Embracing Our Identity and Mission in Christ
Summary
In my recent sermon, I embarked on an exploration of the book of Romans, a text that has profoundly shaped the Christian faith and has been pivotal in the lives of many believers throughout history. I began by setting the stage for our journey through Romans, emphasizing the depth and richness of this epistle. I shared my personal anticipation for this series, a desire that has been growing for about 15 years. I explained that Romans is not just a theological treatise but a letter that has transformed lives, including those of Martin Luther, John Wesley, and St. Augustine, whose conversions were deeply influenced by the words of Paul.
I introduced the author of Romans, Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, who was once a persecutor of Christians but was radically transformed by an encounter with the risen Christ. Paul's identity as a servant, or more accurately, a slave of Christ, signifies that he is wholly owned by Jesus, bought by the blood of Christ. This concept of being owned by Christ is central to our identity as believers, reminding us that our lives are not our own.
I delved into the meaning of being called as an apostle, as Paul was. An apostle is one who has seen the resurrected Jesus and has been directly called by Him. Paul's apostleship was confirmed by the original disciples, giving him the authority to speak on behalf of Christ. This calling was not something Paul chose for himself; it was a divine appointment that he accepted with humility.
Furthermore, I spoke about being set apart for the gospel, just as Paul was. This idea of being set apart is akin to being a sacrifice, wholly devoted to God's purposes. I challenged the congregation to consider their lives as a sacrifice to God, to ponder what it would mean to fully offer their lives to Jesus. I shared stories of missionaries who risked and even lost their lives for the sake of the gospel, embodying the same commitment that Paul expressed.
I also addressed the practical implications of being a Christ follower, emphasizing that it's not about us but about Jesus and the gospel. As believers, we are all missionaries, called to be on mission for the gospel. This mission may not always align with our personal desires, but it is the path that God has set before us.
As I concluded the sermon, I invited the congregation to respond to God's call, whether it be a call to salvation, a deeper commitment to living out their faith, or a call to vocational ministry. I encouraged everyone to say "yes" to the Lord, to surrender their lives to His service, and to embrace the opportunities to pray, sing, and partake in communion as a community of believers.
Key Takeaways:
1. The book of Romans is not just a theological text but a transformative force in the lives of believers. It has the power to change hearts and redirect lives, as seen in the stories of Martin Luther, John Wesley, and St. Augustine. These figures remind us that the gospel is alive and active, capable of bringing about profound spiritual awakenings. [08:36]
2. Our identity as believers is rooted in being owned by Christ, much like Paul's self-description as a servant or slave of Jesus. This ownership implies a relinquishing of our autonomy and an embrace of God's authority over our lives. It challenges us to consider what it truly means to live as one bought by the blood of Christ and to align our desires with His will. [14:32]
3. Being called by God, as Paul was to be an apostle, is a reminder that our vocations and purposes in life are not self-determined but divinely appointed. This calling carries with it a responsibility to be faithful stewards of the gospel, to live with integrity, and to speak truth with the authority given to us by Christ. [18:46]
4. The concept of being set apart for the gospel calls us to a life of sacrifice and devotion to God's purposes. It is a radical invitation to consider our lives as offerings to God, to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This perspective shifts our focus from self-preservation to self-giving in the service of the gospel. [23:54]
5. As followers of Christ, we are all missionaries, called to be on mission for the gospel. This mission transcends cultural, geographical, and vocational boundaries. It is a call to live out the gospel in every aspect of our lives, to be bearers of the good news in both word and deed, wherever God has placed us. [34:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:1 - "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."
2. Romans 13:13-14 - "Let us walk with decency as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual impurity and promiscuity, not in quarreling and jealousy, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires."
