Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:4c-6
In my reading this passage today, the word “GRACE” is called out for the first time in this book and is a crucial part of the gospel message. The term ‘apostle’ was a unique way to refer to the 12 disciples but in the broader and less official sense it can describe anyone whom God has sent with the message of salvation. APOSTLE means “one who is sent”.
‘Obedience of the Faith’ is pointing to the TRUE saving faith that always produces obedience and submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. I am going to skip over the namesake of my post title really quick. Paul talks about the fact that he has a mission to bring this message and instruction on ‘obedience of the faith’ to the NATIONS including those in Rome who have had the effectual call of elect sinners to salvation. Those who just don’t believe in Jesus (even the demons know and believe who Jesus is) but those who place their trust in Jesus.
Why all of this? For the sake of His name, that’s why. Jesus is the center point of redemption, grace, object of our faith, and why we commit the rest of our lives to Him when we have been REDEEMED.
APPLICATION
I love God, I am so grateful for Him, and I want to serve Him desperately. I want my life to emulate His. I want to have enough evidence in my life to be convicted of being a follower of His. BUT, do I really internalize the power of His name. This name that is above all names. The one that will be emblazoned on His thigh when He returns. I need to fix my mind on how my daily actions and thoughts support ‘for the sake of His name‘. It seems like such a natural pivot, but I think it is a piece that only adds to the ‘Fear of God’ I should have as I walk through my day.