Romans 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, I. THE TRUE PREACHER. 1. His spirit: a willing bondsman — not by force or legal orders, but by inward necessity. "Woe is me if I preach not the gospel." Bound by obligations that are as tender as silken cords, but firm as adamant; too weak to fetter, but too strong to break. 2. His preparation: "called" "separated" the Godward side of the call to the ministry, and the ground of ministerial authority. 3. His aim — (1) From God — how high; to announce glad tidings from God. (2) For all men — how wide. II. HIS GREAT THEME. The gospel is great because of — 1. Its Author, God: not about Him merely, but from Him. The gospel has its source in God as the river in the fountain, the beam in the sun. It is — (1) The plan of the Creator for renewing His spiritual creation. (2) The proclamation of the Sovereign for producing loyalty and peace. (3) The pardon of the Great Father offered to His prodigal sons. "Herein is love." 2. The method of its fore announcement (ver. 2). A gospel which had been foretold by such men as Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, and in such a way, is indeed a great gospel. And just as by the dawn God promises day, by spring, summer, so by old prophecy He "promised the gospel." 3. Its subject. "His Son Jesus Christ." Christ is great because of — (1) His position in regard to us. "Our Lord," signifying His dignity, claims and crown rights over us. (2) His exalted human mastery (ver. 3). (3) His relationship to God, as proved by His resurrection (ver. 4). (U. R. Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,WEB: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, |
    |