Paul begins the book of Romans by noting two important roles to characterize his life. Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. His calling occurred when he saw the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. His assignment was to teach the Good News of salvation—especially “to the Gentiles”.After introducing the messenger (himself), the message (gospel), and the source (God), Paul turns to the subject of the message. Paul summarizes the Good News about Jesus Christ. The central focus of the gospel is Jesus, God’s Son, who was both human and divine.
Jesus’ entire life, from his human conception to his resurrection, was planned, promised, and fulfilled by God. His nature as God’s Son was made clear when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. He was, is, and will always be the Son of God. Christ’s resurrection unmistakably revealed that truth to the world. At the time of his resurrection, Christ was glorified and restored to his full rights and status as Son of God in power.
The desired response to the gospel message was that people will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. Faith and obedience are inseparable. Real faith will always lead to obedience; real obedience comes from faith.
Grace is the unmerited favor God gives to the believers; peace refers to the peace that Christ made between us and God through his death on the cross. Only God can grant such wonderful gifts. Paul wants his readers to experience God’s grace and peace in their daily living.
Paul proposed a trip to Rome to serve, not to be served. He fully intended that his visit would benefit the believers there. Paul prayed for the chance to visit these Christians so that he could encourage them with his gift of faith and be encouraged by theirs.
Paul’s obligation was to proclaim Christ’s salvation to all types of people in different cultures, crossing cultural, social, racial, and economic lines. The educated and uneducated referred to the classes in Rome versus the peoples of other “uncivilized” places. No barrier would stop Paul from bringing the Good News.
SO WHAT? (what will i do with what i have read today?)
I often say to the people of the Church of the Valley; "One of two things will shape your life - either the world or the Word." Let me ask you today - what is shaping your life? The television, the media, your upbringing - OR - the Word of God?
God's word can change all of us. Romans 12:2 (NIV) says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. How do you renew your mind? Get in God's word. Everyday. People try a lot of shortcuts. Some people look for an emotional experience -- "If I just get this `certain experience', then all my problems will be solved and I will be a mature Christian."
Other people say, "If I could just go to this seminar.... If I could just read this book... If I could just listen to this tape..." Other people say, "If I could just keep a certain set of rules, then I could be all God wants me to be."
But the Bible says, no. The Bible says it takes discipline to change and renew your mind.
1 Timothy 4:7 (LB) says, "Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit." Is physical fitness automatic? No. Neither is spiritual fitness. It takes time and trouble. Just like to be physically fit you've got to exercise, develop some basic habits. That's true in the Christian life. The Bible says, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness."
Pay the price. Do the deed, Make a commitment to grow and change and become the person God created you to be.
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