Subject: “The depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God” Romans 11:33
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES
1. This text bears the testimony of the Apostle Paul
2. Paul was:
a) An evangelist
b) A pastor
c) A teacher
d) An apostle
e) A founder of churches
f) A Biblical theologian
g) Few come close to his level of knowledge of God
CONCERNING THE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM OF GOD
1. A deep appreciation:
a) There is depth of knowledge and wisdom to be discovered
b) They are called “depths of riches”
2. Paul’s first declaration: Concerning the judgments of God
“How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Romans 11:33
a) His Judgments are unsearchable
b) His ways are past finding out
3. Paul’s second declaration: Concerning God’s mind
“For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counsellor?” Romans 11:34
a) These are rhetorical questions
b) No answer is needed for it is obvious!
4. Paul’s third declaration: Giving to God
“Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” Romans 11:35
a) Also a rhetorical question
b) Who has ever given anything to God that would be repaid?
c) The idea is absurd!
5. A fresh sense of appreciation of who God is
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36
a) The Lord’s role
b) His role in “all things” is absolutely essential
i) Of Him
ii) Through Him
iii) To Him
c) The only appropriate response
To God be the glory!
Amen!
OUR CHALLENGE
1. To stand in awe of God
2. To be truly and fully humble before the Lord
3. To appreciate afresh the Lord and all that He is!
4. May we never be consumed by foolish human pride!
5. Job’s answer to God is most appropriate to read
1 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.
6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”