Connect Romans 1:1 with other scriptures about being chosen for God's work. The Heart of Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” • Three key ideas appear right away: – Servant (bond-slave, wholly belonging to Christ) – Called (personally summoned by God) – Set apart (distinctly reserved for a mission) The Pattern of Divine Calling in Scripture God rarely leaves His servants to wonder if they are on assignment. From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord consistently singles people out, announces His purpose, and equips them for it. Old Testament Examples of Being Set Apart • Jeremiah 1:4-5 — “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” • Exodus 3:10 — The burning bush moment: “So now, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.” • Isaiah 6:8 — “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Notice the similarity to Paul’s language: each servant is known, summoned, and dispatched. New Testament Echoes of Paul’s Call • Acts 13:2 — “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” • Galatians 1:15-16 — Paul again: “God… set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace.” • John 15:16 — Jesus to the disciples: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit…” • 2 Timothy 1:9 — “He has saved us and called us to a holy calling—not because of our works but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus…” • 1 Peter 2:9 — “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…” These passages underline the same progression: chosen, called, commissioned. Why the Lord Chooses • To reveal His glory (Isaiah 43:21) • To bless the nations (Genesis 12:3; fulfilled through the gospel) • To demonstrate grace (Ephesians 2:8-10) • To bear lasting fruit (John 15:16) God’s calling is never random; it fits His redemptive plan and showcases His character. Living as the Chosen Today • Identity first: like Paul, begin with “servant of Christ Jesus.” • Calling next: recognize that each believer is summoned—some to public ministry, all to faithful witness (Matthew 28:19-20). • Set-apart lifestyle: holiness is not optional; it authenticates the mission (1 Thessalonians 4:7). • Empowerment: the same Spirit who spoke in Acts 13:2 indwells believers today, gifting and guiding (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Confidence: if God initiates the call, He supplies the strength (Philippians 1:6). Pulling It Together Romans 1:1 is more than Paul’s personal resume—it is a template. From Moses to Jeremiah, from the Twelve to every believer, God’s pattern stands: He chooses, He calls, He sets apart, and He sends. Embracing that truth brings purpose, courage, and joy to every step of service. |
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