Separated Unto the Gospel

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God."

Romans 1:1

When Paul was separated unto the gospel, he was separated from something as well as to something. First, Paul was separated from his parent’s beliefs. Paul had been a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). But when Paul came to a knowledge of the truth, he broke away from his parent’s beliefs. Likewise, we should be willing to break away form our parent’s beliefs when we find those beliefs are in error (Matthew 10:34-39).

Second, Paul was separated from his own past beliefs. Prior to his conversion, Paul was zealous of the law to the extent he sought to prohibit the preaching of the gospel and destroy the church. Paul (Saul) was present when Stephen was stoned after being falsely accused of speaking blasphemous words against the law of Moses. Likewise, we must be willing to separate ourselves from our own past beliefs when we find that we are in error. Unfortunately, many people continue in their error because their prides prevents them from simply saying, "I was wrong."

Third, Paul was separated from the law of Moses. Prior to Paul’s conversion, he had a familiarity with and love for the law (Philippians 3:5-7). But, after learning the truth, Paul was willing to separate himself from the law of Moses (Philippians 3:7). Likewise, we ought to be willing to separate ourselves from the law of Moses (Romans 7:4-7). Much of what the religious world does today (observing the Sabbath, wearing "priestly garments", etc.) is a carry over from the old law.

Fourth, Paul was separated from the sinful things of the world. As Christians, we are not to be conformed to the world, but rather we are to be transformed (Romans 12:1-2). As Christians, we are to set our affections on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:1-4). We are to mortify, or put to death, our members which are upon the earth (Colossians 3:4).

Rod Halliburton

[Return to Bulletin Articles List] [Return to this Outline] [Return to Sermon Outlines] [Radio Transcript]