Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 11

Paul praises God

Romans 11:36

For several chapters, Paul has been explaining the wonderful plans that God has for his people. Soon, in chapter 12, Paul will start to explain how, therefore, Christians should live at the present time. However, first he praises God.

God’s wisdom is perfect. His thoughts are more wonderful than anything that we can imagine (11:33). He needs nobody to advise him, because his decisions are always right (11:34). We deserve nothing from him, but he shows us his kindness as a free gift (11:35).

He is the only real God, and he created all things (Genesis chapter 1; Proverbs 8:22-31; John 1:1-13). All things, therefore, come from him (Colossians 1:16).

Nothing could continue to exist without God (Colossians 1:17; Acts 17:23-28). We all, and everything else that exists, depend on him. His power directs the operation of the natural world (Job 38:16-30); his power holds even the stars in place (Job 38:31-33). All things, therefore, exist through God’s work.

The world, and everything in it, belong to God (Psalm 24:1). However, at the present time, people oppose God’s rule (1:18-32) and they refuse to obey him (3:23). God permits this situation now, so that people have an opportunity to turn to him (2 Peter 3:9). However, that opportunity will end suddenly. In the end, all people, and everything else that God has created, must give honour to him (Philippians 2:9-11).

God did not create anything to exist without a purpose. He did not create people so that they could selfishly please themselves. God created them so that they would give honour to him with grateful and joyful hearts. That is how Paul himself ends this passage: he praises God.

Next part: A living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

 

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