An Epistle to Beloved, Called, Saints
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Paul defines what it means to be a Christian as he addresses his letter to beloved, called, saints.
Text: Rom. 1:6-7
Date: 09/13/2026, the Combined service.
Series: "Romans: Unashamed of the Gospel" Part 9
Description:
As Paul's opening sentence comes to its conclusion, his attention turns to the Roman Christians he is writing to. Having introduced himself, defined the Gospel, and emphasized the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ-- he now briefly defines what it means to be a Christian. First in a general sense, and then specifically using three descriptive terms: "beloved of God", "called", and "saint". We will analyze each term in detail and come to realize the glorious gift and privilege God has given His beloved believers. We will stand in awe of this amazing love of the Triune God-- of the Father who calls, of the Spirit who makes the call effectual, and of the Son who Redeems those who are called out of darkness into His marvelous light!
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Rom. 1:6-7.
A. Context
B. Defining what it means to be a Christian.
1. Those belonging to the Lord, vs. 6.
a. Discerning the audience.
b. The "called" of Christ.
i. Paul's concentration on Christ.
ii. Called to Jesus Christ, Rom. 8:28; 1Pet. 2:9.
iii. Belonging to Jesus Christ.
1) Jesus as Lord and Master, 1Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 1:1,4.
2) Jesus in intimate relationship, Rom. 6:11, 8:1, 12:5.
2. Describing the saints, vs. 7a.
a. Addressing the audience.
i. A group of small gatherings, Rom. 16:3-5.
ii. An exclusive, inclusive group.
b. Three terms that distinguish a Christian.
i. Beloved of God.
1) A love for the saints, Psa. 60:5; 2Cor. 7:1; Phil. 4:1.
2) Love that originates with God, John 16:33; 1John 4:9,10,19; Deut. 7:6-8; 1Cor. 1:26.
3) An Extravagant Love, John 17:22-23.
ii. Called of God.
1) Making the distinction.
a) The "general call", John 7:37, 12:35-39; Acts 17:30-34; Matt. 22:14.
b) The "effectual call".
2) The work of the Triune God.
a) The regenerative work of the Spirit, Acts 10:44-45.
b) The sovereign election of the Father, Eph. 2:4-6; John 6:44, 17:6.
c) To be "in Christ", Col. 1:26-27; Eph. 4:4-5.
iii. Called saints.
1) Defining a saint.
a) Looking at the word, Ex. 3:5.
b) Noticing the "number".
2) Describing a saint.
a) What a saint is not.
(1) In Roman Catholicism.
(2) In popular usage.
b) What a saint is.
(1) In the Old Testament, Psa. 30:4, 31:23, 34:9, 116:15; Dan. 7:18,21.
(2) In the New Testament, Rom. 15:25; 1Cor. 14:33.
3) What it means to be "separated out".
a) What a saint is called FROM.
b) What a saint is called TO, Phil. 3:20.
III. Conclusion, vs. 7b.
