City Life Starter

I. The Word: Romans 16:25-27

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

II. Study Questions

1. How did God “establish” you?

2. What does 1 Peter 1:12 says about the “mystery?”

3. How do you apply Romans 10:14 in our daily life?

Paul concludes his letter to Romans with a benediction by summarizing it with today’s verses.  His benediction begins with the power of God and His ability, this establishes Christians whose faith is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.  We have observed how the power of God manifests through Jesus Christ by justification by faith, sanctification of the saints and the future glorification.  He credits all to the gospel, or good news, that contains this revelation that has been revealed to the saints.  This is the reason why we are not ashamed of the Gospel, that it is the power of God that has been manifested through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Paul believed that this revelation is given to those who believe and put their trust in Jesus’ sacrificial atonement.  He refers this mystery that has been reveal in the Scripture as a mystery that has been fulfilled through Jesus Christ which “things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:12)

What a privilege this is for those who believe in Jesus Christ?  Remember that it is still hidden to many who have not heard the good news or have this revelation.  But, how can they have this revelation unless somebody who has received it shares with those who have not?

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” Romans 10:14

As we conclude our Unashamed series, let me share one important thought.  I firmly believe that proclaiming the Good News is not only for those who are in vocational ministry but it is for everyone who has received the revelation of Jesus Christ.  This means every one of those who have received Christ, including you and I, has a duty to share this wonderful news with others who have not.  This mystery has been revealed so that we may share this revelation with those who do not know or understand.  It is not for us to keep it to ourselves, or enjoy the benefits for ourselves alone, but we are to proclaim the Good News at our home, with our family members, coworkers at work, classmates at schools and even strangers at local coffee shops.

There is nothing for us to be ashamed of since we are Christians who believe that Jesus died for our sins so that we may be restored and reconciled from our broken relationship with God, and there is power in God through Christ that is readily available for us according to the Gospel.

May the power of God shift our eyes from us to the world, the world who desperately needs the Savior.  JY