INTRODUCTION:

A.  Man has a basic need.  That need is to be loved.

       B.  God realizes this problem, because He put it there, and especially He
             lets His people know that He loves them.

       C.  Rom. 1:1-7 deals with Paul's salutation.

            1.  Speaks of self, Gospel, Son, and the recipients of the letter.

       D.  In this lesson, let's focus in on the recipients, God's children, and see
             how God views them.
 

    I.  CALLED TO BE JESUS CHRIST... v.6.

       A.  All Christians are called.

            1.  Called means an invitation extended and accepted.

            2.  Not a small still voice.

            3.  Called by the Gospel - II Thess. 2:14.

       B.  "Called to be Jesus Christ."

            1.  Shows possession by Jesus.

            2.  Jesus owns us.

                 a.  Rev. 1:5 - Jesus is our King.

                 b.  Acts. 2:36 - Lord

       C.  We are servants like Paul  - v.1.

            1.  Servant - "Doulos = bondman.

                 a.  Purchased slave.

                     1) Acts 20:28.

                     2) I Cor. 6:19-20.

                 b.  Purchased to serve.

                 c.  A slave is worthless unless he serves.

   II.  BELOVED OF GOD - v.7.

       A.  We are God's loved ones.

            1.  Expresses God's view toward us.

            2.  The Father proves His love for us:

                 a.  John 3:16.

                 b.  Col. 3:12 - "...God's elect, holy, beloved..."

                 c.  Rom. 5:8.

                 d.  Eph. 2:4-5 - great love.

                 e.  I John 3:1 - "behold what manner of love the Father hath
                      bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God,
                      and such we are."

                 f.  Dan. 8-10 - God says, "I love you."

       B.  We are loved by the Godhead.

            1.  Eph. 1:3-4 - Father willed redemption.

            2.  Eph. 1:6-7 - Son purchased redemption.

            3.  Eph. 1:13-14 - Holy Spirit agent, sealed redemption.

 III.  CALLED TO BE SAINTS - v.7.

       A.  To be - does not mean future; We are SAINTS NOW.

            1.  Sainthood is a positional thing.

                 a.  It is how God views you - RIGHTEOUS.

                 b.  Righteousness like Christ - Rom. 3:21ff.

            2.  Not speaking of a person's own righteousness.

                 a.  He has none.

       B.  Passages that show we can be counted righteous by God:

            1.  Rom. 1:16.

            2.  II Cor. 5:21 - "Him who knew no sin, he made to be sin on our behalf;
                 that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

            3.  Rom. 5:8-11.

            4.  Rom. 4:6-8.

       C.  Grace is not a license to sin - Rom. 6:1.

       D.  Sainthood should motivate us to live godly in this present world.

  IV. GRACE TO YOU AND PEACE - V.7.

       A.  Grace is God's redemptive blessings to you.

            1.  Even though you were once a criminal, a law violator, you broke that
                 law which was capitol in nature and God's justice would demand your
                 eternal death; God's grace had worked out a system whereby you
                 can be freed from the guilt and punishment.

                 a.  Acquitted - case dismissed, guilt removed.

       B.  What grows out of this expression of grace and peace?

            1.  We deserve WRATH - Rom. 1:18. (When we sin).

            2.  Rom. 5:1 - wrath stops, peace begins--- IF YOU ARE SAINTS.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Many don't obey God because they are frustrated, have no hope, and
             feel too guilty.

       B.  You need to see God's love to you as He has proved it by giving us His
             plan for redemption.

       C.  All God asks in return is the rest of your life in FULL serve to Him.