“Paul, a bondservant of Christ Jesus, called as an
apostle, set apart for the gospel of God”
This is Paul’s introduction to the Romans. This
letter is unique because Paul had never been to Rome as a believer. He is not responding
to a church situation. He is “street preaching”, so the gospel is ultra-clear
and to the point. We can learn a lot from his first sentence.
Paul opens by identifying himself as a bondservant…
The original word is “Doulos”, and it means slave. Paul is saying his life is
not his own. His qualification is not his education, apostleship, nor
authority… He is a slave and he wants people to know it. Is that my identifier?
Do I open with that, or do I want you to know my credentials? And If I open
with servanthood, then whom do I serve?
“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name; it is a title. When I apply that title
to Jesus it is a clear claim regarding his position and authority in my
life.
Is that how you see yourself?… Is Jesus your Master?
Do you see the Bible as helpful literature, or as a proclamation from your
King? Is it a book of suggestions or commandments? Those questions need to be
answered prior to crisis.
After establishing his servanthood, Paul
acknowledges his apostleship and states that he writes with authority. This is
another trait we should mimic. Not claiming our authority, but that The Word of
God is authoritative. Peter confirms Paul’s writings as scripture, and states
that those who distort it do so at their own peril. What about you and me? Do
we obey, or distort? Do we casually skim The Bible or study it as though it
carried the power of life and death… because it does.
Then his final declaration is that he is “set apart”…
am I? Am I holy?… Being “Set-apart” occurs when I’m single minded and focused
on producing disciples… my holiness is essential to that objective. Is my heart
“set apart” and does it exclusively belong to God, or am I unfocused and double
minded?
When you look in the mirror this morning, know your
qualifications… Your worth, security, and power don’t come from who you are… they
come from whose you are.
"Your value and purpose are not set by public opinion. It was settled at Calvary." - Anonymous
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