Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake; among whom are ye also called to be Jesus Christ’s: (Romans 1:1-6 ASV)

While recently reading "Risk Is Right: Better To Lose Your Life Than To Waste It," by John Piper, a phrase he uses jumped out at me: "...making much of Christ."  He uses it in reference to what he believes would be the Apostle Paul's response to the question, " What is the ultimate aim of the Christian's life?"  Making much of Christ! Lifting Him up! Esteeming Him above all!  Bringing glory to Him!  Surely, that is a true statement, as well as a challenge! Making much of Christ should be my daily goal and desire, and daily, impact my efforts.

Look at Romans 1:1-6, for in this passage much is made of Christ.  He is:

      --the afore promised

      --born of the seed of David

      --declared to be the Son of God

                  --with power, according to the spirit of holiness

                  --by the resurrection from the dead

God the Father has made much of Christ!  He has lifted Him up! Esteemed Him above all! Brought glory to Him! A promise fulfilled, not only toward Paul, who was separated unto the gospel of God, but also to all who choose to accept the call of the Gospel of Christ upon their lives.  The passage continues.

Through Him:

      --we received grace and apostleship

      --unto the obedience of faith among all the nations--the followers' responsibility and      

              opportunity to MAKE MUCH OF CHRIST to the world!  

The truths of the earlier verses provide the works of God in Christ, in us, needed to MAKE MUCH OF HIM to the nations.

How are we making much of Christ?  What are we doing that fulfills that goal?  What are we doing that is not making much of Christ?  How do we eliminate this act? What is the "obedience of faith" that we are showing to the nations that they may see the "much that is to be made of Christ?"

He is worthy.  He is to be exalted. Jesus is to be made much of so the nations may know of the gospel of God.  May our lives reflect constantly and consistently the Christ of the Bible who loves the peoples of the nations as only The True Christ can.  May we draw from Him only.

His much is ours.  His much is at our disposal.  He, who has spared nothing, will give all to us.  May we experience His MUCH as we MAKE MUCH OF HIM!