Romans 1:1-7 The Gospel and Commission in 7 Verses

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-- 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. NIV

 It's amazing how much Paul packed into these seven verses. In them we see the trinity, prophecy, the gospel, the lineage of Christ, our calling as believers, and our hope. As well as a greeting to the Romans.

Over the next few posts, I will need to break this passage down verse by verse. But today, I wanted to look at it in its entirety simply to see that being a Christ follower is not complex. Here we see it summarized in six short verses. Isn't that amazing? The power of the Creator who sent His Son to change the world and bring it hope can be written about in just a few words. And yet, we want to make it so complicated.

Jesus Christ did come to upset the apple cart, but not to complicate. In fact, His presence brings more clarity to our lives than we will ever experience through any other means. He is our only hope. We simply must believe and walk in that faith. How beautiful is that?

Father, I continue to complicate your gospel and commission by placing it in time and space; by breaking it down into too many parts; by letting it be overshadowed by my sin and chaos. And it is much simpler than that. Forgive me, Lord. You love me; I accept Your love and forgiveness; I will live to serve You. Period. So be it.

Further Thoughts: 

1. Read this passage again 2-3 times slowly. Let your mind and heart absorb all it has to say. 
2. Read this passage here in other versions. Notice below the passage, you can click on "view in parallel." Then you can select other versions to read. I particularly like the English Standard Version of this passage.
3. Define gospel.
4. Read The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.
5. Write out for yourself in a few words a definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission. Memorize it to be your 30-second explanation you can give if someone asks you what you believe.

Acts 1:8 "He Empowers Us"

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
~Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is the one of the Trinity that most of us fail to recognize often enough. Think about this. The power of the Almighty Creator of the universe is with you at all times. He will guide your every step. He will enable you to do the unimaginable. Jesus even said that we would do greater things than He did. That could only be possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. His power is unlimited, and that power is at our fingertips.

Am I suggesting we become super-powers or god-like beings? No, something even greater. We have the opportunity even in our frail, human existence to do the extraordinary – to be led by the omnipotent, omniscient God moment by moment. Yet how many times do we struggle and stumble along on our own strength when the Wisdom of the Ages is waiting to lead? Let the Holy Spirit empower you to be all you can be. He’s waiting.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do you allow in your life that drowns out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?
2. What would be possible for you if you allowed the Holy Spirit to empower you every day?
3. How does the Spirit’s power make us witnesses to others?
4. What would happen if all believers lived in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Father, You have given us a tremendous gift and source in Your Holy Spirit. Help me to embrace the power You give. Amen.

John 16:7-11 "Who is the Holy Spirit?"

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. ~John 16:7-11

The Holy Spirit is first and foremost the third part of the Trinity. The very Spirit of God has always existed just as God the Father and God the Son have. In this passage in John, Jesus is telling us that the Holy Spirit will be our guide and the one to convict us of our sins. Before you even had decided to come to Christ, you knew the Spirit. He is the One who showed you your sin and your need for a Savior. It is the Holy Spirit that draws all men to Himself.

After we receive Christ, it is His Spirit who guides our every step if we will only take the time to listen and obey. Surrendering to the Spirit of God means freedom from the unknown. If I place my life in the hands and direction of the Almighty, I know that I will be walking the very best path for me. All I need to do is listen.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where do we first see the Spirit introduced in the Scriptures?
2. List the roles of the Holy Spirit. Support with Scripture.
3. How do you know when the Spirit of God is speaking to you?

Father, thank You for not leaving us alone but giving us Your Spirit. Continue to guide me and I will listen. Amen.

Gensis 1:26 "The Trinity"

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea….” ~Genesis 1:26

The Trinity is a very difficult concept for us to wrap our heads around. It means, “Three in one.” God is the Father; the Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Spirit. He is separately and distinctly each, but all one God. The best analogy given is that a man can be a father, son, and husband – distinct roles in his life – but all one person.

Although the Trinity has always been together, they have shown to at times have unique jobs to do. God, the Father is considered the supreme entity residing over all creation. Jesus often spoke of and to His heavenly Father. (John 20:21) Paul opens Romans with “Grace and please to you from God our Father….” (Rom. 1:7b)

Jesus is God incarnate. He is the part of God that lowered Himself to come to earth as a human so He could lead mankind in how to live. (Matt. 1:20-23) He then culminated his time here with dying on a cross for our sins, rising from the dead, and ascending back to heaven. It is through the actions of the Son, who was 100% man and 100% God, that we are reunited with God, the Father. (John 1:1 and Matt. 11:27)

The Holy Spirit is the Counselor that Jesus left with us when He returned to heaven. (John 14:16-17) We actually have the Spirit of God here guiding and directing our ways if we will only “listen.” It is God’s Holy Spirit who draws all men to Himself.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read through the passages noted in the Observe section. Note any observations you make.
2. What other passages can you note that refer to all or part of the Trinity? Note them.
3. How does the fact that there are three distinct parts of God affect us as humans?

Father, thank You for sending us Your Son to save us from our sins and for Your Spirit that guides us daily. We are blessed by Your presence in our lives. Amen.