Sold Out for the Lord
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-7
If you've got your Bible, open to Romans chapter 1. Right after Acts.
I invite anybody able to stand in honor of the reading of the word of God.
Romans 1:1-7: “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 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.”
God, thank you for your word. Speak to our hearts. Mold us into your image. In Jesus' name, amen. You may be seated.
Longest Introduction in Paul's Letters
Romans 1:1-7 is the longest introduction Paul wrote. He never met the Roman believers. The gospel had spread for about 25 years. Paul wrote from Corinth.
He packs credentials and themes that unfold through the book. Apostolic authority. Old Testament fulfillment. Gospel centered on Jesus. Obedience to the faith. Mission for God's glory.
Paul: A Bondservant of Jesus Christ
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.”
Paul calls himself a doulos—slave, bondservant. “I'm a slave of Christ.” Not forced. By choice. All in. Sold out for the Lord.
Paul was sold out from conversion. Acts 9: Road to Damascus. Bright light. “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Saul persecuted Christians. Jesus saved him. Changed him. New creation.
Immediately baptized. Proclaimed Jesus in synagogues. Persecuted early. Jews plotted to kill him. Escaped in a basket. In Jerusalem, disciples feared him. Barnabas vouched. Paul joined them.
Opposition never stopped him. Beaten. Stoned in Lystra. Thought dead. Kept preaching. Sold out for the Lord.
Are You Sold Out for the Lord?
How sold out are you right now? Not years ago. Today. In daily life.
We are sold out for something. Worldly things or the Lord?
If saved, we ought to be sold out. With all God has done for us.
Reasons to Be Sold Out
- God planned salvation before we were born. Promised through prophets in Holy Scriptures. Old Testament points to Jesus. Micah: born in Bethlehem. Isaiah: virgin birth, Immanuel, line of David. God had a plan to forgive sinners.
- God's grace and mercy save sinners. “Through Him we have received grace.” We don't deserve it. Jesus born, died, rose. Forgives sins. Washes us clean. As far as east from west, transgressions removed. Chief of sinners saved. Amazing grace.
- Grace leads to obedience. “Grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith.” Flesh wars against Spirit. Choose to walk in Spirit. Half in, half out leads to sin. All in helps obedience. New creation. Not old man.
- We are called and chosen by God. “You also are the called of Jesus Christ.” “Beloved of God, called to be saints.” Not just Paul. Every believer called to live for Jesus, share gospel. Not just preachers.
Challenge: Be Sold Out
Simple but hard. Flesh fights. New year: commit to be sold out. All in.
Die to self daily. Take up cross. Grow continually.
Be active in church. Worship. Bible study. Prayer. Tithe. Serve. Witness boldly.
Find accountability. Help each other.
Sold out lives bring more salvations, baptisms, growth. God works mightily.
Closing Prayer and Response
God, thank you for your word. Help us be sold out. Die to self. Live for you.
Help believers do business with you. Be more sold out. See mighty works for your kingdom.
Altar open. Pray. Respond as God leads. Confess. Rededicate. Surrender to Jesus for salvation.
Call on Him. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Believe in Jesus. Forgiven. Eternal life. Come forward if needed. We pray with you.
