Embracing Humility and the Gospel in Community

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the introduction of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, focusing on the profound humility and dedication Paul exhibited in his ministry. Paul begins by identifying himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his role as a humble servant despite his significant accomplishments. This humility is a powerful reminder for us to view ourselves first and foremost as servants of Christ.

Paul's introduction also highlights the central theme of the gospel, which is the good news about Jesus Christ. He underscores that the gospel was promised in the Old Testament and is centered on Jesus, who is both a descendant of David and the Son of God, proven by His resurrection. This message is not about a religion or a set of rules but about a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Paul's letter outlines five key things he wanted to do for the Roman church, which serve as a model for what we should strive to do for our own church. First, Paul expressed his gratitude for the Roman church, reminding us to regularly thank God for our church and its impact on our lives. Second, he assured them of his constant prayers, encouraging us to pray consistently for our church and its leaders. Third, Paul longed to be with the Roman believers, highlighting the importance of fellowship and community within the church. Fourth, he aimed to help them grow spiritually, urging us to actively participate in the spiritual growth of our fellow believers. Finally, Paul was committed to helping the Roman church lead more people to Christ, challenging us to be ready and willing to share the gospel in our own communities and beyond.

### Key Takeaways

1. Humility in Service: Paul introduces himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ, despite his significant achievements. This humility is a powerful reminder that our primary identity should be as servants of Christ, regardless of our accomplishments or status. We should strive to serve others with the same humility and dedication. [30:12]

2. The Centrality of the Gospel: The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ, promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. It is not about a religion or a set of rules but about a relationship with Jesus. This message should be at the heart of our faith and our witness to others. [33:50]

3. Gratitude for the Church: Paul regularly thanked God for the Roman church, reminding us to be grateful for our own church and its impact on our lives. We should make it a habit to thank God for our church and pray for its continued growth and impact. [38:09]

4. Commitment to Prayer: Paul prayed constantly for the Roman church, setting an example for us to pray consistently for our church and its leaders. We should incorporate church-centered prayers into our daily routines, praying for our services, leaders, and fellow believers. [40:41]

5. Fellowship and Community: Paul longed to be with the Roman believers, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and community within the church. We should prioritize spending time with our church family, participating in services, life groups, and other church activities to build strong, supportive relationships. [45:12]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[28:11] - Olive Drive Campus Anniversary
[28:47] - Wednesday Evening Service Update
[29:33] - Introduction to Romans
[30:12] - Paul's Humility as a Bondservant
[31:39] - The Gospel: Good News
[32:40] - Old Testament Promises
[33:50] - The Gospel Centered on Jesus
[34:53] - Jesus: Descendant of David
[35:30] - Proof of Jesus' Divinity
[36:42] - Paul's Mission to the Gentiles
[37:28] - Five Goals for the Roman Church
[38:09] - Gratitude for the Church
[40:41] - Commitment to Prayer
[45:12] - Importance of Fellowship
[49:34] - Helping Each Other Grow Spiritually
[53:46] - Leading More People to Christ
[56:45] - Invitation to Believe in Jesus
[01:05:30] - Closing and Invitation to Meet

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:1-5 (ESV)
> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.

2. Romans 1:7-10 (ESV)
> To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

### Observation Questions
1. How does Paul describe himself in Romans 1:1, and why is this significant? [30:12]
2. What are the two key points Paul makes about the gospel in Romans 1:2-4? [32:40]
3. According to Romans 1:7-8, what is Paul’s attitude towards the Roman church, and how does he express it? [38:09]
4. What does Paul say about his prayer life for the Roman church in Romans 1:9-10? [40:41]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize his identity as a "bondservant" of Jesus Christ despite his significant accomplishments? How does this reflect on his character and mission? [30:12]
2. What does Paul mean when he says the gospel was "promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures"? How does this connect the Old Testament to the New Testament? [32:40]
3. How does Paul’s gratitude for the Roman church challenge our own attitudes towards our local church? What practical steps can we take to cultivate a similar attitude of thankfulness? [38:09]
4. Paul mentions his constant prayers for the Roman church. What does this reveal about the importance of intercessory prayer in the life of a believer? [40:41]

