Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) >  Romans >  Exposition >  V. THE VINDICATION OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS chs. 9--11 >  C. Israel's future salvation ch. 11 > 
4. Praise for God's wise plan 11:33-36 
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This doxology corresponds to the one at the end of chapter 8 where Paul concluded his exposition of God's plan for bringing His righteousness to humankind (8:31-39). There the emphasis was on the people of God. Here it is on the plan of God.

11:33 God's "wisdom"is His ability to arrange His plan so it results in the good of all concerned and His own glory. His "knowledge"testifies to His ability to construct such a plan. His decisions spring from logic that extends beyond human ability to comprehend. His procedures are so complex that humans cannot discover them without the aid of divine revelation.

11:34 Paul agreed with Isaiah again (Isa. 40:13-14). No one can know God's mind fully. God is so wise that He has no need of counselors.

11:35 Job's observation that God has never needed to depend on human assistance that puts Him in man's debt (Job 35:7; 41:11) is also true. The fact that God makes people His partners in executing His will in the world does not mean that He cannot get along without us. He can.

11:36 God is the source from which all things come, the means by which all things happen, and the goal toward which all things are moving. He is the originator, sustainer, and finisher of everything ultimately (cf. Col. 1:16). In view of all these things (vv. 33-36), He deserves all glory forever.

The primary focus of this doxology, which harmonizes with the subject of chapters 9-11, is God's great plan of salvation through history. However "all things"(v. 36) includes the lives of individuals as well.

Paul had now concluded his theological exposition of how unrighteous human beings can obtain the righteousness of God. Only the explanation of the implications of having this righteousness remained for him to clarify. This practical guidance is especially important since the Christian is no longer under the regulations of the Mosaic Law (7:6; 10:4).



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