Romans 1:1, Man With a Sacred Mission

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Today, we begin a daily bible study series on the Book of Romans. I shall endeavour to provide daily refreshing from God’s Word to encourage your heart in the things of God for a new day.

Paul, the author, introduced himself, firstly as a servant of Jesus Christ. Secondly, as one called by Jesus Christ. And thirdly, an Apostle sent by Jesus Christ. His life has been entirely given to one mission – the work of the gospel.

By virtue of being a servant, literally a “bond-slave”, he committed himself wholeheartedly, with undivided loyalty, to serve his Master, Jesus Christ. A commitment that he discharged with distinction till the end of his life. He was wholly given over to Jesus Christ and His cause! Remarkable faithfulness worthy of our emulation. The most sort after trait in a man of God, in such a time as this, prior to Christ’s Second Coming. A servant is one who serves in obedience to his Master’s will. A man with a surrendered will. Every aspect of his life was brought under his master’s charge. In Jesus Christ is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). By abiding in Jesus Christ, his life brought forth much spiritual fruit (John 15:5). Without Jesus Christ, we can do nothing, we have no life at all. Therefore, being a servant of Jesus Christ, is a great privilege and honour.

By virtue of being called of God into His service, Paul sought daily to fulfil the heavenly mission entrusted to him by His Master. The noblest undertaking.  Jesus Christ after His resurrection both saved and commissioned Paul to bear the good news to others. Jesus Christ declared, Paul “is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15). He was to bear the name of Christ everywhere he was sent. You are called a Christian because Jesus Christ has called you into salvation and service wherever He will send you today (Romans 1:6). You bear the name of Christ, what great privilege and honour. May you shine for Him!

By virtue of being an Apostle, Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel, found churches and write the Holy Scriptures. 14 of 29 books of the New Testament were written by him. The Book of Romans is the first of the fourteen epistles or letters in the biblical canon written by Paul to the church in Rome which he had not visited in person. We shall be taking the time to study the sacred content of this letter in the days following. God bless your day.