Week 1 - Romans 1:1-4
Romans 1:1-4 (NLT)
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul’s Allegiance
Paul takes the first verse in Romans to write somewhat of a resume or personal mission statement. He is a slave (or servant), he’s chosen and he’s sent. In other words, his full allegiance is to Jesus; chosen and sent by Him to bear God’s image to the world. Paul was once a Pharisee and harsh persecutor of the church, but he had a radical encounter with Jesus that forever aligned him with the good news of the gospel. Once set apart for the law, Paul is now set apart for the gospel. God announced this gospel through His prophets and scriptures and God accomplished this gospel through the death and resurrection of His son, Jesus. Unlike the law, the gospel is not a list of what we must do; it is the news of what God has done for us in Christ. That is really good news!
Questions
Think about your own personal encounter with Jesus. Has this caused you to align every area of your life with His rule and reign?
Why is the gospel “good news?”How have you experienced this goodness?