Soli Deo Gloria is a Latin phrase - The Latin word soli means “alone” or “only” (soli is the root of our English word solitary); and the phrase Deo gloria means “the glory of God.” So, soli Deo gloria means “to the glory of God alone.”

There is no room for the glory of man in God’s plan for salvation. The glory is God’s alone. Romans 11:36 shows us that God alone is to be glorified. At the end of chapter 11, after Paul's explanation of the doctrine of salvation, Paul bursts into praise. Paul’s doctrine (1:1—11:32) leads to doxology (11:33-36).  

1. Adoration of the Heart (v.33-35)
2. Theological Praise (v.36a)
3. Devotional Worship (v.36b)

Coming in contact with God's thoughts and God's plan, Paul is amazed at the vastness of God's knowledge and wisdom, and bows his mind before that of the Creator and says in v.34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?"

In verse 35, Paul is speaking of the wonder of the gospel. Paul is emphasising that no one can plead their own merits for their salvation. Salvation belongs to our Lord. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. Mercy and Grace is given by our Lord to those he chooses, when and where he pleases.

Worship is the only appropriate response to the revelation of God's deepest truths. Paul begins with adoration of the heart, then theological praise, affirming that all things were made by God for God, then in v.36, Paul concludes with devotional worship. 

C.T. Studd, a famous British missionary to China, who was also an international cricketer, penned these words from a poem; “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Our spirit, soul, and body belongs to the Lord, and we are no longer slaves to sin for He paid a high price to buy us back from the slave-market of sin. We owe glory to God because of His great gracious loving sacrifice on our behalf. God gave His all for us and the only appropriate and respectful response from those He gave His all for is to glorify Him.

 Getting Started                          

1. If you have participated in any competitions or tournaments, you probably experienced losses as well as victories. What was your most “glorious” moment? Share your story.

 Read Romans 11:33-36

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. List at least five of the ways God is described in Romans 11:33-35.
   (1).
   (2).
   (3).
   (4).
   (5).

4. How would you define “glory” (11:36)?

5. How would you explain v.36, which says “all things are through him”? Read Eph. 1:11, Rom. 8:28, Job 1:21 & Job 2:10.

 The Heart of the Matter

6. How have your understanding of God’s truth (theology) and your expression of worship (doxology) grown in the last year?

7. Most peoples primary desire is to be happy. A happy marriage, happy children, happy work environment and a happy retirement. What if it was God's will to be glorified in your life through unhappy circumstances? How would you respond to that? (Phil. 1:20) 

8. What is one way you can grow in connecting your theology and your doxology?