Romans 1.1

Yesterday we started our study of Romans by reading the first chapter of the book. I would encourage you read it again today, before you read pray this verse back to God, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. - (Psalm 119:18 ESV)".  As you read, make notes of any questions you may have and try to search the Bible for answers.  Make notes of truths that you will apply to your life.  Active reading is very important to understanding what you read.  If you feel like you have read a great deal and don't remember what you just read, do not get down, just go back and reread.  I know many of you have children, I would suggest doing this during their nap or later in the evening when they are asleep, as they will be a distraction.  It is of great importance that those who have been redeemed by God and who are called to be conformed to the image of God, understand the instruction of God revealed in His self-revelation.  We must do everything we can to avoid being distracted as we encounter the Word of God.  After you have read the first chapter and made your notes, I would encourage you to read and answer some questions that will help apply the Word of God to your life.  I aim to show you how a simple phrase can hold great meaning to us who are believers. 

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus...(Romans 1.1)
1. What is a servant/slave?

2. What kind of tasks does a servant/slave perform?

3. Suppose you hired a servant, and you gave him/her an assignment, under whose authority is that servant acting, their own or yours?

4. So when Paul says he is a servant of Jesus Christ, whose authority is He under?

Did you know that every person on the face of the Earth is a slave? 

Read Romans 6:16

1. Paul mentions two (2) masters.  Who are they?

2. What are the results of being a slave to sin?  to obedience?

What does vv 17-18 have to say about those who are born again?

We are to be servants/slaves to righteousness, namely to Jesus Christ. 

I would like you to open a new tab in your web browser.  In the address bar type http://www.blueletterbible.org (this is a wonderful Bible study tool, I would suggest adding to your favorites)  In the search bar type in the words, "servant of the Lord", click on the version drop-down menu and select ESV, click "Search".  (a screenshot has been provided for you to make sure you are in the right place)

Find four (4) people who were called "servants of the Lord".

The highest honor for any believer is to be a servant of the Lord.  However, a common misconception exists between serving and being a servant.  When you are serving the Lord, you choose where you are willing to serve.  When you become a servant of the Lord, you are at the command of God.  You have given up your will.  This is what Paul had done, there was no way that he could have (or would have) gone through all the hardships he did without being totally resigned to do not his will, but the will of God.  We must be willing to humble ourselves, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6). 

Moses, Joshua, David, Isaiah, Mary, James, Paul, _____________.  Could you put your name there?

You must, if indeed your desire is to be like Christ, "who though He was in the form of God...made Himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant."(Phil. 2.5-6). 

Rickey