by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 29, 2025 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
God’s Will for You Today
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
A Call to Joy
Paul’s words are simple, but they cut to the heart of Christian living. “Rejoice always.” Joy is not anchored in our circumstances but in Christ Himself. Even in trials, we can rejoice because our salvation is secure, our Savior is present, and our hope is unshakable.
A Call to Prayer
“Pray without ceasing.” This doesn’t mean being on our knees all day, but cultivating a constant awareness of God. It’s living in conversation with Him, bringing every thought, burden, and praise before Him throughout the day. Prayer is our lifeline to strength and peace.
A Call to Gratitude
“In everything give thanks.” Not for everything, but in everything. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what God has already provided. Even in suffering, thanksgiving reminds us of His faithfulness and renews our perspective.
God’s Will for You
So many wonder, “What is God’s will for my life?” Here Paul answers it plainly: rejoice, pray, and give thanks in Christ Jesus. This is not a burden but a gift—an invitation to live in constant fellowship with God, filled with His joy, peace, and gratitude.
Encouragement for Today
No matter what today holds—whether joy or sorrow—step into it with rejoicing lips, a prayerful heart, and a thankful spirit. This is God’s will for you, and in living it out, you’ll find strength that cannot be shaken.
📖 Reading Plan:
- Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always.
- Colossians 4:2 – Continue earnestly in prayer.
- Ephesians 5:20 – Give thanks always for all things.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 28, 2025 | Daily Encouragement, One Gospel Series |
📖 My Gospel: Paul’s God-Given Message
📖 “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — Galatians 1:11–12
Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, makes it crystal clear: the gospel he preached did not come from Peter, from the Twelve, or from any man. He received it directly from the resurrected, glorified Lord Jesus Christ.
And here’s something striking—only Paul ever writes the phrase “my gospel.” Three times he claims it:
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- Romans 2:16 — “God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
- Romans 16:25 — “Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel…”
- 2 Timothy 2:8 — “Remember that Jesus Christ… was raised from the dead according to my gospel.”
Why would Paul say “my gospel” unless it was uniquely revealed to him? If he were preaching the same message as Peter and the Twelve, such a phrase would make no sense.
My Gospel: To Jew and Gentile
Paul’s gospel makes no distinction between Jew or Gentile. All are sinners, all are under unbelief, and all are judged by God without partiality—whether they had the law or not.
This stands in sharp contrast to the earthly ministry of Jesus and the early preaching of Peter, where the Jew still had a special standing. Paul’s message cut through all that: Jew and Gentile now stood on the same level—equally guilty, equally in need, equally offered grace.
My Gospel: To Establish
Paul says that believers are established by his gospel:
📖 “Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…” — Romans 16:25
Paul was given a foundation no one before him had laid. He calls himself the wise masterbuilder (1 Corinthians 3:10), laying the foundation of God’s grace upon which others would build. This foundation was not law, not kingdom promises to Israel, the foundation is Jesus Christ, crucified, buried, and resurrected 3 days later. Praise God!
Resurrection According to My Gospel
Yes, the resurrection was prophesied. Yes, Peter preached it. But Paul preached it differently.
For Peter, the resurrection was proof that Jesus was the Messiah and that the kingdom was at hand.
For Paul, the resurrection was the very means of salvation and sanctification for Jew and Gentile alike.
📖 “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.” — 2 Timothy 2:8
The resurrection in Paul’s gospel was not just proof of who Jesus was—it was the heart of salvation itself.
Unique to Paul
Paul’s message was entirely of Christ, revealed by Christ, and centered on Christ’s finished work.
He calls it the dispensation of the grace of God given to him (Eph. 3:2; Col. 1:25). He says it was “the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” (Rom. 16:25). He insists this gospel was committed to him first, by Christ Himself, apart from man (Gal. 1:1, 11).
Even Peter had to acknowledge this (Galatians 2:9). And in his final words before martyrdom, Peter directs believers to Paul’s letters:
📖 “…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles…” — 2 Peter 3:15–16
Peter recognized that the Lord Jesus had given Paul wisdom—the mysteries of the dispensation of grace—and pointed his readers to Paul’s writings if they wanted to understand salvation.
Paul was the chosen vessel, the apostle to the Gentiles, entrusted with truth that had been hidden until his day (Eph. 3:2–9).
No wonder he called it “my gospel.” It was his responsibility, his stewardship, his message to proclaim to the world.
One Gospel Today
Friend, this gospel is not one of many. It is not “Paul’s opinion” or a “different flavor.” It is the one and only gospel for this present age:
✝️ Christ died for our sins.
🪦 He was buried.
🌅 He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
That is the gospel that saves Jew and Gentile alike by grace through faith—apart from works, apart from law, apart from religion.
Paul said it plainly: “If anyone preaches any other gospel… let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:9).
This is not optional. This is eternal. Believe the gospel, stand in it, and never be ashamed of it.
📖 “…in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” — Romans 2:16
The bottom line is this: from Cain until the very end of the human story, all mankind will be judged according to Paul’s gospel.
