Called, Loved, and Set Apart: Our Christian Identity

 

Summary

In our study of Romans 1:6-7, we delve into the profound identity and calling of Christians. Paul, the Apostle, addresses the believers in Rome, emphasizing their unique status as the "called of Jesus Christ." This calling is not merely an invitation but a divine summons that transforms and defines their very existence. Paul begins by describing himself as a servant and an apostle, called and separated for the gospel. This sets the stage for understanding the believers' identity, which is rooted in being called to belong to Jesus Christ.

The essence of being a Christian is encapsulated in three key descriptors: beloved of God, called, and saints. These terms are not just titles but reflect the deep theological truths of our faith. Being "beloved of God" signifies that our relationship with God is initiated by His love, not by our merit. This love is the same profound love that God has for His Son, Jesus Christ. It is this love that draws us out of the world and into a relationship with Him.

The term "called" refers to the effectual calling of God, which is more than just hearing the gospel; it is the powerful work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to faith. This calling is what distinguishes those who are in Christ from those who are not, as it is a call that results in transformation and new life.

Finally, being "saints" means being set apart for God. This is not a status reserved for a select few but is the identity of every believer. It signifies a life separated from the world and dedicated to God's service and glory. This sanctification is both an objective reality and a subjective process, as we grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Understanding these truths should lead us to live lives that reflect our identity in Christ. We are called to be distinct from the world, to live as those who are loved by God, and to demonstrate the reality of our calling through holy living.

Key Takeaways:

- Beloved of God: Our identity as Christians begins with being loved by God. This love is not based on our actions or worthiness but is a divine choice that mirrors the love God has for His Son. Understanding this love is foundational to our faith and should inspire us to live in gratitude and obedience. [11:19]

- Effectual Calling: The call to be a Christian is not just an invitation but a powerful, transformative summons by God. This effectual calling is what brings us to faith and distinguishes us as God's people. It is a work of the Holy Spirit that ensures our response to the gospel. [23:28]

- Saints by Nature: Every Christian is a saint, set apart for God's purposes. This status is not earned by our deeds but is a result of God's sanctifying work. As saints, we are called to live lives that reflect our separation from the world and dedication to God. [32:34]

- Living as Strangers and Pilgrims: Our identity as Christians means we are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are called to abstain from worldly desires and live lives that glorify God, demonstrating the reality of our faith to those around us. [35:38]

- The Transformative Power of God's Love: The love of God is the driving force behind our salvation and sanctification. It is this love that transforms us from sinners into saints and calls us to live lives that reflect His glory. Understanding and embracing this love is crucial for our spiritual growth. [42:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 1:6-7
- [00:50] - Paul's Identity and Calling
- [01:25] - The Gospel's Marvelous Content
- [02:03] - Addressing the Roman Believers
- [02:51] - The Gentile Church in Rome
- [03:44] - Description of Christian Identity
- [04:31] - Called to Belong to Jesus Christ
- [05:43] - The Father's Role in Calling
- [07:08] - In Christ: Our New Realm
- [08:33] - Beloved of God: The Foundation
- [11:19] - The Love of God in Salvation
- [18:10] - The Effectual Call
- [23:28] - Understanding Our Calling
- [32:34] - Saints: Set Apart for God
- [35:38] - Living as Strangers and Pilgrims
- [42:00] - The Transformative Power of God's Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 1:6-7

Observation Questions:
1. How does Paul describe his own identity and calling in the introduction of his letter to the Romans? [00:50]
2. What are the three key descriptors Paul uses to define the identity of Christians in Rome? [08:33]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being "beloved of God"? [11:19]
4. How does the sermon explain the term "called" in the context of Christian identity? [23:28]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Christians to be "beloved of God," and how does this understanding impact their relationship with God? [11:19]
2. How does the concept of "effectual calling" differentiate between those who are in Christ and those who are not? [23:28]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being a "saint" is both an objective reality and a subjective process? [32:34]
4. How does the sermon describe the life of Christians as "strangers and pilgrims" in this world, and what implications does this have for their daily living? [35:38]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of being "beloved of God." How does this understanding influence your daily life and interactions with others? [11:19]
2. Consider the concept of "effectual calling." How have you experienced the transformative power of this calling in your own faith journey? [23:28]
3. As a "saint," what specific steps can you take to live a life that is set apart for God's purposes this week? [32:34]
4. In what ways can you embrace your identity as a "stranger and pilgrim" in this world? Are there specific worldly desires you need to abstain from to live a life that glorifies God? [35:38]
5. How can you demonstrate the transformative power of God's love in your relationships and community? Identify one action you can take this week to reflect His love. [42:00]
6. Think about a situation where you struggled to live out your identity in Christ. What can you do differently next time to align your actions with your calling as a Christian? [42:37]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel challenged to live as a "saint." What practical steps can you take to grow in holiness in that area? [32:34]

Devotional

Day 1: The Foundation of Divine Love
The identity of a Christian begins with being "beloved of God." This love is not based on human merit or actions but is a divine choice that mirrors the love God has for His Son, Jesus Christ. Understanding this love is foundational to the Christian faith and should inspire believers to live in gratitude and obedience. This profound love draws individuals out of the world and into a transformative relationship with God. It is a love that initiates the believer's journey and sustains them throughout their spiritual walk. [11:19]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: Consider how understanding God's unconditional love for you can change the way you approach your daily interactions. How can you reflect this divine love to someone in your life today?


