October 22, 2026
A MESSAGE FOR ALL
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.”
Romans 16:25–27 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As Paul brings this masterpiece letter to its conclusion, he passes along greetings from his immediate team—Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius (the faithful scribe who penned the letter), Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus. Once again, we see that Paul never conducted ministry as an isolated hero; he walked in deep, collaborative partnership with brothers and sisters in Christ.
Following these warm greetings, Paul closes with a grand doxology—a breathtaking hymn of praise that sums up the supreme message of Romans.
Paul anchors our souls in four magnificent truths as he concludes his letter:
1. God is Our Source of Unshakeable Strength (v. 25a)
Paul begins: "Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong..."
The NIV translates this verse: "Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel."
The Greek word for establish (sterizo) means to set fast, render firm, fix solidly, and make unshakeable. Paul doesn't send us out relying on our own fragile willpower, human intellect, or emotional energy. He points us directly to the Almighty God, who alone possesses the power to root our lives on an unshakeable foundation.
2. The Gospel is God's Tool to Ground Our Faith (v. 25b)
How does God establish us? Through "the message about Jesus Christ."
Belief in the incarnation, sinless life, substitutionary death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a ticket to heaven; it is the daily anchor that stabilizes our lives on earth. The more we submit our minds to the truth of Scripture, the more grounded we become.
What Is True Faith?
True faith is the ability to see life from God's perspective.
When we immerse ourselves in God's written Word, our natural, flawed perspective is replaced by His divine perspective. Instead of reacting in fear to natural circumstances, we stand secure on His promises.
3. The Unveiling of the Sacred Mystery (vv. 25c–26)
Paul celebrates that the Gospel was "a plan kept secret from the beginning of time," but is now fully revealed to the world.
Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets caught glimpses of God's redemptive plan. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they wrote prophecies about the Messiah that their own natural minds could not fully fathom (1 Peter 1:10–12). Now, looking back through the lens of Jesus' cross and resurrection, the once-hidden mystery is made plain: salvation is available to all people everywhere, Jew and Gentile alike, so that they might believe and obey Him!
A Pastor’s Perspective on Divine Moments:
In our daily walk with God, we often participate in conversations or encounters that seem minor or ordinary in the moment, only to realize later that they were sovereign, divine appointments.
I have preached sermons that felt completely ordinary to me as I spoke them, only to discover afterward that the Holy Spirit used specific words to deliver a life-changing, divine message to a hurting heart.
We don't always need to comprehend the full significance of what God is doing in the moment. Our job is simply to be obedient, knowing that in His perfect timing, His purpose will shine through.
4. All Glory Belongs to the Only Wise God (v. 27)
Paul began this letter by declaring himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1), and he ends it by directing all praise to heaven: "All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen."
There is no self-promotion in Paul's heart. He didn't write this letter to build a reputation, earn applause, or establish a personal legacy. His singular ambition was that God would be exalted and that Jesus Christ would be celebrated.
Whatever time, talent, physical health, or financial treasure God has entrusted to us, our ultimate life goal must match Paul's: to ensure that God receives all the glory through our daily lives.
Reflection & Application
Is your life established on the Rock? Are you resting in God's power to keep you strong, or are you still striving to hold your life together in your own strength?
Are you seeing life from God's perspective? How is your daily time in the Scriptures reshaping your view of your current circumstances, challenges, and future?
Who gets the glory in your life? When God uses your gifts or blesses your efforts, are you quick to pass the praise back to the "only wise God"?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, all glory, honor, wisdom, and praise belong to You alone! Thank You for establishing my life on the unshakeable foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit, be my daily Teacher. Forgive me for times when I have been spiritually passive or let pride slip into my heart. Cleanse me of all self-reliance and teach me how to see every circumstance in my life through Your eyes of faith.
I submit my body, my mind, my will, my time, my talents, and my resources to the Lordship of Jesus today. Let my whole life bring honor to Your name, now and forever. In Jesus’ glorious name, Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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