“A Dynamic Relationship” Romans 1:1-15 April 11, 2010

1 Corinthians 15:7-10 (NASB) “Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as it were to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

I. Paul establishes his relationship with the Roman believers (1-7) He verifies his apostolic credentials. He verifies his apostolic credentials. A servant of Christ Jesus A servant of Christ Jesus Called to be an apostle Called to be an apostle Set apart for the gospel of God Set apart for the gospel of God Which was promised beforehand Which was promised beforehand Concerning His Son Concerning His Son Descended from David according to the flesh Descended from David according to the flesh Declared to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead Declared to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead

I. Paul establishes his relationship with the Roman believers (1-7) He recognizes the church at Rome He recognizes the church at Rome Called to belong to Jesus Christ Called to belong to Jesus Christ Loved by God Loved by God Called to be saints Called to be saints

II. Paul characterizes his relationship with the Roman believers (8-15) His relationship is gratitude-centered His relationship is gratitude-centered He gives thanks because of their faith. He gives thanks because of their faith. He is under obligation because of his faith. He is under obligation because of his faith. He is eager to preach the gospel to them. He is eager to preach the gospel to them.

II. Paul characterizes his relationship with the Roman believers (8-15) His relationship is purpose-centered His relationship is purpose-centered To strengthen them To strengthen them To mutually encourage one another To mutually encourage one another To reap a harvest To reap a harvest Converts Converts Spiritual growth Spiritual growth