Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Romans 1:1
The first thing that a new ambassador from one country to another does on reaching his destination is to present his credentials to the receiving country. It is important for that country to know that the ambassador they are receiving has the full confidence and backing of his home nation. So today as we begin to open Paul’s epistles to the early Christians, it is important that we recognize his credentials, which he provides for us in today’s text.
Firstly, Paul is a servant of Jesus Christ. When he encountered Christ on the Damascus road, Saul of Tarsus asked his famous question: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” He then spent the rest of his life in unreserved service to his Lord. His record stands as an encouragement and an example for us as we take our places as servants to the same Lord.
Secondly, Paul is sent by Jesus Christ. The word apostle means a sent one, an emissary. Paul became the primary and outstanding apostle sent to the Gentiles, so we Gentiles owe him a great debt. Although we are not apostles, the Lord has a mission for each of us too, sending us forth into the world on His business. As His ambassadors, we have the privilege and responsibility of representing Him today.
Thirdly, Paul is sanctified by Jesus Christ. The words in our text ‘separated unto the gospel of God’ speak of that sanctification. The Lord told Ananias that Saul was ‘a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel’ -Acts 9:15. We are also chosen vessels and our Lord has a role for each of us to fill in His great purposes.
Respect Paul’s credentials as we study his epistles. And remember that God has also given us credentials as His servants, His sent ones, and as His sanctified ones. – Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/3lD4Iu0xr0A