1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—
2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
3regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,
4and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
- P22
5Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.
- P23
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostleand set apart for the gospel of God. This gospel was promised through theprophets and is about Jesus, who was appointed the Son of God in power. Paulwrites to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people. - P23
The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by acknowledging his role. He is firstly a servant of Christ Jesus and lives to serve the Lord and do His will. Paul then asserts his calling to spread the gospel message, which was promised through God’s prophets and was fulfilled in Jesus. - P24
Centuries later, we continue in this work of carrying the gospel message as servants of the Lord. We do not have to be pastors or missionaries to spread the gospel. . - P24
All believers are called to represent Christ and to share about the love and grace God extended to us through His work on the cross. Like Paul, let us embrace our roles as servants of the Lord and live to serve Him well - P24
The Christians in Rome are assured that they belong to Jesus Christ. Theiridentity is grounded in Him. They can have confidence that they are lovedby God and called to be His holy people, and that through the Father andthe Son, they receive grace and peace. - P24
We sometimes base our identity onother things, forgetting that our true identity is in our belonging to Jesus.
However, when we remember that we are loved and cherished by God, ourthoughts and actions begin to shift. - P24
Being secure in His love prompts us tolikewise respond with love and compels us to live up to our calling to be Hisholy people, resembling His character and following His ways. - P24
We may think that being a faithful servant of Christ requires being an apos-tle like Paul. We may assume that traveling around the world to evangelizeor preaching the gospel from the pulpit are the ultimate forms of service toHim. However, all of us can demonstrate faithful service to God by sharingthe gospel message at any time wherever we go. We can speak about Jesus atour jobs, schools, or even grocery stores. Moreover, faithful service does notneed to be limited to preaching the gospel. Being a good servant of the Lordcan look like parenting children well, being diligent at work, participatingin a local mission project, or even cleaning toilets! - P25
Dear Lord, thank you for making me Yours. When I start to wander or doubt, remind me that I am loved and cherished and that I am called to be a member of Your holy people. I am grateful for the privilege to serve Your kingdom. In Your name I pray, amen. - P25
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