Beginning in the first chapter of the book written to the Roman Church, Paul provides biblical understanding of doctrine followed by duty (chapters 1 – 11), and believing followed by doing (chapters 12 – 16). Paul expresses his great love for the church in Rome and his desire to come and see them. At the time of the writing, Paul had never personally met the church in Rome so he provides some insight into who he is in Romans chapter 1.
Speaking the Truth in Love
by Pastor Tommy Hill
Paul begins the letter by introducing himself to the church. I am Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ. Paul, who was a freeborn Roman citizen, now proclaimed himself to be a servant (or bond slave) of Jesus. What a change God has made in his life. Friends, if we truly have placed our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ we will make the same proclamation regarding our relationship with Him. We are bond slaves of Jesus. We are servants of the most high God. This is one of the greatest privilege we have been offered.
Paul says, not only am I a servant, I am a servant that is bringing good news. The news may be contained in this letter, but it is the greatest news ever offered to mankind. Paul said I bring to you the gospel of God, which He promised before by His prophets in the Old Testament. Paul specifically states that it is God’s gospel, not the gospel of man. It is God’s good news to man.
Paul says the news is concerning God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If we read through the Bible, we will find that the entire Bible is good news about our Lord. From Genesis to Revelation, God unfolds His plan of redemption for fallen, sinful man. What great news we have received, we can know how to find forgiveness for our sins. It was God who loved the world (John 3:16), and it was God who sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. Certainly, we consider this good news.
In Romans 1:4, this good news informs us that Jesus is declared to be the Son of God with power. In other words, all power lies within Him. There is nothing to hard for Him to accomplish on our behalf. We have received grace (Romans 1:5) from Him because we have been obedient to the faith.
Finally, in Romans 1:7, Paul says we are the “beloved of God,” called to be saints. Pauls says we received from God a special love. This love is ours because we have loved God’s Son. What good news to know that God loves us now as His own children. Paul closes out these seven verses by stating that we are receiving grace and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ and it’s simply because we have placed our trust in Him. We have believed the good news and have become obedient to the good news.
Do you need some good news today? Our world is facing many turbulent crises and many do not know what to do or where to turn. There are things being said, decisions being made, controversies on every hand, and mankind is looking for answers, for a way to make things better and solve some of our problems. The good news tells us our problems stem from a sinful nature and personal choices without consideration of what God, our Creator, thinks. May I recommend that we pick up our Bibles, dust them off, and absorb some of the good news that God has provided. There is an answer for every need, a solution for every problem. There is good news for the obedient and the faithful.
There’s an old song that says:
I have good news to bring
And that is why I sing
All my joys with you I’ll share
I plan to take a trip
In the good old gospel ship
And go sailing through the air
Oh, I’m gonna take a trip
In the good old gospel ship
I’m going far beyond the sky
Oh, I’m gonna shout and sing
Until the Heavens ring
While I’m bidding this world good-bye
If you’re ashamed of me
You have no cause to be
For with Christ, I am an heir
If too much fault you find
You’ll sure be left behind
While I go sailing through the air
Pastor Tommy Hill is the pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church in Hamlet. He is a Richmond County native. He can be reached at firstfwbchurchhamlet@gmail.com
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