30th December 2023

30th December 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read (Romans 16v25-27)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


I've previously written in these devotions about the difference between a benediction and a doxology. What is the difference? A benediction is a "good word" from God to His people. It is a blessing pronounced at the end of every worship service. On the other hand a doxology is a song of praise to the Lord and the awesome book of Romans finishes with a doxology.


Romans is a book with eleven chapters of rich theology before Paul urges us from chapter twelve to sixteen to respond to the good news that we have believed, but it is fitting that the very last three verses point us once again to the praise of Almighty God. This doxology begins by directing us upward with the words "now to Him" (v25). In other words Paul has taught us our theology and he has challenged us to respond but now he finishes by turning our gaze to the King of kings.


This same awesome God is able to strengthen us by the Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ (v25). We should never underestimate the necessity of the Gospel and regular faithful Christ-saturated preaching in our lives. I challenge you to attend church each Lord's day in 2024 for it is there that God speaks and the mighty Spirit applies the preached Word to your soul.


Long ago the things we now take for granted were not widely known. We are blessed that we can clearly and articulately declare that Christ died at Calvary and was raised again from the dead. Nevertheless, in the Old Testament whilst we see glimpses of the Gospel we do so in a veiled manner. This is what Paul means by "the mystery that was kept secret for long ages" (v25b). Even so, the time has now come for these things to be made known to all nations (v26).


The Apostle has taught clearly in Romans that the Gospel is for Jew and Gentile alike all saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This Gospel is for all who will believe with the purpose of bringing many to the obedience of faith (v26b). So with that stated let me paraphrase this song of praise - Today we praise the God who strengthens us every day by His Word and Gospel. This same God has graciously revealed His truth to us in the person and work of Christ and this mighty Lord across the world continues to bring many to faithful obedience by the preaching of Christ and Him crucified.


Perhaps you'll stay up late tomorrow night to see in the new year and maybe you'll even step outside at midnight to gaze at the stars and wonder what 2024 will bring. Regardless of your plans maybe we'll all take the time to sing this doxology in our hearts to the Lord. Only He is wise and as this year ends we sing a song of glory to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord (v27). As 2023 ends and as 2024 begins "Now to Him, we sing glory!".


Happy New Year my friends.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q29 How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
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