“Paul: Set Apart for the Gospel”

(Romans 1:1-17)

Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

January 9, 2022

Introductory Comments:

Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” [on screen]

So, we know that all Scripture is good, beneficial, and inspired by God. Yet, there’s something special about the book of Romans. 

The book of Romans is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is rich in theological truth and explanation and it is supremely committed to lifting up the supernatural power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Pastor Tony Evans said, “The book of Romans is the clearest and most beautiful explanation of the gospel ever written.” [on screen]

In his commentary on the book of Romans, R. Kent Hughes said, “No reasonable person would dispute that the book of Romans is one of the most powerful and influential books ever written.” [on screen]

The book of Romans has also had an impact on monumental figures throughout Church history.

St. Augustine, one of the great church fathers, after reading Romans 13 became convicted of his sin and gave his life to Jesus.

Martin Luther moved from being a Catholic monk to becoming the leader of the Protestant Reformation after reading and understanding Romans 1:17.

John Bunyan was so inspired by studying the book of Romans that he wrote the great classic book, Pilgrim’s Progress.

So, Romans is powerful and influential and I pray that you too will experience the power of the book of Romans and be influenced by God’s Holy Spirit as we study it. 

Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Today, as we get into this letter, we will first introduce ourselves to the book and to the major theme of the book. 

First of all, it’s important to point out that the book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the followers of Jesus who were in the city of Rome. This letter was probably written in 57 or 58 AD.

The letter was probably delivered by a woman named Phoebe, whom Paul would later commend to the Church in Rome. 

In this first section (chapter 1, verses 1-17), we’re going to learn about Paul’s commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The title of this first sermon is, “Paul: Set Apart for the Gospel” [on screen]

The overarching purpose of Paul’s writing the letter was to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians who were living in Rome.In fact, the major theme of this book is the Gospel, hence the name of this whole sermon series, “United in the Gospel.”

So, let’s look at the entire passage now and then we’ll talk about it some as we continue. Look at Romans 1:1-17:

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, 6 including you who are also called by Jesus Christ.

7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. 9 God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son—that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I want very much