Three Streams

Within this first verse of the book of Romans we have tremendous spiritual truths set before us! Pauls introduction of himself in this letter is filled with truth that transforms!

1. Servant of Jesus Christ
2. Callled
3. Set apart for the gospel
4. God the author of the gospel

I hope to ‘blog’ my way through the book of Romans, and in this first post I will explore the first point.

Servant of Jesus Christ

Paul introduces himself as a servant, this is significant, particuarly given his apostolic role. As an apostle he had authority, he had rights, yet this is not how he approaches the Roman church. He comes introducing himself firstly as a servant and secondly as an apostle. Here we see the great spiritual truth taught by Christ ‘He who would be the greatest, must become the least’.

If the book of Romans clearly portrays the gospel of Christ then it is no surprise that in this opening statement we find the words ’servant of Jesus Christ’. The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and his commision to his followers is ‘go and do likewise!’ Jesus Christ is the perfect example of servant hood, though he was a King, he humbled himself and made himself of no reputation. His motivation was love and his purpose was to reflect and reveal his Father.

It is also worthwhile to mention that Paul was not just a servant but that he was the servant of Jesus Christ. This is true of every Christian. If in our serving we become weary and discouraged we must remind ourselves whos servant we are! We serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! We do not serve of our own accord, no, we serve the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our master and our rewarder! What we do to and for others we do for and to the Lord! Let this motivate us when we get tired in our service, for as Paul said to the Galatians, ‘be not weary in welldoing, for you shall recieve a harvest at the right time if you do not give up’. Feel like giving up? Remember it is Jesus Christ that you serve!

Serving is not an optional extra for a few humble saints! The gospel is the call to walk in the opposite spirit of this world. This world says, put self first, the gospel says ‘consider others better than yourself!’ WOW!!! Lord, make us servants! Give us a vision of servanthood! Let us see the glorious priveledge of what it is to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

How do we apply this calling? Catch the vision, know your calling and look for opportunities to serve! It may not be the most glorious tasks, however ‘when we are faithful with little, God will entrust us with more’. Even if we are not rewarded in this life, remember that Jesus says, ’store up treasure in heaven’. How do we store up treasure in heaven? We do so by serving on earth.