ROMANCE With the Book of RomansSample

The Introduction

Key Verse:
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."— Romans 1:1 (NIV)

I am quite fascinated with the way the Book of Romans started. Have you ever wondered what your response would be if you were asked to introduce yourself summarily?

Although the introduction was brief, it provided us with some important insights into who Paul was. He expressly stated who he was and the purpose of his existence. He referred to himself as a servant/slave of Christ, indicating that he was entirely sold out to Him.

I see in Paul a man who was fully dedicated to one Master, Christ Jesus. Then I asked myself a question. Whose servant am I? Can I wholeheartedly say I am a servant of Christ? Or maybe some part of me is a servant to money, flesh, or even other men or women?

I may not be called to be an apostle like Paul, but I am certain that "...we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

And these questions linger in my heart: Whose servant are you? What work has your master committed to your hands?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to live as Your true servant. Teach me to surrender fully to Your will and to be faithful in the work You've entrusted to me. Amen.

Victor Ajiboye