The Book of Romans #1

November 2, 1997 (Romans 1:1 Paul a Servant)

Brian Kocourek

 

[Romans 1:1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,                           Let us bow our heads and our hearts in prayer.

 

This morning we shall begin our study in the book of Romans. As you know, after we finished Christ Revealed in His Own Word, I asked the congregation if there were any specific area that you would like for us to study, and I asked for you to write your requests down and I would take into consideration your needs, and since only one person responded, with a request, I therefore felt compelled to do what I can for that person. And therefore, we shall begin our study in this wonderful book that speaks so wonderfully about the Grace of God that is given so freely for the sinner. “The object of this epistle is to destroy all wisdom and works of the flesh no matter how important these may appear in our own eyes or those of others, and no matter how sincere and earnest we might be in their use.”

 

We begin our study by examining verse 1:1 where Paul opened his letter to the Romans by saying, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

 

Now as we open this wonderful book, we immediately hear Paul making three very important statements which bear examination.

 

#1) He begins by calling Himself a servant of Jesus Christ.

#2) He informs us that He has been called to be an apostle.

And #3) he has been separated unto the gospel of God.

 

Now, let’s begin our study this morning by examining this first statement that Paul uses to open his letter to the Saints at Rome. He says, , Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ. I want you to notice, He did not say, I Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ, but I Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ. Now, I believe that Paul was very definitive and precise in his wording of this opening statement. First and foremost he is declaring that above all things, he is a servant oft he Lord Jesus Christ. This expresses modesty (humility)because Paul does not regard himself as a lord over God’s heritage as do the arrogant false apostles. It also expresses majesty because Paul glories in his being a servant of the Lord. Now, remember, Paul lived In a time when the world was ruled by Rome, and more specifically by a Roman Emperor. Therefore, just because Paul considers his role he has in the ministry to be that of a servant, we must not look upon this role in a condescending way, for a servant is more than just a slave. We have terms in which we say a person is a public servant or a civil servant,  and that tells us that they are a government official, or one who works for and therefore represents the government. And if it was a disastrous thing to deny to the servants of the Emperor honor and respect, what will happen to those who do not receive with due honor the servants of God!

 

Therefore this expression “a servant of Jesus Christ  is overwhelmingly terrifying.  And if we view what Paul is telling us from this light, then we find here that he is not speaking of his own personal reverent submission to God, but rather the exalted dignity of his office which demands respect. Paul, in calling himself a “servant of Jesus Christ  confesses that he has received the apostolic office from God and not others. What he is telling us by using this choice of words is this: I preach the Gospel, teach the church, baptize, and do other pastoral works, which truly are God’s. But I do them not as a lord to rule over you, but as a servant to whom the ministry means nothing more than that which Christ desires me to do among you. In other words, it is Christ in whom he is serving by carrying out to the letter what he has been directed to do in the course of His ministry. Paul a Servant of Jesus Christ”...

 

Now, let’s just look for a moment at this thought of servantship or servanthood. What is a servant anyway. According to Webster a servant is one who serves.  A person employed to perform certain services, especially those belonging to the household. And it is interesting that in Paul’s opening address he let’s us know quickly whose household he belongs to and of whose household he has been called to serve.  Now, the Greek word for servant that Paul chose to use is the word, “doulos”, which means one who give’s himself up to another’s will; and we find Paul expressing this thought in several other opening statements in various other letters to the local churches.

 

 

The Book of Romans #1

November 2, 1997 (Romans 1:1 Paul a Servant)

 

[I Corinthians 1:1] Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother,

 

[II Corinthians 1:1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

 

[Ephesians 1:1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

 

[Colossians 1:1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother,

 

[II Timothy 1:1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

 

Therefore we can see here that Paul is expressing to the people that he has been called of God, not of his own volition, but by the will of God and therefore, this role of servant takes on a manner which is more than just that of showing humility, but more so that of showing that he has brought himself under the rulership and authority of God. Therefore, in his coming to these people or in his addressing these people He is their as an ambassador of Jesus Christ.

 

Now, this brings up the question about who is a who is not or better put, who can make this claim and who can not make this claim of being a servant of the most High God. Now, we see a further declaration concerning Paul’s servanthood and calling by his declaring also what his servanthood duties entail. He says, #2) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle.

 

Now he says, called to be an apostle. He does not say, I am a servant of God because I feel that I am an apostle. This role of a servant we have already established is not one which Paul chose, but rather one that God chose for Paul, and therefore if he is a servant of Jesus Christ then that also tells us who called Paul to be an apostle, for he says, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle. Now, this is important because if Jesus Christ called him to carry out a certain role then to do any other role would be overstepping his role as a servant. Jesus said “in my fathers house are many mansions” and brother Branham defined this as “in my fathers kingdom are many palaces”. Now, in looking at this role of a servant we see that the one who serves, does so at the behest of the ruler of the house, and he is usually assigned to a specific detail. A made is not the cook, the cook is not the chauffeur, and the butler is not the gardener. each one has a special role, and in that role they are to operate. Usually the butler is the head servant who is in charge of doling out the duties of the other servants.

 

In Egypt this position was called a vizier and I believe  the title adviser comes from. The Vizier was in charge of everything, and he was called overseer of  all works of the King. He was considered a companion to the King and he was overseer of the fields, the farmers, the farmers animals and the granaries. He supervised all business that had to do with the Nile, including the building of canals for supplying water. He was in charge of collecting taxes throughout the land and he controlled the army and navy. He also inspected the crafts that were made for the King, as well as being in charge of all construction work. He was also considered the mayor and chief of police of the city where he lived. In all he had at least thirty different jobs or roles to fulfill. And we know that Joseph became the Vizier of Pharaoh which was a type of being at the right hand of the majesty on High.

