Christ, the Heart of the Gospel

This passage deals with the opening of the letter the apostle Paul sent to the believers of the church in Rome. Paul introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, and stresses that the gospel he preaches was already foretold through the prophets of the Old Testament. In Roman society at the time slaves were considered worthless, yet Paul proudly declares that he is a servant of Christ. This means an attitude of life that entrusts one's life entirely to the Lord and obeys.

The sermon points out how the certainty Paul gained from experiencing the third heaven worked in his devotion. Because he knew Christ, the King of kings, he could overcome any persecution or fear in the world. It also points out that while the Law serves to make us aware of sin, no one can be justified by the Law. It makes clear that true salvation lies not in works of the Law but in believing in Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead.

How are we receiving God's choosing, recorded in the book of life? We must look back at whether, like Paul, we are carrying out our mission of our own free will as servants of Christ, or turning away from it because of the laziness and greed of the flesh.