Encountering God inspires his praise and discloses his transcendence. There is more, however. Encountering God reveals his sufficiency—and our insufficiency.
Paul continues by referring to Isaiah and Job. “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” In other words, Paul is emphasizing the fact that God is sufficient in himself. He needs nothing from us and owes nothing to us.
One of the passages he refers us to is found in Isaiah 40:13-14.
Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?
It is laughable to think that anyone could be God’s teacher. Is there anything that He has not thought of? Can we teach Him something new? Sometimes we presumptuously think that we can counsel God. I heard someone say that to argue with God is to argue with the One who made it possible to argue. The fact is that God does not need our advice, because he is sufficient.
God’s sufficiency also makes possible our provision. God is the source of our supply. God is sufficient in himself and we are the recipients of that sufficiency. In fact, I will go so far as to that as we draw on his sufficiency, as believers we receive what we need. Christ is our supply. Christ is our source. Christ is what we need and all we need.
Encountering God inspires his praise, discloses his transcendence, and reveals his sufficiency. But wait—there is more (I always wanted to say that). Encountering God declares his centrality.
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Letter to Christians in Rome: Chapter 11 (pt 10 of 12)
Encountering God inspires his praise and discloses his transcendence. There is more, however. Encountering God reveals his sufficiency—and our insufficiency.
Paul continues by referring to Isaiah and Job. “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” In other words, Paul is emphasizing the fact that God is sufficient in himself. He needs nothing from us and owes nothing to us.
One of the passages he refers us to is found in Isaiah 40:13-14.
It is laughable to think that anyone could be God’s teacher. Is there anything that He has not thought of? Can we teach Him something new? Sometimes we presumptuously think that we can counsel God. I heard someone say that to argue with God is to argue with the One who made it possible to argue. The fact is that God does not need our advice, because he is sufficient.
God’s sufficiency also makes possible our provision. God is the source of our supply. God is sufficient in himself and we are the recipients of that sufficiency. In fact, I will go so far as to that as we draw on his sufficiency, as believers we receive what we need. Christ is our supply. Christ is our source. Christ is what we need and all we need.
Encountering God inspires his praise, discloses his transcendence, and reveals his sufficiency. But wait—there is more (I always wanted to say that). Encountering God declares his centrality.
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Bible Commentaries, Bible Study, Romans
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Letter to Christians in Rome: Chapter 11 (pt 9 of 12)
Letter to Christians in Rome: Chapter 11 (pt 11 of 12)