Called to a Purpose- Outline

Romans 1:1–7 ESV

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Chosen for a Mission: Understanding Our Calling

Bible Passage: Romans 1:1–7

Summary: In Romans 1:1–7, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ and emphasizes the divine call upon his life, highlighting that believers are called to belong to Jesus and to live out their faith purposefully in the world.

Application: This passage can encourage Christians to embrace their identity as called ones, motivating them to pursue their unique mission in life, whether through vocation, service, or outreach, thus bringing glory to God in every aspect of life.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that every believer is called by God with a specific purpose, united in the gospel, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill that purpose in community with one another.

How this passage could point to Christ: The opening of Romans points to the centrality of Christ in God's plan of salvation, showcasing how Christ fulfills the promise of redemption and calls His followers into active ministry and relationship with Him.

Big Idea: The essence of our Christian calling is rooted in Christ's grace, which empowers us to live lives that reflect His love and mission to the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider exploring the historical context of Paul's letter to the Romans, particularly his use of terminology related to calling and servanthood. Delve into commentaries that address the implications of being called, and investigate how different translations of 'called' convey nuances that may enrich your understanding of the text.

1. Chosen and Commissioned

Romans 1:1

Perhaps you could start by emphasizing that God calls us to Himself with a unique and divine purpose as Paul was called an apostle. This calling isn't limited to apostles; every believer is chosen by God for a divine mission. Highlight how Paul identifies himself as a servant, showing the humble nature of God's calling. As Christians, we can feel encouraged that our identity and mission are established in Christ's purpose for us.

2. Christ Fulfilled Promises

Romans 1:2–4

You could explore the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, as Paul unfolds the gospel rooted in historical truth and divine promise. This portion emphasizes Christ's resurrection, validating His divine lordship. Consider encouraging believers to see themselves as part of God's ongoing narrative. Our calling is intertwined with Christ's victory, a call to live in the power of His resurrection in our daily lives.

3. Called to Contribute

Romans 1:5

Maybe focus on how we've received grace and apostleship, not merely for personal salvation, but to invite others into obedience through faith. Paul’s own life demonstrates the mission to call others into the same grace. Christians today are empowered by grace to share Christ's message, pursuing their mission of leading others towards faith. This empowers us to expand His kingdom through active discipleship and evangelism.

4. Community of the Called

Romans 1:6–7

Perhaps you could conclude by affirming the identity of believers, loved by God and called as saints. Paul's greeting reminds them of their unified purpose and shared identity in Christ. Encourage the congregation to embrace their calling as part of a larger community, all set apart for a collective mission. Living as part of this body means encouraging and building each other as we fulfill our individual and communal callings.

Called for a Purpose: Embracing Our Divine Mission

In the opening verses of Paul's letter to the Romans, we encounter a profound declaration of identity and purpose that resonates through the ages, speaking to every believer's heart today. As we delve into Romans 1:1-7, we uncover timeless truths about our calling in Christ and the transformative power of the gospel.

Paul introduces himself not just as an apostle, but as "a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God." This unique introduction sets the stage for understanding our own calling as believers. Like Paul, each of us has been set apart for a divine purpose, chosen to play a crucial role in God's grand narrative of redemption.

Imagine for a moment the first telephone call ever made. Alexander Graham Bell's words, "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you," might have seemed mundane at the time, but they heralded a revolution in human communication. Similarly, God's call on our lives may start as a whisper, but it has the potential to create ripples of change that extend far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.

The beauty of our calling lies in its diversity and universality. While not all of us are destined to be apostles like Paul or to travel to foreign lands as missionaries, every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ in their own unique context. Whether it's in our workplace, our neighborhood, or our family, we are all commissioned to share the transformative message of the gospel.

Paul's emphasis on being "set apart for the gospel of God" reminds us that our calling is not a human invention but part of God's eternal plan. This gospel, as Paul explains, was "promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning his Son." Here, we see the beautiful continuity of God's redemptive plan, stretching from the Old Testament prophecies to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle provides a succinct yet powerful description of Jesus: descended from David according to the flesh, declared to be the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead. This dual nature of Christ – fully human and fully divine – is the cornerstone of our faith and the source of our hope. Because Christ conquered death, we too can live in the power of His resurrection.

As we reflect on our calling, we might sometimes feel like Jonah, attempting to run from God's purpose for our lives. Jonah's story serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It reminds us that even when we try to escape our divine mission, God's call persists. And just as God used Jonah to bring repentance to Nineveh, He can use us in powerful ways when we surrender to His will.

Paul's words to the Romans, "Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations," extend to us today. We have been saved not just from our past sins but for a greater purpose. This purpose involves bringing others to the obedience of faith, showcasing God's love and grace to a world in desperate need of hope.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison and the invention of the light bulb. After countless failures, Edison's persistence finally paid off, illuminating the world in ways previously unimaginable. Our calling in Christ may sometimes feel like Edison's journey – filled with setbacks and moments of doubt. But when we persevere, trusting in God's purpose, our lives can become beacons of light in a dark world.

The letter to the Romans reminds us that we are "loved by God and called to be saints." This identity as God's beloved is the foundation of our calling. It's not our abilities or achievements that qualify us for service, but God's love and grace. When we fully embrace this truth, it transforms how we view ourselves and our mission in the world.

So, what does it mean for us to be part of a community of the called? It means recognizing that we're not alone in our journey. Just as the early believers in Rome were united by their shared faith and purpose, we too are part of a global community of believers, each playing a unique role in God's kingdom.

As we ponder our calling, let's consider practical ways to live it out. Perhaps it means volunteering at a local shelter, showing Christ's love to those on the margins of society. Maybe it involves using our professional skills to support a ministry or non-profit organization. Or it could be as simple as being a listening ear and a source of encouragement to a struggling neighbor or coworker.

Remember, our calling is not just about grand gestures or dramatic life changes. It's about faithfully living out our identity in Christ in the everyday moments of life. As Luke 12:48 reminds us, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." We have been given the immeasurable gift of salvation; how can we not share this gift with those around us?

As we embrace our calling, we may face challenges and uncertainties. But like Paul, we can be confident in the One who has called us. We are empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, guided by God's Word, and connected to the Father through prayer.

In closing, let's reflect on how we can more fully embrace our divine calling. Are there areas of our lives where we're holding back from full commitment to God's purpose? How can we better embody Christ's love in our communities? As we wrestle with these questions, may we be encouraged by Paul's words and inspired to live out our calling with passion, humility, and unwavering faith.

Our lives, like that first telephone call or the invention of the light bulb, may seem ordinary at first glance. But when lived in response to God's calling, they have the potential to illuminate the world with the light of Christ, connecting hearts to the transformative power of the gospel. Let us step forward boldly, confident in our identity as those loved by God and called for His purpose.