1. The “Christ” IdentityRomans 1:1-17

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Romans:

Who am I?

Why am I here?

1. Identity

Who I am . . .• A South African• A Dad ... A Husband• A Rugby fan ... A Hockey fan ...

Paul says he is (v 1): A servant [slave] of Christ Jesus

Called to be an Apostle [sent one]

Set apart for the Gospel of God

His former identity (Phil 3:4-8)

1. Identity . . .

A SLAVE of Jesus: Slaves had no identity in their own right

As emissaries ... An extension of their masters

Establishes Jesus’ absolute authority over him

Called to be an APOSTLE Paul was not universally highly regarded

Introduces himself by his commissioning from God

What does it look like to be first a servant of God?

1. Identity . . .

SET APART for the Gospel: The gospel was the determining focus of his

whole life

Lev 20:26 turned on its head:• THEN – Separation from the nations• NOW – Separation for the nations

IDENTITY – Some aspects more significant than others

PASTOR – comes with a truckload of expectations• Why is there a higher standard?• We expect too little from other followers of

Christ ! ! !

2. Purpose

Paul’s purpose (v 5)

Lit: “... for obedience of faith in all the nations ...”

“obedience of faith” refers to ONE thing (not two!)

Highlights the essence of human sinfulness• Opposite of FAITH: not Unbelief – but SIN !

We live in submission to God (Faith), or Sin

Striving for: “... Obedience of faith in all nations” Not Just a call for Paul – for all of us (Matt

28:18-20)

Teaching them to OBEY, not teaching them to believe !

2. Purpose . . .

Also – to impart some spiritual gift (v 11)

Lays out Paul’s two priorities we saw last week:

1. Mission – calling all people to “obedience of faith”

2. Loving unity and care – mutual encouragement

Personal examples of how this works: Camp sponsorships for “pastors’ kids”

Hospice in India & Hospitality.

THIS WEEK:

Making the “worldview” exercise more specific:

IDENTITY: How do you think of yourself?

What do you tell people to give them an idea of who you are?

PURPOSE: How does your “Life-purpose” influence your

daily choices?