📖 This post is part of the One Gospel Series — weekly Sunday posts proclaiming Paul’s gospel of grace.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 27, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Devotional: More Than Conquerors
Romans 8:37 – “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Context & Connection
Romans 8 is Paul’s great crescendo of assurance for the believer. After speaking of suffering, trials, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword (Romans 8:35–36), Paul does not leave us in despair. Instead, he declares with unshakable confidence that in all these things—not apart from them, but in the very midst of them—we are more than conquerors.
Phrase by Phrase Breakdown
- “Yet in all these things” – Not outside of trials, but while walking through them. The Christian life does not promise exemption from hardship; it promises victory in the midst of it.
- “we are more than conquerors” – This is not barely scraping by. The Greek word hypernikao means “to overwhelmingly triumph.” Through Christ, the believer’s victory is complete, total, and beyond measure.
- “through Him who loved us” – Our conquering is not through self-effort, strength, or willpower. It is through Christ and His love displayed on the cross. His love secures us, sustains us, and gives us victory.
Devotional Insight
Life often feels like a battlefield—grief, temptation, persecution, and unseen spiritual forces press against us. But Paul reminds us that our identity in Christ is not victim, not survivor, but conqueror—indeed, more than conqueror. The difference is Christ Himself.
When the enemy whispers defeat, God shouts victory. When trials overwhelm, His love secures us. When the world presses in, Christ lifts us up. This verse assures us that our victory is not conditional; it is certain because it rests on His love, not our performance.
Encouragement for Today
No matter what trial you’re facing—whether sorrow, temptation, or spiritual warfare—remember: Christ has already secured the victory. You do not fight for victory but from victory. Walk today in the confidence of one who is more than a conqueror through Him who loved you.
Reading Plan
- Romans 8:31–39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- John 16:33 – Christ has overcome the world.
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 – God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 26, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
📖 Passage Breakdown — Romans 16:25
“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…”
📜 Background, Setting & Purpose
✍️ Author
Paul the Apostle.
👥 Written To
Believers in Rome (a mixed body of Jews and Gentiles in Christ).
⏲️ When
~AD 57 (likely from Corinth) near the close of Paul’s third journey.
🌍 Setting & Purpose of Romans (book-level)
Romans is where we find the fundamental doctrines of grace—justification by faith, imputation of righteousness, sanctification, and God’s plan for Jew and Gentile in this age.
📖 Chapter 16 Focus
Personal commendations and final greetings culminating in a doxology (vv. 25–27) that summarizes Paul’s ministry: God establishes believers by Paul’s gospel and the now-revealed mystery concerning Christ.
✨ Phrase-by-Phrase Breakdown
“Now to Him who is able to establish you…”
- Establish = stabilize, fix firmly (cf. Rom 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 3:13).
- God Himself secures the believer doctrinally and spiritually; this stability has a specific means in this age (see the next phrases).
“…according to my gospel…”
- Paul’s Spirit-given shorthand for the gospel entrusted to him (Rom 2:16; 2 Tim 2:8).
- Not a different cross but a distinct administration of its meaning: salvation by grace apart from the Law, Jew and Gentile in one body (Acts 20:24; Rom 3:21–26; Eph 3:6).
- This gospel was received by revelation (Gal 1:11–12) and defines how God is saving today (Acts 13:38–39; Rom 4:5).
“…and the preaching of Jesus Christ…”
- The message centers on Christ, but not merely “Jesus according to His earthly ministry to Israel” (cf. Matt 15:24).
- It is Christ preached in light of new revelation—the risen, glorified Christ dispensing grace from heaven (2 Cor 5:16; Acts 26:16–18).
“…according to the revelation of the mystery…”
- Mystery (mystērion) = a divine secret once hidden, now revealed (1 Cor 2:7; Col 1:26).
- Hidden “since the world began” (lit. “through times eternal”): the Body of Christ, Jew and Gentile united, salvation apart from Israel’s Law/temple system, heavenly position in Christ, indwelling Spirit for all who believe (Eph 3:1–9; Col 1:25–27).
- This secret was not disclosed by the prophets of old, nor by Jesus’ kingdom ministry to Israel, but “now made manifest” (v.26).
👉 This is exactly what Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us…” God is sovereign, and He alone determines the timing of revelation. What was once hidden has now been revealed through Paul for the Body of Christ.
🔎 Timeline note (Gal 1:17–18): Paul went to Arabia soon after conversion and only after three years visited Jerusalem. The text suggests that in this early period (c. AD 37–40) he received extensive direct revelation of the grace program—much as Moses received the Law on Sinai, Paul received the doctrines of grace from the risen Lord.
(Context from v.26–27 for completeness)
- “But now is made manifest…” The mystery is presently revealed and “made known to all nations” (universal scope) “for the obedience of faith,” by prophetic writings—best understood as the New-Testament, Spirit-given writings that publish this once-hidden plan (cf. Eph 3:5).
- Doxology: All points to “the only wise God… through Jesus Christ.” The grace program magnifies God’s wisdom.
❌ What This Verse Does Not Mean
- Not a contradiction of the cross foretold in prophecy. OT prophets foretold Messiah’s sufferings and glory (Isa 53; Ps 22), but the Body of Christ, grace apart from Law, and Jew/Gentile on equal footing were not revealed.