### Application Questions
1. Paul introduces himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Reflect on your own life: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and servanthood in your daily interactions? [30:12]
2. The gospel is centered on Jesus Christ and not on a set of rules or religion. How can you shift your focus from religious practices to building a deeper relationship with Jesus? [33:50]
3. Paul regularly thanked God for the Roman church. Take a moment to think about your own church. What are specific things you are grateful for, and how can you express this gratitude more regularly? [38:09]
4. Paul prayed constantly for the Roman church. How can you incorporate more consistent and intentional prayers for your church and its leaders into your daily routine? [40:41]
5. Paul longed to be with the Roman believers. How can you prioritize fellowship and community within your church? Are there specific church activities or life groups you can commit to attending more regularly? [45:12]
6. Paul wanted to help the Roman church grow spiritually. Identify one person in your church whom you can mentor or encourage in their spiritual journey. What steps will you take to support their growth? [49:34]
7. Paul was committed to helping the Roman church lead more people to Christ. Think about your own community. What are some practical ways you can share the gospel with those around you? [53:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Humility in Service
Paul introduces himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ, despite his significant achievements. This humility is a powerful reminder that our primary identity should be as servants of Christ, regardless of our accomplishments or status. We should strive to serve others with the same humility and dedication. Paul’s example challenges us to re-evaluate how we view our roles and achievements. Are we seeking recognition and accolades, or are we genuinely serving Christ and others with a humble heart? True humility is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, focusing on how we can serve and uplift others in the name of Jesus.

[30:12]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you sought recognition or praise. How can you approach similar situations with a heart of humility and service in the future?

Day 2: The Centrality of the Gospel
The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ, promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. It is not about a religion or a set of rules but about a relationship with Jesus. This message should be at the heart of our faith and our witness to others. Understanding the gospel as a relationship rather than a set of rules transforms how we live our faith daily. It shifts our focus from merely following religious practices to nurturing a deep, personal connection with Jesus. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and the message we are called to share with the world.

[33:50]

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today, and how can you share this relational aspect of the gospel with someone in your life?

Day 3: Gratitude for the Church
Paul regularly thanked God for the Roman church, reminding us to be grateful for our own church and its impact on our lives. We should make it a habit to thank God for our church and pray for its continued growth and impact. Gratitude fosters a positive and supportive church environment, encouraging us to appreciate the community and the work God is doing through it. By regularly expressing our thanks, we acknowledge the blessings and growth we experience within our church family, fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement.

[38:09]

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV): "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Take a moment to write down three specific things you are grateful for about your church. How can you express this gratitude to others in your church community?

Day 4: Commitment to Prayer
Paul prayed constantly for the Roman church, setting an example for us to pray consistently for our church and its leaders. We should incorporate church-centered prayers into our daily routines, praying for our services, leaders, and fellow believers. Consistent prayer for our church strengthens our connection to the community and aligns our hearts with God’s will for our congregation. It also supports our leaders and fellow believers, fostering a spiritually vibrant and resilient church body.

[40:41]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: Set aside a specific time each day this week to pray for your church, its leaders, and its members. What specific needs or areas of growth can you lift up in prayer?

Day 5: Fellowship and Community
Paul longed to be with the Roman believers, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and community within the church. We should prioritize spending time with our church family, participating in services, life groups, and other church activities to build strong, supportive relationships. Fellowship is not just about socializing but about building a spiritual family that supports and encourages one another in faith. By investing in these relationships, we create a nurturing environment where everyone can grow and thrive in their walk with Christ.

[45:12]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Think of one person in your church community you haven’t connected with recently. How can you reach out to them this week to encourage and support them in their faith journey?

