Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 20, 2022: SOAP #4551: 1Kings 6; 2Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures

OBSERVATION: Paul begins his letter to the Romans simply with his name.  He gives his credentials in the next few phrases, but they are not attached directly to his name.  Many, out of respect, refer to him as the “Apostle Paul,” but he merely introduces himself as “Paul.” What does Paul list first, as he identifies himself further?  Not the high position of one of the key leaders of the church, nor as a writer of Holy Scripture.  His first identification is as a servant.

Yes, Paul identifies himself as an apostle, but that was not a title he took on himself.  He was “called to be an apostle.”  Is fulfilling the ministry of an apostle, Paul was being a servant.  He was doing the bidding of his Lord. 

APPLICATION:   In identifying himself as a servant, Paul identifies himself with the One he serves; Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.  And that is how I must see myself.  I am a servant of Jesus Christ.  I am a better husband, a better dad, a better pastor, a better SOAP writer, a better bus driver, etc. when I first see myself as a servant of Jesus.

PRAYER:  Jesus, I am your servant.  In success or failure, I am your servant.  Doing what appears important, or doing what seems unimportant, I remain your servant.  Pleasing you is the priority of my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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