April 8, 2001

Romans 1:1-4; 1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,. . .”

Paul proclaimed the Gospel by pointing people to the Son of God. The Scripture clearly states that “. . .there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

This being the case, it is vitally important that we know . . .

The Son of God.

Romans 1:3 “concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,”

“ . . . a descendant of David according to the flesh,”

KJV Hebrews 2:16,17; 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. ¹⁷ Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

16 For not indeed angels takes He hold but seed

jAbraa;m ejpilambavnetai. (Present, middle, indicative)

Abraham He takes hold. (take hold of, grasp, catch; be concerned with, help. So the NASB and NIV. The KJV is better here since what is in view is his suitability as a Savior; not of the angels, but of man. He “laid hold” of Abraham’s seed so as to be called the Son of David “according to the flesh.” Jesus Christ was truly human! See Luke 2:52 which speaks of His normal childhood; His growing up.

“ . . . a descendant of David according to the flesh,”

The Abrahamic Covenant speaks of a Promise of Life and a Promise of Land; Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15. The Davidic Covenant speaks of an Everlasting King and Kingdom; 2nd Samuel 7:16 “And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”’” 17 In accordance with all these words and all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.

The words of Isaiah make it very clear that the promised Messiah is the Divine Son of God. Isaiah 9:6,7;

6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,

On the throne of David and over his kingdom,

To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness

From then on and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

2. The Testimony of Jesus’ Life

John 5:17,18 My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working. 18 For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

See also Colossians 2:9,10