Separated Unto the Gospel of God

Romans 1:1

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

1. Romans 1:1.

2. Significance/Implications of a separation.

I. Paul was separated from:

A. His parents’ beliefs.

1. Paul had been a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee (Acts 23:6).

2. If we find that what our parents believe is error, we must be willing to separate ourselves from our parents’ beliefs. (Matthew 10:34-39).

B. His own past beliefs.

1. Paul was previously zealous for the law to the extent that he sought to destroy the church (Acts 7:58, 8:1-3).

2. We must be willing to separate ourselves from past beliefs when we find they are in error.

C. The law of Moses.

1. Paul was well acquainted with the law and possessed a love for the law (Philippians 3:5-7).

2. Many today practice what they do in matters of religion in part because of their failure to understand the old law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Consider man’s keeping of the Sabbath, wearing of priestly garments, etc.). Consider Romans 7:4-7 along with Colossians 2:14.

D. The world.

1. The very meaning of the word church (called out) indicates we are to separate ourselves from the world.

2. As Christians, we must separate ourselves from the sinful things of the world (Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:1-4, I John 2:15-17, I John 3:8).

II. Paul was separated unto the gospel. This includes:

A. Obedience to the gospel.

1. Paul wrote concerning obedience to the faith (Romans 1:5, 6:17).

2. Those who refuse to obey the gospel of Christ will one day experience God’s vengeance (II Thessalonians 1:8).

B. Willingness to teach the gospel to others.

1. Christianity is a "taught" religion. No man can become a Christian without first being taught (John 6:44-45, Matthew 28:19).

2. Every Christian is commanded to teach the gospel to others (II Timothy 2:2, Hebrews 5:12).

C. Willingness to defend the gospel.

1. Paul was willing to defend the very gospel he had once attacked (II Corinthians 4:8-11, 11:23-28).

2. We too are to be prepared to defend the gospel (I Peter 3:15).

D. Willingness to be governed by the gospel.

1. Christianity requires a change in attitude and actions (I Corinthians 11:1, Colossians 3:1-5).

2. We are to be willing to be governed by the gospel because it is Christ who has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

1. In order to live the Christian life, we must be separated from all that is in opposition to the gospel.

2. We must be separated unto the gospel and all that the gospel entails.

 

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