Quotes

1. "Paul begins introducing himself by introducing himself as a slave of Jesus Christ. That's what the word bondservant means in this passage. Now, when you stop to think about it, this is an incredible statement for someone like the apostle Paul to have made. Paul had been a highly educated leader in the nation of Israel. Paul had become the greatest missionary the world would ever know. Paul would end up writing one-fourth of the New Testament. And yet, the main way that Paul thought about himself, the first thing he said about himself when he was introducing himself, was that he was a slave of Jesus. What humility! What perspective!" [31:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As Christians, our primary message is not about a religion. As Christians, our message is not primarily about a philosophy. Our message is not primarily a code of ethics or a list of do's and don'ts. As Christians, our primary message is about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. And so the big question this morning is do you know him? Now, I'm not asking if you know about him. Almost everybody knows something about Jesus. I'm asking do you know Jesus personally? Do you have a living, breathing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ?" [33:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The proof that Jesus is the Son of God is that he rose from the dead. What makes Jesus different from all of the other religious leaders of the world? The difference is that Jesus is the only one who backed up his teachings by being resurrected from the dead. All of the other leaders of all of the other religious systems of the world are still in the grave. Mohammed is still in the grave. Gandhi is still in the grave. Nietzsche is still in the grave. Stephen Hawking is still in the grave. Hugh Hefner is still in the grave. But Jesus is alive. That's the proof. Amen?" [36:05] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The first thing that Paul wanted to do for the church in Rome is that Paul wanted to thank God for them. Look with me at Romans 1, starting in verse 7. To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. I started this letter by letting the Roman church know that he regularly spent time thanking God for their church. Thanking God for what God was doing in and through their church. Are you thankful for your church? I know that I am." [38:09] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Paul lets the Romans know that he was constantly praying for their church. In fact, he said that he was praying for their church always and without ceasing. What about us? How often do we pray for our church? Could we say, like the Apostle Paul, that we pray for our church always and without ceasing? What I've found, even often in my own life, is that our prayers often tend to be so self-centered. But we need to make sure that we get some church-centered prayers included as we pray." [41:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Paul said that he wanted to find some way to come visit them because he longed to see them. Paul longed to be with the people in that church even though they were people he had never even met before. If Paul longed to be with the people in a church that he had never even been to before, how much more should we want to be with the people of our church? I mean, that's kind of just Christianity 101, isn't it? Spending time with other Christians, together in our local church. And so here's the question. Do we long to be with the people of our church?" [45:12] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "What the Surgeon General is worried about is what we already know from the Bible, that we are not designed to be alone. Christians do not do well on their own. We are meant to be in community. And churches are God's way of getting us believers the kind of community that we need in the Christian life. Now, it is one level of community to come to the church services. That's great, that's awesome, that is so important. But it's even a deeper level of community to get into a life group. Because a life group is where you can make friends and a life group is where you can build relationships with other people." [48:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Paul said that he wanted to give them a gift. What was the gift? A gift of helping them to grow spiritually. Paul wanted to help the people in their church to grow. Do we want to help the people in our church to grow? Did you know that we have well over 1,600 people in our church who serve in official leadership roles within our church? And that's astounding. I am thankful for that. I'm excited about that. I praise God for that. But do you know what? That's not enough. Because the Bible says we are all supposed to be helping each other grow spiritually, and we have way more than 1,600 members in our church." [50:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Paul was ready and willing to do whatever it takes to help the Roman church to grow and also to help them lead more people to Christ in their city. Now, Rome was a huge city, the capital city of the massive Roman Empire. But, like most big cities, it was also a city filled with moral decay. It was swarming with people, bustling with energy, but as lost as can be. And Paul had a heart to reach that city for Christ. What about us? Do we have the same heart? Paul was ready to preach the gospel in the city of Rome. What about us? Are we ready to preach the gospel here in Bakersfield?" [54:28] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The message I want to share with you this morning is about what Jesus has already done for you. You see, the Bible says that Jesus loves you so much that he already came into this broken world so that you could be saved. Jesus already lived the perfect sinless life in your place so that you could become righteous. Jesus already died on the cross to take the punishment that you deserve so that you could be forgiven. And Jesus has already come back from the dead so that you can have eternal life. And so because of all that Jesus has already done for you, the Bible says anyone who will turn away from their old life, and who will surrender their life to Jesus and believe in him, can be saved, can be forgiven, and can be transformed." [56:45] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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