Additional thoughts on Romans 1:5
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
Reflecting on the phrase, “for the sake of his name,” reminded me of two individuals.
One of my seminary professors (who also attend the same church I did) always ended his prayer by saying,
“for you sake, and for your reputation.”
That truly is the attitude we should posses in prayer. All my requests, all my intercession should be submitted to God–so that His name and His reputation are the most important.
The other individual is Daniel the prophet. Read Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9, after confessing the sin of the people he continues:
16 “O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.” (ESV)
God’s reputation–the priority
God’s purpose–the focus
God’s glory–the goal
Reflecting on the phrase “grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith…”
“Grace” God’s grace is seen in His unmerited favor with guilty sinners. This is the books first reference to “grace” the most crucial part of the gospel message: salvation is a gift from God which is separate from any human effort or achievement (Rom. 3:24, 27; 4:1-6; 5:20, 21).
“Apostleship” Althouth the term apostle refers to the Twelve in a unique way (Rom 1:1), in a broader sense it can refer to anyone who God has sent with the message of salvation (Rom. 16:7; Acts 14:14).
“obedience of the faith” Someone who is truly saved will always produce obedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:19, 26; Matt. 7:13, 14, 22-27; James 2:17-20; Luke 6:46).
Later on I will give a few brief thoughts on “for your own sake”
In Christ
Michael J. Derus