November 2, 2008Romans 1:1-7The Bible describes and believers experience God as a gracious God. Every good gift, everything we have is given to us by God.
Life itself, our health, our time, talents, and relationships are gifts that God gives. And as Christians, we want to worship and serve the Lord out of love and gratitude for these gifts. We are also called to share our time, talents, and resources. We know that it’s not how much we have but what we do with what we have that’s so important. The apostle Peter wrote to the early church about this. “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve with whatever gift each of you has received” (that’s I Peter 4:10). A “steward” is a person who manages the affairs of a household or an estate for the owner. So, in the Christian sense, a steward is the manager of the affairs of God on earth. The physical and spiritual life that God has given you and me carries a certain responsibility with it. The Lord of life desires for us to use all our gifts to accomplish his purposes. In Exodus 33:13, Moses asked the Lord to let him in on his plans. Even in the midst of his troubles, Job acknowledged how everything fits and works in God’s plans (Job 25:2). The wisdom of Proverbs says it often. “Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place” (Proverbs 16:3). Jeremiah assured God’s people of the Lord’s care. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). I. The Good News of God’s Grace (vs. 1-7) The apostle Paul wrote Romans to introduce himself to the early church in Rome. This emerging Christian community was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile believers perhaps founded by Roman Jews converted on the Day of Pentecost.
The big issue addressed in this letter is how anyone (Jew or Gentile) can be right with God on the infamous Day of Judgment. Paul was eager to preach the message of grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ; that right standing (right relationship) comes only through faith and trust in Jesus who died for us as a once-for-all sacrifice for sin; that this good news of forgiveness, acceptance and new life in the Spirit comes to all as God’s gift to be received by faith. God is gracious. In Romans1:1-7, in his introduction, Paul outlines a six-point analysis that he will carefully explain throughout the letter. 1) The origin of the Gospel is God. The apostles did not invent it. It was received and entrusted to them by the Lord. What we have to share with others is not some miscellaneous human speculation. Neither is it just one more religion to consider and study along with the other great religions of the world. This is Good News from our gracious God. 2) Jesus is the fulfillment of the Holy Scriptures. Jesus Christ is the Son of David. He is the “Son of Man” (a Messianic designation) and the “Son of God” (Emmanuel, God with us). He is the suffering servant of Isaiah 53. The Old Testament entirely prepared God’s people to recognize and accept the Holy One of Israel, the Messiah. Graciously and thankfully, we have not only the Old Testament to prepare us for the Christ, but also have the New Testament, the gracious fulfillment and meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. 3) Then Paul reminds us that the very substance of the gospel is Jesus Christ himself. Martin Luther wrote of this passage, “Here the door is thrown open wide for the understanding of Holy Scripture, that is, that everything must be understood in relation to Christ.” John Calvin wrote of it saying that “the whole gospel is contained in Christ.” 4) Then the scope of the gospel is all the nations, all people. Those who are committed to Jesus Christ are also liberated from the exclusionary pride of race, nation, tribe, and class. We realize that God graciousness extends to everyone without exception and without distinction. 5) The purpose of the gospel is the kind of obedience that comes from faith. And 6), the goal of the gospel is the honor of the name of Jesus Christ. Faith is our gracious response to the grace of God. (Read Romans 1:1-7 again to see these six important introductory points. II. From God to Others (vs. 16-17) Later in verses 16 and 17, Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed that is by faith from first to last.” Someone suggested that if we look through a piece of red glass, everything is red. If we look through a piece of blue glass, everything is blue. When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, God looks at us through his Son, our Lord and Savior. God sees us in the holiness, grace and goodness of his Son. Our sins are transferred to his account and his righteousness to ours. Righteousness is a divine attribute, a divine activity, a divine achievement. No human being can create or grasp this righteousness for him or herself. Yet, God is gracious and offers this to us as a gift. Saving faith is the great leveler. Everyone who is saved is saved in exactly the same way: by grace through faith. The Good News from God, the salvation offered in Jesus Christ is available to all, to be shared with everyone. Conclusion Romans is one of the most important letters you will ever read. It is Paul’s masterpiece, the clearest and fullest exploration of the gospel in the Bible. But watch out! As you read it and consider it, the new life and new lifestyle we have in Christ may take hold in new ways and you will never be the same again. As stewards of the gift of life, we then give of our time and talents, our money and resources so that through this congregation we share in God’s gracious plan. Let us pray together. |
