ROMANS 11:33-36 – Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
THEME OF THE DAY: HOW TO LIVE THE CHRIST-CENTERED LIFE. Today’s scripture is one of the most beautiful doxologies found in our Bible. As we read it, the heart of the Apostle Paul soars in adoration and worship. He is so lost in the holy amazement of God that His words seem to be a symphony of praise reaching the heavenlies and beyond. Yet, this is a doxology to live. It defines for us how to live the Christ-centered life and the “formula” is found in the last verse – For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
First, of all, the Christian life is all of grace, all the time – for from Him. We did not nor cannot make ourselves believers. From start to finish, it is the grace of God. The Apostle Paul would proclaim this throughout his letters. Here are two familiar ones; For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) and For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13). As we read “For from Him” are all things, we are exposed to the truth that God is the author and finisher of all creation, and the faith of every child of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
We also see in the doxology the practical outflowing of the Christian life – through Him. The picture painted with the words “through Him” is one of union. And that is what empowers the Christian to follow the Lord; our union in Him in His crucifixion and resurrection. This application is found in Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Also in the Parable of the Vines and Branches Jesus taught in John 15 is a power illustration of life lived through Him.
Final instruction we received from today’s scripture is the purpose or goal of the Christian life – To him be glory forever. Amen. History is marching to that great day when all things will look to Jesus as the absolute authority over all things and recognized as King of Kings – Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).
Yes, today’s scripture is a beautiful doxology, not only to be marveled over but lived. May the Lord help us do both.
PRAYER: “Father, may I see that all the Christian life is in Your strength for Your glory.”
QUOTE: “From Him, through Him, and to Him are all things define the purpose of all creation.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim