Paul's Purposed Life
Romans 1:1-17
Romans 1:1-17
Isn't it interesting that Paul started out virtually all of his letters to the churches with the same greeting?
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God... (I Corinthians 1:1,
II Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1,
Colossians 1:1, and II Timothy 1:1)
II Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1,
Colossians 1:1, and II Timothy 1:1)
Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father... (Galatians 1:1)
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus... (Philippians 1:1)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope... (I Timothy 1:1)
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1)
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:1)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope... (I Timothy 1:1)
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1)
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:1)
An Apostle, a Servant, and a Prisoner all rolled into one. Apparently, Paul wanted the reader to understand that his credentials of being an Apostle--a V.I.P., I suppose--were impeccable. He was called and commanded. His purpose was given to him by God Himself. (See Acts 26.)
Remember that an Apostle traditionally got that title because of three things. He personally had a physical encounter with Christ, received a personal commission from Christ, and was used in the working of miracles, signs and wonders.
An Apostle was indeed a special credential, but those other credentials were equally important to Paul. He was a Servant and a Prisoner of Jesus Christ. He didn't rest on his laurels and let everyone admire his apostleship. He knew that the privilege of apostleship carried with it the responsibility of a servant and the surrender of a prisoner.
When we examine our purpose, let us remember that whatever else God has called us to, He has called us also to be servants and prisoners. We are called to be a servant who serves out of loyalty and love for our Master. We are called to be prisoners, captivated by His love and grace.
What is your purpose? Are you a loyal servant who loves your Master more than life itself? Are you so captivated by His love that you are willingly a prisoner? Are your purpose and passion your number one identifying marker? If not, what interferes with that?
Talk to me! I'd love to see you post a comment!
Remember that an Apostle traditionally got that title because of three things. He personally had a physical encounter with Christ, received a personal commission from Christ, and was used in the working of miracles, signs and wonders.
An Apostle was indeed a special credential, but those other credentials were equally important to Paul. He was a Servant and a Prisoner of Jesus Christ. He didn't rest on his laurels and let everyone admire his apostleship. He knew that the privilege of apostleship carried with it the responsibility of a servant and the surrender of a prisoner.
When we examine our purpose, let us remember that whatever else God has called us to, He has called us also to be servants and prisoners. We are called to be a servant who serves out of loyalty and love for our Master. We are called to be prisoners, captivated by His love and grace.
What is your purpose? Are you a loyal servant who loves your Master more than life itself? Are you so captivated by His love that you are willingly a prisoner? Are your purpose and passion your number one identifying marker? If not, what interferes with that?
Talk to me! I'd love to see you post a comment!