- Not replacement of Israel. Romans 9–11 guard that God’s promises to Israel remain; Israel’s blindness is temporary (“until,” Rom 11:25).
- Not another way of salvation alongside works. It excludes law-works (Rom 3:28; 4:5).
✅ What It Does Mean
- God establishes believers by the gospel Paul received from Christ and by preaching Christ according to the now-revealed mystery.
- The dispensation of the grace of God (Eph 3:2) was kept hidden until revealed to Paul and is the rule of God’s dealings today.
- Gentile salvation is no longer mediated through Israel’s covenants/Law (Acts 13:39; Rom 3:21–22). Now, all are justified the same way: faith alone in the finished cross-work of Christ.
- This revelation explains why Jesus’ earthly, kingdom-focused ministry to Israel (Rom 15:8) differs from the present grace program revealed from heaven to Paul.
🔗 Cross-References for Going Deeper
- Revelation received by Paul: Gal 1:11–18; Acts 26:16–18; 2 Cor 12:1–4.
- Mystery now revealed: Eph 3:1–9; Col 1:25–27; Rom 16:26; 1 Cor 2:7–10.
- Grace apart from Law: Rom 3:21–28; 4:4–5; Acts 13:38–39; Gal 2:16.
- Israel’s “until”: Rom 11:25–29; (cf. Luke 21:24).
🙏 Devotional Summary
Romans 16:25 is a stabilizer. God doesn’t anchor you in feelings or rituals but in a revealed message—Paul’s gospel and the preaching of Christ according to the mystery. The same Lord who kept this plan hidden has now unveiled it, offering full forgiveness and a secure standing apart from the Law, to Jew and Gentile alike. Be established in that grace. Preach Christ in light of that revelation. And rest in the wisdom of the God who planned it before time and revealed it now.
Bottom line: What Moses received at Sinai for Israel, Paul received from the risen Christ for the Body of Christ—and Romans 16:25 is the front door into that understanding.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 25, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
📖 Passage Breakdown — Romans 15:4 — Hope Through the Scriptures
📜 Background, Setting & Purpose
✍️ Author:
Paul the Apostle
👥 Written To:
Believers in Rome—both Jews and Gentiles united in the body of Christ.
⏲️ When:
Written around AD 57 from Corinth, during Paul’s third missionary journey.
🌍 Setting & Purpose of Romans:
The book of Romans is where we find the fundamental doctrines of grace. It lays the foundation for justification by faith, imputation of righteousness, sanctification, and God’s plan for both Jew and Gentile in this age.
📖 Chapter 15 Focus:
Paul emphasizes endurance, encouragement, and unity among believers. He shows how the Scriptures, written beforehand, provide hope and patience to strengthen the church.
🔍 Romans 15:4
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
✨ Phrase-by-Phrase Breakdown
“For whatever things were written before…”
- Refers to the Old Testament Scriptures.
- Paul emphasizes that the entire body of Scripture has purpose—not just isolated parts.
- The “before” underscores God’s progressive revelation, building up to the mystery revealed to Paul (Ephesians 3:3–6).
“…were written for our learning…”
- Though the Old Testament was written to Israel, it is still for us—to instruct and teach.
- These passages reveal God’s character, His faithfulness, and His dealings with mankind.
- They provide examples, warnings, and encouragement (see 1 Corinthians 10:11).
“…that we through the patience…”
- “Patience” here means endurance—steadfast perseverance under trial.
- The Scriptures don’t just inform the mind, they strengthen the heart to endure in faith.
“…and comfort of the Scriptures…”
- The Word of God provides encouragement in suffering and uncertainty.
- Comfort comes because the Scriptures show us that God has always been faithful and will continue to be faithful.
“…might have hope.”
- Hope in the biblical sense is confident expectation—not wishful thinking.
- The Scriptures point us to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.
- This hope anchors us in the present while pointing forward to the glory to come (Romans 8:18, Titus 2:13).
❌ What This Passage Does Not Mean
- It does not mean the Old Testament was written directly to the church—it was written to Israel.
- It does not mean every command given to Israel applies to us today under grace.
- It does not reduce Scripture to “inspirational stories” only—it is divine revelation with eternal truth.
✅ What It Does Mean
- The Old Testament was written for our benefit—to teach us God’s character, faithfulness, and plan.
- Scripture gives us endurance, encouragement, and hope in a fallen world.
- The patience of the saints is strengthened by remembering God’s dealings with Israel and His unwavering promises.
- The Old Testament must be studied daily, it is the building blocks for what we have today in this age of Grace.
🙏 Devotional Summary
Romans 15:4 reminds us that the Scriptures are more than ancient writings—they are living words meant to sustain us today.
When we feel weak, the Word gives us endurance. When we feel discouraged, the Word gives us comfort. When we feel hopeless, the Word restores our hope.
God’s Word is our anchor in a storm-tossed world. The same promises that held Israel are for our learning, pointing us to the unshakable hope found in Jesus Christ.
Without the Word of God, there is no real endurance, no true comfort, and no lasting hope.
