Paul’s Salutation
Romans 1:1. 1. Paul began his letter by identifying himself in three different ways. 2. First, he was a “servant of Christ Jesus.” He belonged without reserve to the One who confronted him on the Damascus road. Although cultured Greeks would never refer to themselves in such a demeaning fashion, the Old Testament designation “servant of the LORD” was a title of honor given to Moses and other prominent leaders (Josh 14:7; 24:29). Then Paul said that he was “called to be an apostle.” God initiated the process. Paul did not choose the role for himself. And even before he was called, he had been “set apart” 3. to serve in the interests of the gospel of God. 4. All three statements reflect the subordinate role the apostle played. Not for a moment did he elevate himself above his assigned position as a servant of God, set apart and called to serve in the interests of the proclamation of the gospel.
Christians in leadership positions must recognize the servant nature of their roles in the work of the kingdom. What the world calls success has led many gifted leaders gradually to assume a celebrity posture. But with pride, the original sin, comes spiritual disaster. It would be well for Christian leaders to begin each day acknowledging before God that they are his servants. And even that role is a result of God’s decision to call them into service.
Mounce, Robert H. Romans. Vol. 27. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995. Print. The New American Commentary.
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