Set Apart

"...set apart for the gospel of God."--Romans 1:1

"Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God."--Romans 1:1.  So begins one of the greatest and most informative books of the New Testament, Paul's letter to the church in Rome.  This verse is part of the customary introduction to letters of the time.  This particular element is an identification of the writer, who in this case is Paul, among other things he was set apart, chosen if you will for the gospel of God.

Set apart for the gospel of God.  When we think of something being set apart, it does not mean set aside. When something is set apart, it means there is some special significance to it. We all have our different areas of expertise.  For some it's encouragement, for others its hospitality, and yet for others its preaching God's Word from the pulpit.  Whatever our gift might be, we are ALL set apart for one thing. The same thing Paul was set apart for, the gospel of God. Tonight, as I THINK SOULS, I realize we and Paul have at least two things in common.  We are bond-servants of Christ and we are set apart for the gospel. I said we all have our gifts. We are to use those gifts not only to help the brethren but also to bring others to Christ. One of my mentors and good friends Wayne Roberts, just before writing this devo told me how encouraging he thought I was. I am grateful for the compliment but he ended his statement with "Keep it up!".  This is what we need to do is to "Keep it up!" Use your gifts to bring others to Christ.

In closing, this passage was the beginning of a letter identifying Paul. As a short practical thing, I encourage you to write a short letter to yourself beginning like this. "(Your Name), a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as a/an (Your gift or gifts), set apart for the gospel of God..." then write down how you think you can use your gift or gifts to bring others to Christ. KEEP IT UP! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!