Co NOT ASHAMED

FOR I AM

OF THE GOSPEL

Part 1-Called OutRomans 1:1-7

The book of Romans is the “quintessence and perfection of saving doctrine” according to 17 th century Puritan Thomas Draxe and the “purest Gospel” in Martin Luther’s words. Romans is a foundational book to Christian doctrine and an essential book for understanding God’s perfect law of Liberty. It has been regarded as the New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. Paul writes this book to a group of believers living in Rome in anticipation that he will one day visit and minister to them in person.

In this letter he unfolds the simplicity and depth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Over this next year we will have the privilege of unearthing and unpacking the robust and life-transforming doctrine contained within the book of Romans.

AUTHOR: PaulDATE: Probably AD 57PLACE: Likely Corinth during a 3

month visit following Paul’s writing of 2 Corinthians

PURPOSE: To make contact with Roman believers prior to his visit to them.To set straight the gospel message.

Romans 1:1–7 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.

Romans 1:1–7 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; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

BIG IDEA:

YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED

OUT FOR GOD’S

PURPOSES

Called to a lifetime of slavery

• Doulos -- δοῦλος– Used 127 times in the New Testament

• Colossians 4:12– Epaphras recognized as a bondservant of

Christ• Romans 6:16-20

– You will be a slave to someone– Christ = Righteousness = Life– Self/Satan = Sin = Death

Called to Be Sent Out

• Apostolos - ἀπόστολος– Used 81 times in NT– 78 times referencing the Apostles– 3 times referencing messengers

• Philippians 2:25– Yet I considered it necessary to send to you

Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

Called to live a Gospel-Centered Life

• Euangelion - εὐαγγέλιον– 77 times in the N.T.

• 1 Corinthians 15:1– “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the

gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,”

Called to live a Gospel-Centered Life

We are called to “stand” in the gospel. To put it a different way, the gospel is the power of God both to salvation and to our daily sanctification. The gospel gives us the power to say no to our sinful bent, desires and addictions and say yes to pleasing God.

– A gospel-centered life will help you forgive like Christ forgave.

– A gospel-centered life will help you love like Christ love

– A gospel-centered life will help you deny self like Christ denied self

Called to find our identity in another

• Hagios - ἁγίος– Used 240 times in NT– טהר or holiness is the term קדש– Signifies the object of Awe

• Ephesians 1:1, 4, 13 – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the

saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: – just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the

world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

– In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Called to find our identity in another

One of Paul’s favorite descriptions of believers is “saints” or “holy ones.” This term describes our standing not our practice. As believers we are forever declared saints and holy. It does not take a long time in one’s walk with Christ to realize that we are not holy in regards to our daily practice. It has been rightly said that believers are capable of any sin, and if you are honest with yourself you can testify to that reality in your own heart.

Called to Gods’ favor and peace

• Charis - χάρις – Grace, kindness, favor– Paul uses this term 25 times in 21 verses in

the book of Romans alone!– God giving us what we do not deserve and

what we could never earn!– Gods’ Riches At Christ’s Expense

• Eirene – εἰρήνη– Peace– Used 10 times in Romans; 92 times in NT

Called to Gods’ favor and peace

• Luke 1:30– Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,

Mary, for you have found favor with God. • Luke 2:40

– And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

• John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;

not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

BIG IDEA:You have been called

out for God’s Purposes

• The creator of the entire universe has called you out. He has spared no expense to make you his own, and he has withheld no good thing from you. Is your life an accurate reflection of God’s high calling and purpose for your life?