Romans 11:33-36

Text

Romans 11:33-36. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? Romans 11:35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 11:33-36

502.

What would prompt the doxology in Romans 11:33-36?

503.

Show the difference between knowledge and wisdom as here used. cf. Romans 11:33 a.

504.

Since we cannot know the mind of the Lord, what should be our attitude toward his will?

505.

We are so much in debt to God. Explain how this is true, and the response we should make to the debt.

506.

Concerning God, we are of him, through him, unto him. This calls forth a response on our part which is to him. Explain each.

Paraphrase

Romans 11:33-36. In surveying the divine dispensations, instead of finding fault, We ought to cry out, O the greatness, both of the wisdom of God in contriving and ordering these dispensations, and of the knowledge of God in foreseeing the effects which they would produce! How unsearchable are his determinations, and his ways past finding out!

Romans 11:34 For what man or angel hath comprehended all the reasons of God's determinations, so as to be able to judge of his ways? Or who hath given him advice, respecting either the planning or the managing of the affairs of the universe?

Romans 11:35 Or has any one laid an obligation on God, by first conferring a favor on him? Let him show the obligation, and he shall have full recompense.

Romans 11:36 For from him all things proceed, and by him all things are governed, and to his glory are all things both made and governed. To him alone be ascribed the glory of the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, for ever. Amen.

Summary

Great is the depth of God's resources, and wisdom, and knowledge in working out the redemption of the world. We cannot know beforehand what his decisions are, nor how he moves in effecting his ends. No one has ever been privy to his counsels, nor any appointed to aid him. All things originate in him, and all things are for his honor and glory.

Comment

d.

Conclusion: Romans 11:33-36

We can think of no better words to express the thought of this conclusion than the paraphrasing of these verses as given by W. Sanday on p. 333 in the International Critical Commentary. Romans 11:33 When we contemplate a scheme like this spread out before us in vast panorama, how forcibly does it bring home to us the inexhaustible profundity of that Divine mind by which it was planned! The decisions which issue from that mind and the methods by which it works are alike inscrutable to man. Romans 11:34 Into the secrets of the Almighty none can penetrate. No counsellor stands at His ear to whisper words of suggestion. Romans 11:35 Nothing in Him is derived from without so as to be claimed back again by its owner. Romans 11:36 He is the source of all things. Through Him all things flow. He is the final cause to which all things tend. Praised forever be His name! Amen.

Rethinking in Outline Form

5.

This rejection neither total nor final. Romans 11:1-36.

a.

Their rejection not total. Romans 11:1-10.

(1)

Reasons for concluding it was not total. Romans 11:1-5.

(a)

Paul was an Israelite, but he was not rejected. Romans 11:1-2 a.

(b)

Conditions then were like those in the days of Elijah. Romans 11:2 b - Romans 11:5.

(2)

Reasons for their rejection. Romans 11:6-10.

(a)

Acceptance is by grace. Romans 11:6.

(b)

The elect found itnot Israel. Romans 11:7 a.

(c)

The rest were hardened. Romans 11:7 b - Romans 11:10.

b.

Their rejection not final. Romans 11:11-24.

(1)

Their fall was an advantage to the Gentiles. Romans 11:11.

(2)

Their fall was a blessing to the Gentiles but it does not compare to the blessing their fullness will be to the Gentiles. Romans 11:12.

(3)

The Jews will one day turn to Christ. This will be like life from the dead. One day God will graft in the branches that are now broken off. The rejection of the Jews should be a warning to the Gentiles. Romans 11:12-21.

c.

Mercy to all the ultimate purpose of God. Romans 11:25-32.

(1)

The hardening of Israel will last only until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Romans 11:25-26.

(2)

God is able to show mercy to all. Romans 11:27-32.

d.

Conclusion. Romans 11:33-36.

We can cry out in amazement at the great wisdom and love of God. Romans 11:33-36.