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For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8 Christians are entirely dependent on the mercies that God has granted through Christ. In essence, nour existence is rooted in His grace. Yet, within this grace, believers experience a supernatural union with Christ. This bond also fosters a sense of community among believers—an authentic Christian community, complete with its imperfections. It comprises a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives, opinions, and talents, all working together for the glory of God. Known in theological circles as the communion of saints.

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 Paul has been expounding on the doctrine of grace since the very first chapter, focusing on the person and work of Christ. In light of all that Christ has accomplished, how should Christians live? This is where Calvinist and Arminian beliefs find common ground. Paul has clearly established that God is indeed sovereign; however, human responsibility also exists within the framework of God's sovereignty. So, what responsibilities do believers hold? Paul emphasizes that, above all, we must wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to God. He uses the term; which would resonate deeply with first-century Christians. Yet, he characterizes this Christian sacrifice as one that is alive, indicating that it is an ongoing commitment. So, what does this sacrifice entail? Paul stresses that our sacrifice should include resisting the patterns of sinful and ungodly behavior that society has deemed acceptable. In essence, believers are called to abandon their old ways and embrace the new life found in Christ. In doing so, our minds are renewed, allowing us to demonstrate what the perfect will of God is. Alas, it is easy to articulate these truths, but much more challenging to live them out. Brothers and sisters, there is only one who has truly exemplified to the world what the will of God is—what is good, acceptable, and perfect—and that is Christ Jesus. In the end, we find our rest only in Him as our living sacrifice..

For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 This single verse encapsulates the entirety of the doctrine of grace and the gospel of God, forming the foundation of the Book of Romans. Within this verse, we explore the fullness of God's being and nature through three prepositions: through, and The term in its Greek definition, indicates that He possesses all things. However, it extends beyond mere possession; He not only has all things but also owns them, for He is the Creator of all. Paul elaborates on this idea in his epistle to the Colossians, drawing parallels with Jesus. The preposition refers to the means by which all things come to fruition. In this context, Paul highlights the sovereignty of God over, in, and through everything that exists. This aspect of God's sovereignty is a fundamental truth that every Christian should embrace. If God exists, then His sovereignty is the apex of that existence. This assertion does not imply that humans lack responsibilities or free will; rather, neither our choices nor our responsibilities can ever undermine the sovereignty of God. Lastly, the preposition emphasizes purpose. What is the ultimate aim of all this? It signifies that everything within God's creation and the unfolding of time is directed toward a singular purpose: His will. While many events may lead us to question His purpose and intentions, we must recognize that our lives, the destinies of nations, the course of history, the solar system, the galaxies, and everything else designed and created is ultimately ordained by God to manifest His glory.

For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him, that it would be paid back to him? For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:30-36 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in this passage, Paul emphasizes God's purpose for His people: that all individuals, both Jew and Gentile, will receive His mercy equally. In the concluding verses of Chapter 11, Paul encapsulates the essence of his argument presented throughout Chapters 1-11. Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him, that it would be paid back to him? For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. From God all things come; through Him all things thrive; to Him all things will return. To Him be eternal glory in every mind. Amen

For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” “This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” In relation to the gospel they are enemies on your account, but in relation to God’s choice they are beloved on account of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:25-29 In the Old Covenant, the struggles of the people of Israel were frequently foretold by prophets. Yet, alongside these challenges, there remained steadfast promises of their eventual salvation, restoration, and redemption. The New Covenant represents the continuation of this journey and is destined to unite harmoniously with the Old Covenant. This signifies that the promises God made in the past are enduring and can never be revoked.

For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved. Romans 11:25-26 The Apostle Paul passionately shares the prophecy Jesus revealed during His Olivet Discourse. This prophecy is filled with detailed insights, more than we can grasp in this devotional. What Paul emphasizes is the revelation of a mystery, understanding how damaging ignorance can be. He encourages his audience to lean on God’s revelation instead of personal opinions, guiding believers out of the darkness. The inspiring truth here is that God is not finished with His people. He will usher in a new era of redemptive history when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, along with His chosen ones from Israel. This will embody the fullness of His kingdom.

See then the kindness and severity of God: to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; for otherwise you too will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? Romans 11:22-24 Paul’s narrative should be understood within the context of the recurring theme of redemption throughout the Bible: rescue, redemption, and restoration. All believers often find themselves drifting away from God due to disobedience. Therefore, preserving those sanctified by God is solely an act of His grace and mercy. We usually emphasize God’s loving kindness but overlook His justice. As a result, believers should maintain a constant sense of reverent fear for the One to whom they owe their rescue, redemption, and restoration—the One who created everything from nothing with just a word.

If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are as well. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. See then the kindness and severity of God: to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; for otherwise you too will be cut off. Romans 11:16-22 The context provided by Paul emphasizes that all of God’s chosen people are part of His kingdom, whether they are Jews or non-Jews. However, Paul specifically warns non-Jews not to become overly confident, thinking they are more connected to God simply because He has bestowed His grace upon them. This is a common temptation among believers: becoming the “grace police.” We cannot decide or influence who receives God’s grace. Instead of expressing arrogance, we should remain in awe, with reverent humility, recognizing the privilege of receiving grace from a holy and almighty God.

I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? Far from it! But by their wrongdoing salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their wrongdoing proves to be riches for the world, and their failure, riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Therefore insofar as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry if somehow I may move my own people to jealousy and save some of them. For if their rejection proves to be the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?  Romans 11:11-15 There are two important points to consider: First, Paul is not referring to the modern geopolitical nation of Israel but to those who inherit God’s promise to Abraham. This means that the Jews who have stumbled over His grace will not remain in that state indefinitely. Second, the Gentiles who have received God’s grace are now included among those chosen by God. Both of these points are significant in God’s overarching plan of redemption.

What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” And David says, “May their table become a snare and a trap, And a stumbling block and a retribution to them. May their eyes be darkened to see not, And bend their backs continually.” Romans 11:7-10 This is a classic example of what happens when we try to achieve righteousness through the law or any biblical command. We will always fail at some point. We will stumble over grace, believing we can earn God’s favor through our efforts. As a result, our understanding remains clouded, our ability to hear is hindered, and we find ourselves repeatedly returning to works- based righteousness instead of the righteousness that comes from the finished work of Christ.

But as for Israel, He says, “I have spread out My hands all day long to a disobedient and obstinate people.” I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace. Romans 10:21-11:6 Paul’s writing emphasizes the significance of the Gospel and the person and work of Jesus Christ. Even though God’s people often disobey His law, He still maintains a remnant who He has chosen to follow Him. God’s choice is made solely by His grace. If we try to combine our works with His grace, it ceases to be grace.

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.    For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. Romans 10:1-2 In this passage, the Apostle Paul recognizes the deep passion that his Jewish brothers and sisters have for God. However, he highlights that this passion is lacking in knowledge and understanding. Their focus on personal performance has caused them to overlook the beauty of God’s grace, which has led them to stumble. Similarly, many believers today may not realize they are making the same mistake. In their efforts to maintain or validate their faith, they often attempt, through a lack of understanding, to add their works to the gospel. R.C. Sproul once said, “The fire in a believer’s heart must not only be heat but also light.”