Good morning everyone. I hope you are finding yourself blessed and ready for another new day in the fellowship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have recently begun a study/review of the book of Romans. I shall herewith share my comments and considerations as I journey through this wonderful document which so clearly presents the case for Christ. Please feel free to use these notes in any way that might assist you in your own study of the book. It is my desire to edify the believer as well as present the gospel to those who have yet to encounter the joys of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do enjoy, I know I will. 

Romans

Devotion 1

Chapter 1:1-2

A Servant Selected and Separated to the Gospel

I shall present my thoughts this morning as guided by Romans 1:1-2. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures,). It occurred to me that Paul is trying to convey to us a certain lifestyle in these simple verses. First Paul understood that he was a servant of jesus Christ. In order of priority, it is necessary that first start as a servant. To serve is to surrender our will to the will of our Savior. Paul had clearly done this with reckless abandon. From the moment that he met Christ on the road to Damascus in Acts chapter nine, he understood, recognized and surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. 

Paul however was not only a servant of Jesus Christ, he was also called to be an Apostle. He had personal contact and communication with Jesus. He was chosen to accomplish a mission. He was selected by God for a purpose. I always find it interesting to speak with young people today. Many college age students have expressed to me how difficult it is for young people to determine what it is that they want to do or be as he pursue their education. Many are stumped in finding a purpose in a future career. They have come to realize that no matter what career you choose, it will have little value in life other than to bog you down and prevent you from doing the things that you would really like to do. In a way they are right. A career is simply a means to assist in accomplishing a purpose. Without a defined purpose the things that we commit ourselves to become monotonous chains in the end. Paul however suggests a greater purpose. He concludes that he was called to be something. He was not just called to do something but he was called to be an Apostle. 

Being called to be an Apostle was a special calling. Details of this calling are described in Hebrews 2:3-4. It entailed having direct communication with Jesus. An Apostles revelation was also confirmed by signs and wonders. You will also find in your study of the Apostles that they had certain gifts that were appointed to them. For your study you can find some of these gifts listed in Mark 16:17-18, Acts 2:4-8, Acts 3:8, Acts 5:15, Acts 28:3-6 and many other places. It is not my goal to rabit trail down the road of defining what an Apostle was however. In sticking with our text in Romans chapter one, it should suffice to say that Paul was called to this purpose. This is significant because as believers in Jesus Christ, we have also been called to a purpose. This purpose is that of a lifestyle. According to Ephesians 1:4 we have been chosen to be holy and without blame before him in love. 

I Corinthians 1:9 says that we were called in to the fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord. We now have purpose in a relationship with Jesus. Ephesians 4:1-6, we are called to a vocation. God has gifted us with the purpose of a spiritual job. It is in the fulfillment of our spiritual vocation and calling that we can fine fulfillment in the other areas or our lives. 

Not only was Paula called to be an Apostle, but he was also separated unto the gospel. Paul knew what his purpose was in life. It was the furtherance of the gospel. II Corinthians 5:19-20 makes it clear that we have the same purpose. We are ambassadors for Christ to spread the good news of reconciliation. We have the message that man needs to develop a relationship with a living God. I Thessalonians 2:4 says that we were put in trust with the gospel. God has trusted us with the gospel and has separated us unto its furtherance. What a great responsibility to have. 

Paul also recognized the authority by which the gospel was built. the Holy Scriptures. Paul had a thorough knowledge and understanding of the scriptures as they existed in that day. He did not just rely on his personal relationship with God to prove his case for Christ he relied upon the Word of God. It is therefore important that we have a working knowledge of scripture. The very foundation of our belief in Christ is built around faith. Pauls faith was not established by his emotions or personal experience. It was as he said in Romans 10:17, established by the Word of God. 

In effect, Paul was a Servant, selected and separated unto the gospel as confirmed by the scriptures. I am reminded of an old children's song. Hide it under a bushel no, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine let it shine. Lets not let another day go by without fulfilling our Lord's most high calling.