Romans 11:25-36
May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Romans 11:25-36
Paul’s close to chapter 11 in verses 33-36 should not only be seen as the close to an incredible chapter, but a close to the first section of the book of Romans. In chapters 1-11, Paul goes through the history of salvation and closes this section with a section of praise—also known as a doxology.
What does all of this focus on salvation and the sovereignty of God cause to happen to Paul? Even greater worship of God! Notice the elevation of God’s riches, wisdom, knowledge, decisions, and ways above our own in verse 33. Every time that you and I sin, we are either knowingly or unknowingly believing that we are wiser, more knowledgeable, and can make better decisions for ourselves than God can. How much would our life change if we could really grasp the truth of how much higher God is based on this verse! Ask yourself: what would I stop doing and start doing today if I were to evaluate my life based on this verse?
Verses 34-35 drive this point home deeper. Whenever we question why God would allow bad things to happen, this can be a helpful reminder that God thinks and acts on a level that will be impossible for us to completely comprehend until heaven. This vastness of God’s character and attributes should cause many reactions within us, but one of the main things it should evoke is a humble trust in a good, sovereign God, no matter the external circumstances you are walking through.
Finally, what beautiful truth of God’s glory we see in verse 36! Everything, and Paul means everything not just most things or just good things, come from God and are intended for his glory. Can you imagine how much our lives would change if the glory of God became our highest delight and desire?
God is worthy of our worship and obedience. Tom Schreiner summarizes these verses nicely: “God’s wisdom and ways are far beyond the understanding of human beings, and hence he deserves all the glory.”
By: Graham Withers
Read: Romans 11:25-36
33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
35 And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Paul’s close to chapter 11 in verses 33-36 should not only be seen as the close to an incredible chapter, but a close to the first section of the book of Romans. In chapters 1-11, Paul goes through the history of salvation and closes this section with a section of praise—also known as a doxology.
What does all of this focus on salvation and the sovereignty of God cause to happen to Paul? Even greater worship of God! Notice the elevation of God’s riches, wisdom, knowledge, decisions, and ways above our own in verse 33. Every time that you and I sin, we are either knowingly or unknowingly believing that we are wiser, more knowledgeable, and can make better decisions for ourselves than God can. How much would our life change if we could really grasp the truth of how much higher God is based on this verse! Ask yourself: what would I stop doing and start doing today if I were to evaluate my life based on this verse?
Verses 34-35 drive this point home deeper. Whenever we question why God would allow bad things to happen, this can be a helpful reminder that God thinks and acts on a level that will be impossible for us to completely comprehend until heaven. This vastness of God’s character and attributes should cause many reactions within us, but one of the main things it should evoke is a humble trust in a good, sovereign God, no matter the external circumstances you are walking through.
Finally, what beautiful truth of God’s glory we see in verse 36! Everything, and Paul means everything not just most things or just good things, come from God and are intended for his glory. Can you imagine how much our lives would change if the glory of God became our highest delight and desire?
God is worthy of our worship and obedience. Tom Schreiner summarizes these verses nicely: “God’s wisdom and ways are far beyond the understanding of human beings, and hence he deserves all the glory.”
By: Graham Withers
3 Comments
There’s a lot of peace when I trust that Gods Ways are higher than mine, and a lot of joy when my aim is like Paul’s, to bring God glory.
Yes! I need to trust God’s ways more and quit trying to ever control anything. His ways are always better! Love this passage!!! Thanks Graham.
This is so good, and I need this so much!! Thanks.