2. 1. The “Christ” Identity Romans 1:1-17 p. 1037 Romans:

3. Who am I? Why am I here?

4. 1. Identity  Who I am... A South African A Dad... A Husband A Rugby fan... A Hockey fan...  Paul says he is (v 1):  A servant [slave] of Christ Jesus  Called to be an Apostle [sent one]  Set apart for the Gospel of God  His former identity (Phil 3:4-8)

5. 1. Identity...  A SLAVE of Jesus:  Slaves had no identity in their own right  As emissaries... An extension of their masters  Establishes Jesus’ absolute authority over him  Called to be an APOSTLE  Paul was not universally highly regarded  Introduces himself by his commissioning from God  What does it look like to be first a servant of God?

6. 1. Identity...  SET APART for the Gospel:  The gospel was the determining focus of his whole life  Lev 20:26 turned on its head: THEN – Separation from the nations NOW – Separation for the nations  IDENTITY –  Some aspects more significant than others  PASTOR – comes with a truckload of expectations Why is there a higher standard? We expect too little from other followers of Christ ! ! !

7. 2. Purpose  Paul’s purpose (v 5) Lit: “... for obedience of faith in all the nations...”  “obedience of faith” refers to ONE thing (not two!)  Highlights the essence of human sinfulness Opposite of FAITH: not Unbelief – but SIN !  We live in submission to God (Faith), or Sin  Striving for: “... Obedience of faith in all nations”  Not Just a call for Paul – for all of us (Matt 28:18-20)  Teaching them to OBEY, not teaching them to believe !

8. 2. Purpose...  Also – to impart some spiritual gift (v 11)  Lays out Paul’s two priorities we saw last week: 1.Mission – calling all people to “obedience of faith” 2.Loving unity and care – mutual encouragement  Personal examples of how this works:  Camp sponsorships for “pastors’ kids”  Hospice in India & Hospitality.

9. THIS WEEK:  Making the “worldview” exercise more specific:  IDENTITY:  How do you think of yourself?  What do you tell people to give them an idea of who you are?  PURPOSE:  How does your “Life-purpose” influence your daily choices?