It is so easy to overlook these beginning statements that Paul places at the beginning of his letters. From New Testament courses it is obvious that this is an introduction and a place where Paul was sharing the author of the letter. My questions is whether there is more to it than that. There has to be since God wouldn't put it in the book otherwise.
First, of all Paul is a servant. Some translations say bond servant. He is a willing servant of Christ. No one is forcing him into service, but he is compelled by Christ to do such. As a fellow pastor of people, the question to ask is: Am I a willing servant of Christ?
Next, he was called by God, meaning he has been called out above and beyond that of the average believer in Christ. His duty to God runs deeper because God called him. He has been called to be an apostle, someone engaged in full time ministry, specifically a missionary or evangelist in his case. In either sense, God directed Paul into his vocation/ministry. All Paul has to do was be obedient.
Finally, Paul has been set apart. I believe this has some holiness overtones that Paul was filled with the Spirit and thus different that other people. He has been set apart for Gods purposes, and he has been obedient to that call.
In all, this is a picture of what a pastor should certainly be. A pastor should feel these things as a deep part of their identity. Paul certainly did since this was how he chose to introduce himself and identify himself.
- Are you a servant above all else?
- Are you 100% certain in your calling?
- Is you life set apart unto God?
How might you introduce yourself to others?
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