Following Jesus 175

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

Romans 1:1-15 show there are three basic characteristics which make a local church function in the way God intends. To begin with, in order for a harmony filled and healthy church environment there must be…

 Godly Leader(s). Vs. 1. “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” Within this opening verse we see that godly leaders are to be servants, called to a particular office or position and set-apart to fulfill a particular responsibility. The qualifications and responsibilities of elders and deacons are found in I Timothy, Titus 1:5-9, I Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, Acts 6:1-6. I Timothy 3:8-13. Second, a healthy and harmonious church environment not only begins with godly leaders, but continues with a commitment to Biblical Truth. Vs. 2-7. “…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. 

The commitment to biblical truth in this text specifically refers to the person of Jesus Christ as prophesied in the Old Testament. Vs. 2. “…which he (God) promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.”

This commitment includes the truth that Jesus Christ is a descendant of King David. Vs. 3. “…concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh.” See Ruth 4:18-22; I Chronicles 2:1-15; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38 (vs. 31-32).

The commitment to biblical truth culminates with Jesus Christ bodily resurrection from the grave. Vs. 4. “…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.”

Therefore, because of the resurrection, Jesus Christ is the source of grace and service. Vs. 5-6. “…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.”

Additionally, Jesus Christ is Lord. Vs. 7. “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.” See John 5:16-18; Philippians 2:1-11; Colossians 1:15-20.

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