What does "from Him and through Him and to Him" mean to you? The Heart of Romans 11:36 “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” Setting the Verse in Context • Romans 11 closes Paul’s survey of Israel, the Gentiles, and the stunning wisdom of God’s redemptive plan. • Verse 36 erupts in praise, summarizing the sweep of Scripture: God is the Source, the Sustainer, and the Goal of everything. Three Short Prepositions, One Enormous Reality From Him — the Source • Creation: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). • Providence: “He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25). • Salvation: “By His doing you are in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Takeaway: Nothing ultimately begins with me; every good thing traces back to God’s initiative. Through Him — the Sustainer • Ongoing existence: “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). • Daily grace: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Answered prayer: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do” (John 14:13). Takeaway: The strength for today and hope for tomorrow flow only through His active, present involvement. To Him — the Goal • Purpose of creation: “All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). • Purpose of redemption: “He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him” (2 Corinthians 5:15). • Eternal future: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Takeaway: History—and my story—finds its finish line in God’s glory, not personal achievement. Living in the Flow of Romans 11:36 1. Humble Dependence – Start each day acknowledging, “Everything I have is from You.” 2. Faith-Fueled Obedience – Step out confidently, remembering the task is accomplished through Him, not merely through my resources. 3. God-Centered Ambition – Evaluate plans and dreams: do they aim to magnify Him or merely elevate me? 4. Grateful Worship – Let every success roll upward into praise: “To Him be the glory.” Connected Threads Across Scripture • Hebrews 2:10 — “It was fitting for Him, for whom and through whom all things exist, to bring many sons to glory.” • Psalm 115:1 — “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” • Revelation 4:11 — “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things.” Each passage echoes the rhythm: origin in God, sustenance by God, culmination for God. Why This Matters Each Day • Security: If life is from Him, nothing escapes His oversight. • Strength: If life is through Him, I lean on inexhaustible power. • Significance: If life is to Him, every act—large or small—can shine with eternal purpose. |