 

Now we know that Jesus is the Vizier of God for all things created were created by Him and through Him. But Paul, although a teacher to the gentiles and the only Apostle whom God vindicated to bring forth the correction to the church, and in whom the Pillar of fire moved about and directly taught Him, yet he still was assigned only a certain role and therefore, his servitude was expressed in his expressly obeying only those duties that God had called him to.

 

Therefore, he declares those duties when he says, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle. Now, we know who called him, and who gave him this assignment, and it was the one in whom he was serving, and that is Jesus Christ. But what of others. How do we know if a person is called to the ministry or not. The bible tells us in Matthew 7 that many will claim to be called, and many will claim to be sent, but the Lord will reply, Depart from me, ye that work iniquity for I never knew you much less called you.

The Book of Romans #1

November 2, 1997 (Romans 1:1 Paul a Servant)

 

[Matthew 7:15-23] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

Now, the Bible speaks of a true five fold ministry and a false five fold ministry. It does not just speak of true Prophets and false prophets, but we find the Bible speaks of True teachers and false teachers, true pastors and false pastors, true apostles and false apostles, true evangelists and false ones as well.  But what are the markings of a true one and how do we recognize those who are false. Paul tells us that he is a true apostle, and one who is a servant of Jesus Christ, called by Jesus Christ Himself, yet we find that no false Apostle would call himself an false apostle, and Jesus told us that the false ones will act and dress like the rest of the sheep in order to destroy, so how do we know the difference?

 

Well, Jesus told us that by their fruits we would know the one from the other. Now of course those who are false will also say this but to them the fruits are how sweet and politically correct they might appear before men. But that is not what God’s vindicated prophet taught us. He said that we are to give them the word test as we see in [1 John 4:1]  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Therefore we are commanded to not just accept everyone or everything we hear, but we are commanded to go to the Word of God and check it out with what has already been said. IN fact Paul told the people that although He had been vindicated by God’s very own presence and by the Pillar of Fire, yet he was no exception to this rule. [Galatians 1:6-9]

 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

 

Now, we know that God speaks of  a Five-Fold ministry in the New Testament [Ephesians 4:11-15] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

 

But we also see that their were Prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists, and apostles which are missionaries in the old testament as well. And where there were true ones there were false ones as well. And where there are earmarks of the true there are earmarks of the false as well.

 

[Philippians 3:17]  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.  Here we find Paul tell us to mark them which are true, and to follow them. And how do we know they are true? Because they are just like us Paul says.

 

But what about the false? [Romans 16:17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. And Jesus told us that by their fruits you will know them, and the fruits are the teaching of the season. we find the people in the first age did just this when they marked those who were false apostles. II.CORINTHIANS.11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

 

The Book of Romans #1

November 2, 1997 (Romans 1:1 Paul a Servant)

 

[Revelations 2:1-2] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

 

[II Corintinans 11:13-15]  For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  Now, I want you to notice  that Paul tells us that the false apostle is also a decietful worker, and why is that? because he wants you to believe that he is speaking on behalf of Christ when he isn’t. And the reason he transform himself is because he wants to deceive.

 

Now there are four characteristics of a true minister of God. Remember not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter in, but He that doeth the will of my Father.  So the first and foremost earmark of a true servant of God is that he is doing the will of The Father. And what is the will of the Father? His Word. Therefore he will follow the Word of God and will not deviate from it as Paul said in Galatians chapter 1. #2) He will follow a pattern, and that Pattern was laid out for us by the Apostle Paul. He said, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

 

 74-2 EPHESIAN.CHURCH.AGE -- CHURCH.AGE.BOOK.CPT.3

  His manner of ministering set the pattern that all future messengers were to aspire to, and actually sets the pattern for every true minister of God, though he would not attain to such heights in the prophetic realm as did Paul. Paul's ministry had a threefold quality and was as follows:

 

74-3 EPHESIAN.CHURCH.AGE -- CHURCH.AGE.BOOK.CPT.3  First of all, Paul was absolutely true to the Word. He never deviated from it no matter what the cost.

 

Secondly, his ministry was in the power of the Spirit, thereby demonstrating the spoken and written Word. I Corinthians 2:1-5, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

 

Thirdly, he had the evident fruit of his God-given ministry. II Corinthians 12:11, "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing." I Corinthians 9:2, "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostle-ship are ye in the Lord."

 

Now, to have one of these three and not the others does not prove your calling. But their are three things necessary to follow in the pattern that God set forth, and the Word is the premiere one, then the power of the Spirit of God and finally the fruits of the ministry.

 

Now the third characteristic of a true called five-fold minister is that he must be separated unto God. we read in [Romans 1:1] that Paul, after letting us know that he was called by Jesus Christ to be His Apostle and servant, then let’s us know right quick that he also was separated by this calling. [Romans 1:1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, ... and all you have to do to find out if you have been separated unto God is mention the word Parousia, or presence of Christ and immediately they will not want to have anything to do with you. Finally the fourth characteristic of a true calling is in the person themselves, and that is a desire to help. Now this characteristic alone does not merit the calling is from God. Actually it is separate from the other characteristics because this characteristic has to do with your motives and not with whether or not God has called you, but nevertheless a true servant of God is not in service for worldly reasons but for eternal ones and their service to the one who called them is directed at the ones whom God has commissioned them to help.