Rom 11:33-36 Knowing God

[bcbsr]

Knowing God

Rom 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" (Is 40:13)
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" (Job 41:11)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

God shows wisdom in utilizing people's natural sinful tendencies - that which we call "human nature" - to effect His good purposes. He orchestrated Christ's death in this manner, playing upon the pride of the religious elite to bring about the sacrifice of the Lamb, innocent, without blemish or defect, yet rejected by the elders and chief priests. "We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1Cor 2:7,8

Secondly regarding the propagation of the gospel, even the apostles early on were reluctant to go to the Gentiles, due to their prejudice. Yet because of the persecution against them by their countrymen the gospel was spread to the Gentiles. (Acts 11:19-22) God utilized the unbelief of the Jews to get His people to propagate the gospel to the Gentiles, and even chose Paul, a most unlikely candidate, as His apostle to the Gentiles.

As for knowing the mind of the Lord, Paul also writes, "As it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' — but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. ... 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.'" 1Cor 2:9-12,16

As for God repaying us, while God is gracious and has made promises concerning rewards for services rendered based on His graciousness, He was not under obligation to make such promises. Thus it says, "When you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty." Luke 17:10

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The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources

[JTC]

bcbsr my brother, what is on your mind that made you quote these verses? It's not obvious you better tell us.

Edited December 3, 2020 by JTC