Day 2: The Power of Effectual Calling
The call to be a Christian is not merely an invitation but a powerful, transformative summons by God. This effectual calling is the work of the Holy Spirit that brings individuals to faith and distinguishes them as God's people. It is a call that results in transformation and new life, ensuring a response to the gospel. This calling is what sets believers apart, marking them as those who belong to Christ and are empowered to live according to His purposes. [23:28]

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (ESV): "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt a strong sense of God's calling in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? What steps can you take today to align more closely with this calling?


Day 3: Embracing Our Identity as Saints
Every Christian is a saint, set apart for God's purposes. This status is not earned by deeds but is a result of God's sanctifying work. As saints, believers are called to live lives that reflect their separation from the world and dedication to God. This sanctification is both an objective reality and a subjective process, as believers grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. Understanding this identity should lead to a life of holiness and service to God. [32:34]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to live as someone set apart for God. What practical steps can you take this week to align that area with your identity as a saint?


Day 4: Living as Strangers and Pilgrims
Christians are called to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world, abstaining from worldly desires and living lives that glorify God. This identity as pilgrims means that believers are on a journey, with their true citizenship in heaven. They are to demonstrate the reality of their faith to those around them, living distinctively in a way that reflects their heavenly calling. This perspective encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains. [35:38]

Hebrews 11:13-16 (ESV): "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland."

Reflection: What is one worldly desire or habit that distracts you from your heavenly journey? How can you begin to let go of it and focus on your eternal purpose today?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of God's Love
The love of God is the driving force behind salvation and sanctification. It is this love that transforms sinners into saints and calls believers to live lives that reflect His glory. Understanding and embracing this love is crucial for spiritual growth, as it empowers believers to live in a way that honors God. This transformative love is not only the foundation of the Christian faith but also the motivation for living a life of holiness and service. [42:00]

1 John 4:9-11 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Reflection: How has God's love transformed your life? Identify one way you can actively demonstrate this transformative love to someone in your community this week.

Quotes


The essence of being a Christian is encapsulated in three key descriptors: beloved of God, called, and saints. These terms are not just titles but reflect the deep theological truths of our faith. Being "beloved of God" signifies that our relationship with God is initiated by His love, not by our merit. [00:09:00]

The term "called" refers to the effectual calling of God, which is more than just hearing the gospel; it is the powerful work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to faith. This calling is what distinguishes those who are in Christ from those who are not, as it is a call that results in transformation and new life. [00:22:00]

Finally, being "saints" means being set apart for God. This is not a status reserved for a select few but is the identity of every believer. It signifies a life separated from the world and dedicated to God's service and glory. This sanctification is both an objective reality and a subjective process, as we grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. [00:32:00]

Understanding these truths should lead us to live lives that reflect our identity in Christ. We are called to be distinct from the world, to live as those who are loved by God, and to demonstrate the reality of our calling through holy living. [00:35:00]

The love of God is the driving force behind our salvation and sanctification. It is this love that transforms us from sinners into saints and calls us to live lives that reflect His glory. Understanding and embracing this love is crucial for our spiritual growth. [00:42:00]

A Christian is one who belongs to Jesus Christ. He's been called to him, he's been placed in him. Now here again is another great New Testament phrase: in Christ. That's what the Apostle is really saying. We are called to be in Christ, to belong to Jesus Christ. [00:07:20]

The Apostle is not content merely to describe himself; he must describe them also. Indeed, one of his great purposes in writing to them at all is that they should realize clearly what they are as Christians. [00:03:58]

The Apostle Paul was the same as every other Christian. He hadn't made himself a Christian. He wasn't a Christian because he was unusual or exceptional or a remarkable man. No, no, he is the chief of sinners, he says. [00:37:49]

The Apostle here uses the same phrase with respect to us as the Bible uses everywhere with regard to the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ himself. "This is my beloved Son," says the voice on the Mount of Transfiguration. [00:14:25]

The Apostle Paul, when he writes to the Corinthians in that second chapter of the first epistle, says something like this: "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the gospel of Christ." [00:24:07]

The Apostle is very anxious that they should realize this: that they are the beloved of God, that God loves them in the same way as he loved his own Son. We are in Christ, and God loves us with the same love as he loves him. [00:17:16]

The Apostle Paul, when he writes to the Corinthians, says, "For you see your calling, brethren, how not many wise men after the flesh, not many noble, are called." He says that the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us who are called. [00:21:00]

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Transcript
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