The sermon centers on Romans 11:36, where the apostle Paul concludes a deeply doctrinal section with a profound declaration: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” This verse becomes the foundation for both the message and the church’s theme for the year, calling believers to reorder their entire lives around God as source, sustainer, and purpose. The pastor emphasizes that spiritual inconsistency, lack of joy, and weak obedience are not primarily behavioral problems, but theological ones—failures to rightly recognize who God is and how central He must be in every area of life.

The Context of Romans 11

Paul’s declaration in Romans 11 does not appear in isolation. Leading up to verse 36, Paul addresses weighty doctrines such as election, grace, mercy, and the sovereignty of God. He explains that God has not abandoned His people, that salvation is rooted entirely in grace rather than works, and that both Jews and Gentiles are recipients of God’s mercy—not because they deserve it, but because God is merciful by nature. Paul illustrates this through the image of the olive tree, showing how some branches were broken off due to unbelief while others were grafted in by faith. This framework reinforces the truth that salvation and spiritual standing are entirely God’s doing.

As Paul reflects on God’s wisdom and unsearchable ways, he does not end with debate or explanation. Instead, he breaks into worship. The pastor highlights this transition as critical: sound theology should always lead to humility and worship, not pride or argument. True understanding of God produces reverence, not self-confidence.

“Of Him” — God as the Source

The first phrase, “of him,” points to God as the origin and source of all things. Life, salvation, sanctification, and purpose do not begin with human effort, intention, or goodness—they begin with God. The pastor stresses that when God is not the source of something in a believer’s life, corruption and frustration inevitably follow. Spiritual strength cannot be sustained if it is built on self-effort, personal discipline alone, or external structure.

Paul’s own life illustrates this truth. He did not grow up following Christ, nor did he walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Yet once God called him, Paul yielded completely, recognizing that everything he had and everything he did was rooted in God alone. This understanding reshaped Paul’s endurance, obedience, and perspective on suffering. Difficulty, the pastor explains, is not evidence of failure but often proof that God is doing a deeper work.

“Through Him” — God as the Sustainer

The second phrase, “through him,” reveals God not only as the starting point but as the ongoing power and strength behind the Christian life. The pastor explains that many believers attempt to live transformed lives using old fuel—relying on willpower, habits, entertainment, or emotional energy rather than God’s strength. This approach always leads to burnout and spiritual emptiness.

Using passages from Colossians and Philippians, the sermon underscores that growth, fruitfulness, endurance, and contentment come only through God’s might. Practices like Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and service are good and necessary, but without dependence on God’s power, they become hollow routines. The pastor emphasizes that believers must make room for God to work by allowing Him to remove distractions, misplaced priorities, and self-reliance. Transformation requires emptying before filling; surrender before strength.

Paul’s words in Philippians—“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”—are clarified in context. This promise does not guarantee comfort or success on human terms, but confidence that God’s strength is sufficient in every circumstance, whether abundance or need. Contentment, endurance, and faithfulness are learned through God’s sustaining power, not personal control.

“To Him” — God as the Purpose

The final phrase, “to him,” addresses ultimate purpose. The sermon emphasizes that life does not orbit around personal fulfillment, relationships, careers, finances, or comfort—it orbits around God. When God is not the end goal, everything else becomes distorted. Marriages fail when spouses live for each other instead of for God. Parenting falters when children are raised for personal image rather than God’s will. Work becomes miserable when income replaces God as the primary motivation.

Paul’s conclusion—“to whom be glory for ever”—forces a direct question: Who receives the glory of our lives? The pastor challenges the congregation to examine whether their decisions, priorities, and reactions are designed to glorify God or themselves. Rejoicing in the Lord, rather than circumstances, becomes possible only when God remains the central focus, unchanged by seasons of hardship or blessing.

A Call to Begin the Year Right

As the sermon closes, the pastor urges the church to begin the year with a renewed commitment to God’s rightful place. God must be acknowledged as the source of life, relied upon as the sustainer of strength, and honored as the ultimate purpose of everything. When these truths are embraced, believers can face uncertainty, difficulty, and sacrifice with confidence—not because life will be easy, but because God remains faithful, sovereign, and good.

The message ends with a call to personal reflection and prayer, encouraging believers to surrender control, trust God fully, and allow Him to work deeply and powerfully in their lives. The theme for the year is not merely a slogan but a framework for living: of Him, through Him, and to Him—for His glory forever.