the road to Damascus.
This statement reveals the humility and clear recognition of his true position before Christ Jesus. It begins on the Damascus rd. where pious Paul’s world was turned upside down.
Acts 9.5.”Who are you Lord?” Paul would make the will of God his own. He was never crushed into submission but freely made the Lords will his will. Phil.3.7-9. His righteousness was now through faith in Christ He becomes a servant to the living God. Like his Lord before him. Matt 20v28 even the Son of Man Who did not come to be served but to serve and give his life a ransom for many. Phil: 2.5 –8 Let this mind be in you…
3. His old purpose is built upon career in religion
At one time Paul’s purpose was his religion and his advancement within it, to get as far up the ladder as he could and to aid him in this cause he would persecute Christians travelling far and wide. Paul believed he had found his purpose to life and it was being a religious zealot.
Yet the very God he believed he was serving he was actually fighting against. : All over the world millions of fanatical Muslims – Hindus – communists - believe they have found their purpose and are prepared to kill and be killed for its cause. Yet unknown to them they are actually fighting against God .Paul was such a man.....
Of course that’s an extreme isn’t it and we I am sure would be far removed from that but can I still ask you what is your purpose in life? Is it your Career -, possessions – pleasures – happiness- success – fulfillment in life – It hard to find isn’t it?
On the Damascus rd Paul was sent by men on behalf of religious men with letters but Paul would return being sent by God with a new Purpose driven life.
• One of the best-selling Christian books right now is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Warren begins his book with these words… “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfilment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God.”
So many people are trying to find their purpose in life, but it’s like putting a square peg in a round hole, it doesn’t fit something in their life is missing; you must begin with God to find that out......
3a His new purpose driven life - is built upon a calling from God
V1 Paul was Called and set apart by God and no longer by men
Thee is a true story of a man who was singing in a wine bar in Cardiff, he was spotted by a record producer. This man was handpicked, he received a record contract – then the following week he went on to sing before thousands of people at a recent FA cup final at the millennium stadium. This man had a new purpose; he was plucked out of obscurity. Of course he was handpicked by men and his contract can be broken but when God picks you out Gods contract can never be broken…
a. Consecration to God. Called to be an Apostle. V1. (One who is sent) Particular office
On the Damascus rd the Lord called Paul Acts.9 v 6. Paul would become an Apostle. Every Christian has a unique calling to fulfil in their own lives: each one of you, God leaves none of you on the shelf, he calls you into service for Him. He has a task for you to fulfil here below and in his Church and in the world.
V6. Including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ
God still calls and sets apart people today for particular. Service. Yes to become a Christian and to live for him but it does not end there. God calls some into service for him in a particular ministry? Eph.4. 11. Unity in the Body and Gods calling V12. To build up the body of Christ.
Maybe as a missionary, pastor (elder), teacher, deacon, evangelist, administrator, all for the benefit of the body of Christ. Have you known God calling you? Have you responded to that call? Then as Paul encouraged Timothy we must 2Tim.1.6 Fan into flame the Gift of God :As Somebody once said, “We all have different jobs but the same employer…”
Paul was Set apart for the Gospel of God v1-4
As an apostle Paul’s purpose was to preach this Gospel of God to the whole Gentile world. The Gospel of God is the entire revelation of God through the v2. OT prophets with its many prophecies all pointing to Jesus Christ In regard to his humanity through the line of David as promised and v4 and his death and glorious resurrection. Here we see Paul declaring his agreement with all Scripture and the Apostles teaching. This is summarising the gospel of God the good news!
Application: Are we preaching the Gospel of God in its entirety? Are we at all embarrassed with it do we package it in such away that it is pleasing and not offensive. Paul was committed to the whole Gospel he could say? Rom1.16. I am not ashamed of the Gospel.
Set apart by the Grace of God. V5 By whom we have received grace
Paul past life He knew what it was to be saved by grace of God.
1Tim1.15.He called himself the Worst of sinners. Paul saw the depth of grace in Jesus Christ although he had persecuted the people of the way he was dealt much grace. Luke7.47. Jesus said,” those who are forgiven much love much.”
You’re past and present life:
Have you received this grace from God? Nobody is too far-gone anybody can be forgiven and receive the grace of God. It’s a gift waiting to be received to all that call upon his name will be saved. Grace simply means; (undeserved favour) Gods, riches at Christ’s expense; Titus 3v4, 5. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared he saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness but according to his own mercy.
4. His new purpose is built upon a passion for others
v5 To call people from among all the Gentiles. Gal 2.7.Paul entrusted to preaching to the Gentiles. This might not seem like much to us, to preach to the Gentiles, but for Paul who a number of years earlier would not even sit with Gentiles due to his pharasical principles. This is a massive step! Acts10.34, 35. Peter learnt also that God doesn’t show favouritism, but accepts men from every nation. But even he failed God in this area.
V14, v15 Paul was now a debtor to preach to all.
Are we all-inclusive in our Gospel witness in our lives do we ever show partiality towards a person of a particular colour, ethnic group or status in life poor or the rich? Are we impacting those who would never step foot into a Church? Our Lord did say… Matt28.19. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. 1Cor 9:19 – 23. Read
Paul has a new passion: His whole outlook has been changed he serves not by the letter but now by the spirit/heart V9. God whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the Gospel of his Son. Paul passion was to see others come to Christ, he knew that no human being will be in heaven without a human thumb print upon it , and God desires you to be that person: : The life of this man would impact thousands of people, Paul was committed to evangelism, paul would write, travel and speak extensively to share the gospel travelling thousands of miles ultimately to Rome and reaching his goal of being present with the Lord. Why?
Are you passionate enough to have ago? What are you really passionate about - football – music - gardening – bowls – dancing – art – shopping – archaeology – if you are you really do do your homework on these things – your really do put the practice in - when we have this kind of passion we then tend to excel at it.... Have you a passion for Jesus then you should have a passion to see others saved:
• G. Whitfield said, “True Grace will not be content with eating mere morsels but will want to bring others to feast on the delights that are ours in Christ Jesus.”
Have we got the same passion to win others for Christ? Is it your priority or is it secondary? It is true that Jesus called the 1st disciples fishers of men but have we today in the 21st century become mere aquarium keepers? Rom 9:1 My heart’s desire....READ
There is a story of a young salesman was disappointed about losing a big sale, and as he talked with his sales manager he lamented, "I guess it just proves you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink." The manager replied, "Son, take my advice: your job is not to make him drink. Your job is to make him thirsty."
So it is with evangelism. Our lives should be so filled with the passion of Christ t that it creates a thirst for the Gospel. Is this your priority as a Christian if not it should be the priority of us all to win souls for Christ.
Could it be we are even ashamed of the gospel? Look what Paul says v16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
You know we need to consider that point, because Jesus clearly said that whoever fails to confess him before men he will fail to confess them before his Father in heaven the key of course to overcoming this is to begin with the fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom, remember the fear of man is a snare....
Paul always had a purpose driven life but it had changed it was no longer centered upon himself it was centered upon Christ: Paul was a man who had been transformed from a religious zealot bound by law into a relationship with Christ filled with grace. Whose new purpose was no longer motivated by certain career moves in his Religion being called by his leaders but called apart into a relationship with God. Whose new found priority was no longer the priority to persecute but a passion to share the good news to the world.
CAN I ASK,"WHAT ABOUT YOU?" WHAT’S YOUR LIFES PURPOSE AND PASSION?
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