We have Paul's apostleship, Paul's authority now who was Paul's audience?
Romans 1:6-7 (NASB) " among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. " Look at Their Calling: Called of Jesus Christ Their Connection: Beloved of God Their Commission: Called Saints( to be set apart) Their City: Rome Their Charter: Grace followed by Peace This is who Paul was writing to. Paul talks first about his apostleship and next he speaks of his authority in Romans 1:5," through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations."
Paul had nothing by which to commend himself to God. Rather, God poured out apostleship by grace upon him. Any authority he had as an apostle had come by grace from God and had been validated by Paul's own obedience. Romans 1:2-4 (ESV) " which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 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, "
Paul points out to us that Jesus Christ is the Promised One, the Perfect One,and the Powerful One. He has power over sin's pull and power over sin's penalty. Do you know this Jesus Christ? Paul is the author of Romans and wrote this magnificent book. It a starts like this," Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,"
Paul was a servant- a bond-slave. Paul was a "Sent one". Paul was set apart. Look Galatians 1:15," But when he who had set me apart before I born, and who called me by grace." Here is a question: Are you a true servant of God? |
What we Learned on Sunday? Insights, ideas and InspirationWritten by Pastor Chris Hudson Archives
April 2024
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