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The Gospel of God: The Power to Overcome Division
Romans 1:1-7
Mari Ikeda
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(The reason for a long greeting and introduction)
1. Paul had never been to Rome
2. Paul was concerned by the division among the Romans
A. The Gospel of God
1. From the God that the Jewish people have always believed in
a. The fulfillment of Old Testament promises (2-3a)
b. The death and resurrection, of Jesus, God’s son (3b-4)
2. A faith that can be shared with Gentiles (5-6)
B. Ideas to help overcome division
1. “A servant of Christ,” The obedience that comes from faith,” To belong to Jesus Christ” (1, 5, 6)
2. “To all who are loved by God and called to be his holy people” (7)
Summary
In every generation, the church has experienced internal division even though we believe in the same Jesus. In order to overcome our differences, each of us must become a servant (slave) to Jesus and to offer ourselves to him. This way of life is a blessing and is made possible through Jesus’ death on our behalf.
For Discussion
- Are there divisions within Your Church? Are there divisions between Your Church and other churches?
- Paul is speaking about divisions within the church but how
does this apply to divisions in our society?