Theology and worship

READ: Job 35,36; Psalms 49; Romans 11

SCRIPTURE: Romans 11: 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

OBSERVATION: In the last verses of Romans 11, we see Paul’s doxology to praise and worship God. Romans chapter 1-11, Paul precisely explained the following: all (both the Jews and gentiles) sinned against God and lost glory, the need for salvation, God’s plan for salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our union with Christ, deliverance from the law of sin, our blessedness as God’s children, and our righteousness with God that we receive by faith. Before he moves further, he takes a break and worships God with a song of praise. Pondering God’s wisdom and knowledge, Paul first expresses his admiration. Then, he asks two rhetorical questions that affirm the greatness of God. God needs nothing from us; we cannot outdo God in giving. In Rom.11:36, Paul sums up his theological understanding: God is our Creator and sustainer of all things; everything belongs to God. Paul concludes Romans 11 with a word of praise and worship to God. We must know that our beliefs about God and our worship of God are interconnected and inseparable; one cannot exist without the other. John Stott, one of the greatest theologians of the 20^th century,  says, “the true knowledge of God will always lead us to worship, as it did Paul. Our place is on our faces before him in adoration.” A theology that does not lead us to worship God and our worship with no theology, both are dangerous. Our theological understanding helps us to know who we are before God and what he did for us. Eventually, it leads us to say, “To him be the glory forever!”

APPLICATION: I cannot fully understand the greatness of God’s wisdom and knowledge. All I could do when I think about his judgments and paths is nothing but standing in awe. He knows everything. I cannot outgive God. God has given me his very best for me. He is my maker. God saves me through his Son Jesus and sustains me with his powerful word. He is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. I will always worship him.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your love and everything you do for me. Thank you for your mercy and grace that saved me. Jesus, help me to live for God’s glory. “To him be the glory forever!” Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day - 231