1. Romans 1:1-7 - Introduction and the Gospel

In Romans 1:1-7, Paul establishes the foundation of his mission, the identity of Jesus, and the purpose of the gospel.

1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Am I truly living as a servant of Jesus, or are there areas where I hold back?

• Just as Paul found his identity in being a servant of Christ, we too are called to see ourselves primarily as servants of Christ. This means recognizing that our purpose is to fulfill God’s calling in our lives, wherever He places us.
• Paul’s life was centered around the gospel message, and we are also called to proclaim and live out the gospel. This can mean sharing the message with others, living in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus, and prioritizing spiritual growth.
• The gospel is deeply rooted in the promises of Scripture. We should study the Bible to understand how God’s plan unfolds through history, seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of these promises. This deepens our faith and helps us appreciate the continuity of God’s salvation story.
• Jesus' resurrection declares His power and authority. As believers, we are invited to live in the reality of this power—overcoming sin, walking in new life, and trusting in Christ's authority in all areas.
• Paul’s greeting of grace and peace reflects the nature of Christian fellowship. The gospel goes beyond cultural and ethnic differences, bringing together everyone who follows Christ. We should strive to extend grace and peace to one another in our churches and communities, fostering unity and reflecting the love of Christ.  

Lord, I thank You for Your Word and for reminding me of my calling to be Your servant. Help me to live with complete devotion to You, trusting in Your gospel and sharing it with others. I want to surrender all areas of my life to You, Jesus, and grow in obedience to Your will. Thank You for Your love, Your grace, and the peace that comes from knowing You. Guide me as I walk in faith each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.