Beloved of God

Sermon Text

Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Beloved of God

Text: Romans 1:1–7

Main Theme

The gospel is the good news of God concerning His Son, Jesus Christ—our Lord, Messiah, and risen Savior—and all who trust in Him are beloved of God and called to be saints.

Key Points

• The Apostolic Greeting Matters

  • “Grace to you and peace” reflects how believers enter worship—through God’s unearned favor and reconciled peace.

  • Paul intentionally replaces the typical Greek greeting with “grace,” highlighting the heart of the gospel.

• Who Paul Is (v.1)

  • Bondservant (slave) of Christ – Under Christ’s authority; joyfully owned by a gracious Master.

  • Called Apostle – Personally commissioned by the risen Christ (Acts 9).

  • Separated to the Gospel – Appointed by God to proclaim His good news.

• The Gospel Is Not New (v.2)

  • Promised beforehand through the prophets.

  • Fulfillment of Old Testament promises: Davidic King, suffering servant, eternal priest, Messiah.

• The Gospel Is About a Person (vv.3–4)

  • Jesus is:

    • Son of David (according to the flesh) – True human descendant, rightful King.

    • Declared Son of God in power – Vindicated through the resurrection.

  • The resurrection proves Christ’s authority and mediatorial role.

• Grace for Obedience (v.5)

  • Paul’s apostleship is a gift of grace.

  • The goal: “obedience of faith” among all nations.

  • True faith results in joyful submission to Christ as Lord.

• Beloved and Called (vv.6–7)

  • The Roman believers are:

    • Called of Jesus Christ

    • Beloved of God

    • Called to be saints (holy ones)

  • Christians are:

    • Declared holy (justification)

    • Being made holy (sanctification)

• Grace and Peace for Imperfect People

  • Believers never “have it all together.”

  • Peace is not rooted in personal perfection but in union with Christ.

  • Our identity is not “barely accepted,” but deeply loved.

• What does it practically mean to live as a “bondservant of Christ”?

• Why is the resurrection essential to the Christian faith?

• How does knowing you are “beloved of God” change your daily struggles?

• What is the difference between justification and sanctification?

• How does understanding the Old Testament promises deepen your appreciation of the gospel?

• In what ways do you struggle to treat Jesus as Lord rather than merely rescuer?

• How does grace produce obedience rather than laziness?

• Gospel (Euangelion) – Good news of God concerning Christ.

• Bondservant (Doulos) – One under authority; slave.

• Apostle – One sent with divine authority.

• Messiah/Christ – The Anointed One.

• Justification – God’s legal declaration that sinners are righteous in Christ.

• Sanctification – The lifelong process of being made holy.

• Mediator – One who reconciles two parties (Christ between God and man).

• Grace – Unmerited favor.

• Peace (Shalom/Eirene) – Wholeness and reconciliation with God.