After spending eleven chapters laying out the doctrine of God’s salvation, Paul erupts with praise. That’s the way it ought to go in our lives. Right doctrine leads us to right doxology. If our doctrine isn’t leading us to praise the glory of God, we’re doing it wrong!

Romans 11:33-36

Podcast Episode Title: From Doctrine to Doxology

Scripture Passage: Romans 11:33-36

Date: April 28, 2024

Speaker: Pastor Brian Smith

Church: Wildwood Church, East Moline, Illinois

Introduction:

• Paul transitions from doctrine to doxology, moving from laying out the doctrine of salvation to erupting in praise.
• Right doctrine should lead to right doxology, praising the glory of God.

Key Points:

1. The Depth of God's Riches, Wisdom, and Knowledge (Romans 11:33)

• Paul marvels at the richness, wisdom, and knowledge of God.
• Our boasting should be in understanding and knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
• God's riches, expressed in His grace, surpass human comprehension (Ephesians 3:8).

2. The Unsearchable Judgments and Inscrutable Ways of God (Romans 11:34)

• God's wisdom is beyond human understanding, as seen in His plan to save both Jews and Gentiles.
• Attempting to counsel God reveals our limited perspective (Isaiah 40:13).
• Our prayers may not change God's plans, but they change us, drawing us closer to Him.

3. Everything Comes from God and Leads to His Glory (Romans 11:36)

• All things originate from God and exist through Him (John 1:3).
• The vastness of the universe reflects God's glory (Psalm 19:1).
• The ultimate purpose of all things, including salvation, is to bring glory to God.

Conclusion:

• Our understanding of God's depth, wisdom, and knowledge should lead us to praise Him.
• As creatures created by God, our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him.
• To God be the glory forever!

Bibliography:

• Bruce, F. F. (2008). Romans: An introduction and commentary.
• Doriani, D. M. (2021). Romans.
• Hughes, Kent R. (1991). Romans – Righteousness from Heaven.
• Kruse, Colin G. (2012). Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
• Longenecker, Richard N. (2016). The Epistle to the Romans.
• MacArthur, John. (1991). Romans 1-8.
• MacArthur, John. (1991). Romans 9-16.
• Moo, Douglas J. (2018). The Letter to the Romans, Second Edition.
• Mounce, Robert. (1995). Romans.
• Schreiner, Thomas R. (2018). Romans, Second Edition.
• Sproul, R. C. (2019). The Righteous Shall Live By Faith – Romans.