Friday 27 April 2012

The Gospel in a Nutshell

Prepare: Lord, help us to know the Gospel concerning the Son.
Read: Romans 1:1-7

The writer: Note the three points Paul uses to describe himself. The word for servant is 'slave'. In the Graeco-Roman world of Paul, a slave was not even considered a person. A slave was the property of the master and the owner could do anything as he or she is pleased. Thought the slaves of Christ do not have this oppression, the word shows how a servant of Christ does not have his or her own will or choice. Paul did not make himself a servant; but was called-that means specific choice of God. God chose him to be an apostle. A servant of Christ is set apart for the gospel of God. Do we display the characteristic of being set apart as Christians by and for God?

The Gospel: List the five points in verses2-4 to show who Jesus Christ the Son is. Paul begins with the Old Testament promise through the prophets and goes right through to the resurrection of Christ. The prophetic promised was fulfilled in Jesus, but when he was born as a descendant of David. He was declared to be the Son because the Holy one of God could not be held by death. This is the Son who is the source of our service to bring people everywhere to the obedience of faith. It is interesting how Paul links up his apostleship with the readers.

Greeting: How do we greet people? Do we root our greetings in God and what God does?

Respond: Lord, help us who believe in you, be truly saints.

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