Retreat Testimonies
Romans 1:1
Introduction
Author & Historical Context
The letter was written by Paul from Corinth in 56 AD.
This is Paul’s longest letter.
The letter was written in anticipation that he would be
coming to Rome soon and wanted the people prepared for
the doctrines he would be instilling.
Themes
The letter written to expound on the nature of the gospel,
faith in Jesus Christ and its implications for the believer.
Themes
The letter written to expound on the nature of the gospel,
faith in Jesus Christ and its implications for the believer.
Paul also addresses schism between the Gentile and Jewish
believers with the intent of unifying them.
Themes
The letter also addresses important doctrinal teachings such as
- How God reaches those “without the message of Jesus”
- How God views and deals with worldliness and immorality
- How faith in Christ empowers the believer to live a righteous life.
- How the Holy Spirit assists us in this endeavor
- How to live righteously in as a community of believers
- How to live righteously in a secular society
- How to live righteously with our brothers and sisters in Christ
Why Romans?
Paul’s Identity: Servant
Romans 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,
separated unto the gospel of God,
- It is important that Paul begin the letter by establishing his
authority but chooses instead to call himself a “slave”.
1 Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in
your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Do you consider
yourself a slave to
Christ?
A slave stewards the different facets of life with
the intent to obey the Master?
Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Romans 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,
separated unto the gospel of God,
- Apostle means, “one who is sent”
- In order to be carry the title Apostle one had to have met a series
of important criteria.
Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Requirements of Apostleship:
- Candidates needed to have been with Jesus during the whole
three years that Jesus was among them. Acts 1:21
- He needed to have witnessed Jesus sacrifice Himself on the
cross. Acts 1:22a
- He had to have seen Jesus walk, talk, and eat among the disciples
again after His resurrection. Acts 1:22b
Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Paul’s Unique Apostleship
Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ,
and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
His Conversion & Ordination: Acts 9:4-18
Paul’s Identity: Apostle
Paul’s Unique Apostleship
Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ,
and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
His Conversion & Ordination: Acts 19:12-18
His Confirmation: Galatians 1:15
His Proofs:
Miracles - Acts 19:11-13
Testimony - Galatians 2:6-9
His Words – 2 Peter 3:15-18
Do you live your life as
an apostle?
An apostle lives their life in order to respond to
the sending of their Master.
Paul’s Identity: Separate
- Not just separated but separated unto the gospel
- “Gospel of God” because it isn’t of men
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto
the gospel of God,
-
“gospel of his Son” because of his divine nature
Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his
Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Paul’s Identity: Separate
- “Gospel of Christ” because it has the power to save
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the
Greek.
-
“my gospel” because of his divine nature and his saving power.
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel,
and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,
which was kept secret since the world began,
Do you take
ownership of the
gospel?
A believer associates themselves so much with
the work of the cross that they possess it as their
own.