I. The Word: Romans 1:1-7

1Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

 2which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,

 4who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,

 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,

6among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

7to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

II. Reflection Questions:

1. Paul says that he was “set apart” for the proclamation of the gospel, how did his life prove that to be a true statement?

2. It what specific ways are you “set apart” for the gospel of God?

3. What is one thing that you sense the Holy Spirit is pressing on you to change, grow in, or grow out of, to better fulfill your calling in the gospel?

Click here to listen/watch some of my thoughts on these verses. It is 28 minutes long.

The thought behind the recording is so that you can get started in the word while you are driving to/from work, doing the dishes, getting ready in the morning, eating breakfast, etc. I hope it helps.

You can also click here to read Calvin’s commentary on these 7 verses. I highly recommend this for any student of the text!