Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 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, 5 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, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 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. Romans 1:1-7
A. The Man Paul: God’s Instrument for the Gospel (v. 1)
1. His Identity: A “slave” of Christ Jesus
2. His Role: Called to be an apostle – “ambassador”
3. His Life: Set apart – “appointed” (not a chosen vocation)
B. The Message of Paul: The Gospel of God (v. 1-5)
1. The focus of the Apostle Paul: Rom. 1:1
2. The Gospel of God (Trinitarian)
a. The Gospel of God cannot fail: Rom. 1:2
b. The Gospel of God came through the Holy Scriptures: Rom. 1:3
c. The Gospel of God centers on the Risen Lord Jesus Christ: Rom. 1:3-4
d. The gospel of God provides Good News for the World: Rom. 1:5
C. The Mission of Paul: Pleasing God, Making Disciples: Rom. 1:4-6, Rom. 16:25-27
1. Conversion before Commission: Rom. 1:4-5a, Eph. 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-14
2. Commission defined
a. To promote obedience among God’s called saints: Rom. 1:4-5c, Rom. 6:17, 2 Thess. 1:7-9, Mark 1:14, Matt. 28:19-20
– Beyond the local assembly: Rom. 1:4-5c
– Within the local assembly: Rom. 1:6, Phil. 2:12-14
b. To promote Him who is the Gospel: Rom. 1:5d, Rom. 11:36, Ps. 138:2