3. 1 Corinthians 7:23 - "You were bought at a price. Do not become slaves of people."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he describes himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus"? How does this term relate to his past as a persecutor of Christians? [13:31]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three qualifications for being an apostle? [18:46]
3. How did the book of Romans impact the lives of historical figures like St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley? [07:24]
4. What does it mean to be "set apart for the gospel" according to Paul? How does this concept relate to the idea of sacrifice? [23:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a servant of Christ illustrate the power of the gospel? [13:31]
2. What does it mean for believers today to be "owned by Christ"? How should this ownership influence our daily lives and decisions? [14:32]
3. How can the concept of being "set apart for the gospel" challenge modern Christians to reconsider their priorities and commitments? [23:54]
4. In what ways does Paul's calling as an apostle provide him with the authority to speak on behalf of Christ? How does this authority impact the way we should read and apply his letters? [18:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a conflict between your desires and what you believed God wanted for you. How did you resolve this conflict, and what did you learn from the experience? [16:15]
2. Paul describes himself as a servant or slave of Christ, implying total submission to Jesus. What areas of your life do you find hardest to submit to God's will, and why? [14:32]
3. The sermon mentioned missionaries who risked their lives for the gospel. What sacrifices are you willing to make for the sake of the gospel in your own life? [27:59]
4. How can you live out the idea that "it's not about me" in your daily interactions and decisions? What practical steps can you take to make your life more about Jesus and less about yourself? [16:56]
5. Paul was set apart for the gospel from his mother's womb. Have you ever considered that God has a specific purpose for your life? How can you seek to understand and fulfill that purpose? [23:54]
6. The sermon emphasized that all believers are missionaries. How can you be a missionary in your current context, whether at work, school, or in your community? [34:31]
7. Reflect on the call to vocational ministry or deeper commitment to living out your faith. Is there a specific area where you feel God is calling you to step up? How will you respond to this call? [39:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Romans
The book of Romans is a catalyst for spiritual renewal and profound transformation. It is not merely a collection of theological concepts but a dynamic force that has historically redirected the lives of many, including influential figures like Martin Luther, John Wesley, and St. Augustine. These individuals experienced life-changing spiritual awakenings, demonstrating the power of the gospel to not only inform but also transform. The message of Romans calls for a heart open to change, ready to be shaped and molded by the truths within its pages.
The transformative nature of Romans is evident in its ability to confront and convert the hearts of those who encounter its message. It challenges readers to examine their beliefs, repent of their sins, and embrace a new life in Christ. The epistle's impact on history is a testament to its enduring relevance and its capacity to speak to the deepest needs of the human soul. It beckons believers to become active participants in the story of redemption that unfolds through its verses.
"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." - Psalm 51:6
Reflection: How has the message of Romans challenged your current spiritual state, and what steps can you take to allow it to transform your life today? [07:40]
Day 2: Owned by Christ
Believers are not their own; they are owned by Christ, a truth that defines their identity and purpose. This ownership is not a loss of freedom but a liberation from the bondage of sin and self. It is a call to embrace a new master, one who leads with love and sacrifice. As Paul described himself as a servant or slave of Jesus, so too are Christians called to recognize their lives as bought by the blood of Christ. This realization demands a reevaluation of priorities, desires, and ambitions, aligning them with the will of God.
Living as one owned by Christ means daily surrendering to His lordship and seeking to reflect His character in every aspect of life. It is a journey of continual submission, where the believer's autonomy is willingly relinquished in favor of divine guidance. This path is marked by trust in God's perfect plan and a commitment to serve Him wholeheartedly. The implications of this ownership are profound, affecting how one lives, loves, and interacts with the world.
"You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20
Reflection: In what ways do you struggle with the idea of being owned by Christ, and how can you practice yielding control to Him in your daily life? [14:32]
Day 3: Divine Calling
The calling of God is a divine appointment that transcends personal choice and ambition. It is a sacred responsibility to steward the gospel with integrity and to speak truth with the authority given by Christ. As Paul was called to be an apostle, so are believers called to various roles and purposes within the body of Christ. This calling is not a matter of self-determination but a response to God's initiative, a humble acceptance of His direction for one's life.
