Made Right, Made His (Rom 1:1-7)

In this opening message from our new series through the book of Romans, Pastor Zach Carter sets the stage with a penetrating question: To whom do you answer? In a world where identity is so often built on career, preference, and self-expression, Paul introduces himself not by resume or reputation but by his relationship—a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. Drawing from Romans 1:1–7, Zach explores how Paul’s greeting is more than a formality—it’s a window into what it means to live a life shaped by the gospel. This passage confronts our cultural obsession with self-definition and reminds us that we are most truly ourselves not when we serve ourselves, but when we are submitted to Christ. We see that the Christian life is: A life set apart for Christ (v. 1) Lived under Christ’s loving rule (v. 3–4) Marked by the obedience of faith (v. 5–7) Zach unpacks the historical backdrop of the Roman church, the universality of the gospel's reach, and the transforming power of grace that turns former rebels—like Paul—into joyful servants of Jesus. The call to obedience isn't legalism. It's the natural outflow of hearts captured by the risen and reigning Son of God. This sermon is an invitation to reconsider what defines us—and to be shaped not by what we do, but by whose we are.