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Romans:. 1. The “Christ” Identity. Romans 1:1-17 p. 1037. Who am I? Why am I here?. 1. Identity. Who I am . . . A South African A Dad ... A Husband A Rugby fan ... A Hockey fan ... Paul says he is (v 1): A servant [slave] of Christ Jesus Called to be an Apostle [sent one]
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Romans: 1. The “Christ” Identity Romans 1:1-17 p. 1037
1. Identity • Who I am . . . • A South African • A Dad ... A Husband • A Rugby fan ... A Hockey fan ... • Paul says he is (v 1): • A servant [slave] of Christ Jesus • Called to be an Apostle [sent one] • Set apart for the Gospel of God • His former identity (Phil 3:4-8)
1. Identity . . . • A SLAVE of Jesus: • Slaves had no identity in their own right • As emissaries ... An extension of their masters • Establishes Jesus’ absolute authority over him • Called to be an APOSTLE • Paul was not universally highly regarded • Introduces himself by his commissioning from God • What does it look like to be first a servant of God?
1. Identity . . . • SET APART for the Gospel: • The gospel was the determining focus of his whole life • Lev 20:26 turned on its head: • THEN – Separation from the nations • NOW – Separation for the nations • IDENTITY – • Some aspects more significant than others • PASTOR – comes with a truckload of expectations • Why is there a higher standard? • We expect too little from other followers of Christ ! ! !
2. Purpose • Paul’s purpose (v 5) Lit: “... for obedience of faith in all the nations ...” • “obedience of faith” refers to ONE thing (not two!) • Highlights the essence of human sinfulness • Opposite of FAITH: not Unbelief – but SIN ! • We live in submission to God (Faith), or Sin • Striving for: “... Obedience of faith in all nations” • Not Just a call for Paul – for all of us (Matt 28:18-20) • Teaching them to OBEY, not teaching them to believe !
2. Purpose . . . • Also – to impart some spiritual gift (v 11) • Lays out Paul’s two priorities we saw last week: • Mission – calling all people to “obedience of faith” • Loving unity and care – mutual encouragement • Personal examples of how this works: • Camp sponsorships for “pastors’ kids” • Hospice in India & Hospitality.
THIS WEEK: • Making the “worldview” exercise more specific: • IDENTITY: • How do you think of yourself? • What do you tell people to give them an idea of who you are? • PURPOSE: • How does your “Life-purpose” influence your daily choices?