The Gospel of Jesus, The Living Lord

JANUARY 1, 2023 STUDY NOTES ROMANS 1:1-4 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES THE GOSPEL OF JESUS, THE LIVING LORD INTRODUCTION The customary greeting of a NT letter started with the name of the writer Then the writer would follow with a brief description of who he was He would then identify his qualifications for writing on a particular subject Then there would be the name of who was going to receive the letter Then there would follow a word of greeting The salutation of Romans is longer than any other of Paul’s letters Probably because Paul was not that well known in the church at Rome So, Paul wanted to establish who he was and how important his message was to them (And us) The first seven verses are one sentence in the Greek THE WRITER--Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, There are thirteen New Testament Epistles (letters) which begin with the name of Paul And if Paul wrote Hebrews, then there are fourteen New Testament letters written by Paul Paul begins this letter by identifying himself three different ways in verse 1: (1) He was a servant of Jesus Christ (2) He was called to be an apostle (3) He was set apart to preach the Gospel Paul was previously known as “Saul of Tarsus” and a persecutor of the church (Acts 8:1-3) Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was his Gentile name (Acts 13:9) Saul personally met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he heard a voice from heaven, Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? That voice was identified, Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Saul was already under conviction) Paul received Christ and immediately became a “servant of Jesus Christ,” Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. As a servant of Jesus Christ Paul went to Rome to do what Jesus had told him to do (Acts 28:17-31) The first thing Paul wants them to know is that he is “a servant of Jesus Christ” He wanted to identify with his commitment to Jesus Christ as his Lord As Christians we should have that same commitment to Christ as our Lord today, too often we don’t Paul knew that he was not his own, he had been purchased by Christ, 1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. The purchase price was not silver or gold, 1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Nothing was more important to Paul than to be identified with Jesus Christ his Savior and Lord Many Christian leaders today want as many titles behind their name as they can have Page 1 of 5 They want to be looked upon and identified by man in as many ways as they can be The title that was most meaningful to Paul is not the most popular title of today Paul wanted to be identified as “a servant of Jesus Christ,” a “bond-slave” for Jesus Paul is saying that he was completely devoted to serving Christ, which he describes in, Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Paul’s desire was for others to see Christ in his life, through all things, and at-all times For that to be true his heart must be set upon doing the will of God as a “servant of Jesus Christ” James said that he was a bondservant, Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. Peter wanted to be known as a bondservant, 2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Jude was glad that he could be called a bond-slave, Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called Nothing was more meaningful to John than the fact that he was a servant, Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: We must realize today that there is no higher calling of God than to be a servant of Jesus Christ More than anything else Paul wanted to live his life in obedience to Jesus Christ Paul called Him “Jesus,” which is His human name and means “Savior” “Christ” is who Jesus is and means that He is the “Anointed One,” the “Messiah” Paul also wanted them to know that he was “called to be an apostle” Which is important to us, we must be sure that we pay attention to what Paul says in this book We are to hear Paul because of who he is and the message that he was given by Christ Paul had the authority to write this letter because he was “called to be an apostle” To be “called” means that he was not self-appointed, and he was not called by man, Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) He had heard the call of God and he had obeyed God’s call He was “called to be an apostle,” 1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, An “apostle” is “one who is sent with a message,” one who was sent with authority In a strict, official, or technical sense the title apostle presents a unique New Testament person It refers to those 12 chosen by Jesus and given the official title of “Apostles” while He was on the earth Paul was qualified to be an Apostle because he had seen the risen Christ, 1Co 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? When Paul met Jesus on the Damascus Road, Jesus commissioned him (Acts 9:6) Jesus said that Paul was a chosen vessel, Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Paul was called to preach the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles, Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. Jesus revealed to Paul want he was to teach and preach, Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul’s main subject was the “Gospel,” he was “separated unto the gospel of God” That is an amazing point in the life and ministry of Paul, he was called before he was born, Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, Paul was “set apart” for the gospel of God which is the theme of Romans Romans presents the truths related to the “Gospel of God” (Romans 15:14-21) The gospel that Paul preached originated with God and is fulfilled in Jesus Page 2 of 5 Paul was to preach the “good news” that God had for the world The good news was that God loved the world and that God sent His Son into the world, Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The good news was that through God’s Son sinners could be saved, Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. The good news was that whosoever believed in His Son would not be condemned, Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The purpose of the gospel is why Paul was eager to preach “the gospel,” Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. (Are we ready to preach the gospel?) Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Are we?) Paul said that he would preach nothing but the gospel, 1Co 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (Oh me) Paul now begins to explain “the gospel of God” in Romans 1:2-6 FULFILLMENT OF A PROMISE--Rom 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) God had promised the Gospel as early as, Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Which was the promise of the virgin birth of the Messiah, the Savior, Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Which fulfilled the promise of God, Mat 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. God spoke through “His Prophets,” they belonged to God, and God spoke through them, Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, What the prophets spoke and wrote down is called “the Holy Scriptures” Scripture is Holy because it is God speaking, 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Scripture will prepare you for daily living, 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. “Perfect” does not mean sinless but spiritually prepared to live for God, to do God’s will, to serve God The Holy Scriptures will keep you from sin, Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. You sin because you do not know the Holy scriptures, Mar 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? Within Holy Scripture is the living power of God, Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The “prophets” of the Old Testament Scripture promised the coming of the Messiah, God’s Son PROMISED TO BE A MAN--Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Throughout scripture we are taught the truth that Jesus is the Son of God How important is that Biblical truth? How important is it to believe that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the truth that must be believed and received in-order to be saved, in-order to have eternal life The most famous verse in the Bible explains why we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn 3:16) Page 3 of 5 Believe in the Person of Jesus or face the wrath of God, Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. God gave us the Holy Scriptures in order that we might believe in Jesus and receive eternal life, Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Eternal life is only through God’s Son, 1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The life we receive through God’s Son is God’s life, 1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. Scripture continually reveals to us that Jesus is the “Son of God” The angel Gabriel confirmed to Mary that her virgin born child would be the Son of God, Luk 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. The virgin born child was the Son of God, Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, John the Baptist testified that Jesus was the Son of God, Joh 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. It was revealed to Nathanael that Jesus was the Son of God, Joh 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus the Savior is the “Son of God,” which God proclaimed at the baptism of Jesus, Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Jesus confirmed that He was God’s Son, Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one. Which Jesus confirmed to the high priest at the time of His unjust trial, Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Listen to the soldiers who watched Jesus die on the cross, Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. Paul met Jesus on the Damascus Road, he was saved, baptized, and immediately preached, Act 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. As Christians we have fellowship with God and His Son, 1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Life in this present sinful world is difficult, but because of God’s Son we can overcome, 1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? By believing and receiving Jesus as the Son of God, Jesus becomes “Our Lord,” Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. The Gospel is the Good News of God’s Son, who is Jesus Christ, who is also “our Lord” Peter preached from the OT and said, Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. God’s Son entered-into humanity by the way of “the seed of David according to the flesh” An important theme in the NT is that Jesus is a descendant of David, Joh 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? It was a main point in the gospel, 2Ti 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Prophecy revealed that a descendant of David would sit on the throne of David forever (2 Samuel 7:13) Page 4 of 5 The Messiah would be born through the family lineage of David (Matthew 1:1,16) “According to the flesh” presents His human nature, which is known as the “Incarnation” The word “Incarnation” explains that God took upon Himself flesh and became man The “Incarnation” is another critical truth related to the gospel of salvation, Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Christ came in the flesh to be a sin offering for us, Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: To confess Jesus is an act of faith in the person of Jesus, Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. To confess Jesus is to publicly acknowledge who Jesus is, 1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: The one who denies Jesus “according to the flesh” is not of God, 1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Satan works through the spirit of antichrist to deny that Jesus is “according to the flesh,” 2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Through the flesh Jesus was declared to be the “Son of God” HE WAS THE SON OF GOD--Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Scripture teaches that Jesus was both God and man Verse three declared his humanity, Jesus “was made of the seed of David,” Verse 4 declares His Deity, Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God” Jesus was not “made” the Son of God, He always has been the Son of God (Jn 1:1; Jn 1:14; Isa 9:6) It was the Son of God who was “made” of the seed of David, He was “declared” to be the “Son of God” “Declared” means to be appointed, marked out, designated, no question about it, Jesus is the Son of God Jesus was born in the weakness of human flesh and resurrected from the dead “with power” The power of God that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that works in the believer (Eph 1:19-20) The resurrection was the apostle’s convicting message (Acts 2:32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30-32; 10:39-41; 13:30) Jesus was powerfully declared to be the powerful Son of God “according to the Spirit of holiness” “The Spirit of holiness” refers to the Person, nature, and work of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit was present with Jesus during His earthly ministry (Luke 4:18) The Holy Spirit was in the Person of Jesus when He offered Himself upon the cross (Hebrews 9:14) Death could not hold Jesus (Acts 2:24) He was revealed to be the Son of God “by the resurrection from the dead” After His resurrection Jesus taught the disciples through the Holy Spirit, Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: His resurrection was a public manifestation of His Person, He was God’s only begotten Son There is no gospel without the truth of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, 1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Jesus is alive today, He is here today, it is January 1, 2023, you need Jesus today What will the year 2023 be like? What will we face in 2023? Whatever it is, you need Jesus! You need Jesus today, you need Jesus tomorrow, you need Jesus throughout your earthly life Jesus is here to give you everlasting life, an eternity with Christ in Heaven Page 5 of 5