Embracing this calling involves recognizing that every vocation and service is an opportunity to reflect the love and message of Christ. It is a commitment to live out one's faith authentically, to be a beacon of hope and truth in a world in need of the gospel. The calling of God is both a privilege and a challenge, inviting believers to step out in faith and to trust in His provision and guidance.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
Reflection: What do you perceive as your divine calling, and how can you actively pursue faithfulness in this area starting today? [18:46]
Day 4: Set Apart for the Gospel
Being set apart for the gospel is a call to live a life of sacrifice, wholly devoted to God's purposes. This radical invitation asks believers to consider their lives as offerings to God, to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. It is a perspective that shifts focus from self-preservation to self-giving, from seeking personal gain to serving others in the name of Christ.
This dedication to the gospel requires a willingness to let go of personal agendas and to embrace God's plan, even when it involves risk or sacrifice. It is a life marked by a deep commitment to the cause of Christ, mirroring the devotion of missionaries and saints who have gone before. To be set apart is to be consecrated for a divine mission, to live with a purpose that transcends earthly ambitions.
"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" - 1 Peter 1:15-16
Reflection: What does being set apart for the gospel look like in your current life circumstances, and what might you need to change to live more devotedly to God's purposes? [23:54]
Day 5: Missionaries of the Gospel
Every follower of Christ is a missionary, called to be on mission for the gospel. This mission is not limited to those who travel across the globe but extends to every believer in their unique context. It is a call to live out the gospel in every aspect of life, to be bearers of the good news in both word and deed. This calling transcends cultural, geographical, and vocational boundaries, uniting all believers in a common purpose.
As missionaries of the gospel, Christians are challenged to embody the message of Christ wherever they are placed. This involves intentional living, seeking opportunities to share the love and truth of Jesus with those around them. It is a commitment to be ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom and values in a world that desperately needs hope.
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: How can you embrace your role as a missionary in your everyday environment, and what is one actionable step you can take today to share the gospel with someone? [34:31]
Quotes
1) "Paul is saying, my whole life is for the Lord. Because I've been set apart for the gospel. It is his. It is not my own. Paul is saying that his life is devoted to God as a sacrifice to God. Have you ever considered or thought of your life as a sacrifice to God?" [25:09]
2) "What would it look like for your life to be fully offered to Jesus? I think we spend most of our life trying to figure out how to protect our lives, don't we? We try to figure out how we can make it to the end, whatever the end is, for as long as possible." [26:26]
3) "Paul is saying I am a servant of Jesus. I am a slave of Christ and I am owned by him because he bought me and paid for my life with his life. It's what Paul is saying. So he starts there. Secondly, he says this. He says, I'm a servant of Christ Jesus. Jesus called as an apostle." [17:51]
4) "Paul says, I am a servant of Christ. I'm owned by Christ. I'm an apostle. Called by Jesus. And then the third thing he says is this. He says, and I have been set apart for the gospel. He says this. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the apostle of God." [22:44]
5) "Paul writes this in Galatians chapter one, verse 15. He says, but when God, who from my mother's womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased. Paul is saying before he was ever born. And God knew he would be set apart." [23:54]
6) "As a Christ follower. That's why oftentimes instead of using the word Christian, I don't use the word Christian very often. I use the word believer. I use the word Christ follower. This is what we are called to be, called to do. And so because of that, therefore, that makes you a missionary." [34:31]
7) "Paul is saying I am a servant of Jesus. I am a slave of Christ and I am owned by him because he bought me and paid for my life with his life. It's what Paul is saying. So he starts there. Secondly, he says this. He says, I'm a servant of Christ Jesus. Jesus called as an apostle." [17:51]
8) "Paul didn't choose to be an apostle. He was called to it. He didn't choose it. He was called to it. So how does this work? Well, first. First of all, what is an apostle? There are really three qualifications given from Scripture to an apostle and to be an apostle." [18:46]
9) "Paul writes this in First Corinthians, chapter seven, verse twenty three. He says you were bought at a price. Do not become slaves of people. And what Paul is saying there to the Corinthians is the same thing that Paul is saying here. He's saying, if you were bought by the blood of Christ, I have been bought by the blood of Christ." [15:22]
10) "Paul is saying, my whole life is for the Lord. Because I've been set apart for the gospel. It is his. It is not my own. Paul is saying that his life is devoted to God as a sacrifice to God. Have you ever considered or thought of your life as a sacrifice to God?" [25:09]
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