Devotion 4

Romans Chapter 1:5-7

To Whom it is Written

As we continue our dissection of Paul’s opening statement, we now come to the address line. In chapter 1:5-7 Paul defines by whom we were called into this ever growing family of faith and to whom he is specifically speaking. He will also define for us the destination of his message.

In verse 5 Paul continues with “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name:” Again referring to his prior statements Paul concludes that it was by Jesus Christ that he received grace and apostleship. One of the most amazing things about the living God is his ability to use this human race to accomplish his great purpose. Later in Chapter one, Paul will describe the depravity of mankind in one of the most obscenely graphic passages that you will find in your Bible. Humanity finds itself, by any biblical perspective in quite the horrific state. All of us are plagued with some sin that as the Bible says “doth so easily beset us.” If it were not for the deepest ocean of God’s amazing grace, we would have no hope of becoming anything of earthly or eternal value. As Ephesians 2:8 says “For by grace are ye saved.” “Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”

God’s grace is not only a saving grace but also a sustaining grace. It is through receiving his grace that we are saved, but it is also his renewing grace that we are sustained. Ephesians 1:7 says “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace:’ which clearly states God’s grace in salvation. However, when Paul discusses the believer’s ongoing schizophrenic state of mind in Romans 7, he claims the Victory over sin is only found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise God for his saving and ongoing sustaining grace.

Paul also recognizes in verse 5 that his position of apostleship has also been received by Jesus. God has not only gifted us with grace, he has gifted us with purpose and position. It should always be remembered that my very participation in God’s plan and mission is allowed by Christ. We have not been called to build our own ministry but we have received our grace and place in his plan “for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.” God called us to accomplish his purpose and will which as Paul says is to be among all nations, clearly referring to the great commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts chapter 1. God saved us and issued marching orders. Just like the soldier in battle, our duty is to obey.

In verse 5 Paul broadens the scope of his address to the body of the church when he says “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.” Paul understood that it was not just his job as an apostle to fulfill Gods purpose in the gospel but it was ours as well. This is clearly one of the masterful verses in the word of God that any believer in Jesus Christ can insert their name for effect. “Among whom ______________ is also called of Jesus Christ.” Paul’s purpose and my purpose is the same. To bring the relevance of this statement into our current age, it should be understood that  it is not just the Pastor’s job to accomplish God’s plan. All believers have an equal responsibility in this task. Let’s not drop the ball.

Paul then defines the specific location of his address “To all that be in Rome.” He also addresses the people in Rome that he is writing to, being the “beloved of God called to be saints.” He is clearly speaking directly to the believers in Rome. He will further define the origin of this group in the verses to follow which we shall reveal at a later time, but it should suffice to say that he is addressing Christians in Rome. His desire for these faithful believers is that they might receive grace and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ

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His address in Romans 1 is slightly different than those of the other books that Paul writes. I think this significant in purpose. You will note that Paul address the letter “To all that be in Rome.” Before you jump ship and conclude that this book is not for you because you are not now, nor have you ever been, nor do you ever intend to travel to Rome, consider this. For the last two thousand plus years, the overwhelming world system was derived from that of the Roman Empire. Our very system of government is a direct result of Rome’s ancient influence. Although there have been various forms of government which have developed over the last two thousand years, we are still very much in the “Roman Age” as it applies to the modern world system. Not only do we find ourselves at the end of the Roman age governmentally,  we are also still very much in the middle of the Roman age religiously when considering the size and immenseness of the Roman Catholic world religious system. Regardless of the development of other religions in the last century, the Roman Catholic political system is still the most powerful religious system in the world today. It has always interested me that Martin Luther, the great reformer, stated that the book of Romans was his first love. He understood that he was in Rome. I would submit to you that we are still in Rome today and therefore this letter that was written so long ago applies directly to our time and age. Let us not neglect its study.

Jesus, Jesus how I trust him

How I’ve proved him O’er and O’er.

Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus

O for grace to trust him O’er