Reflecting on the Sermon: 10/9/11

We have finished the first 11 chapters of Romans.  So much doctrine which has now set the foundation for the practical out-workings in chapters 12 and following. 

In verses 28-36 of Romans 11, Rod showed four stages of God's sovereign guidance of history.  First, a time of Gentile disobedience.  Then a time of Jewish disobedience.  Then a time of mercy to the Gentiles (where we are living now).  Finally, a time of mercy for the Jews (once the full number of the Gentiles has come in).  The bottom line in all of this is that no one (Jew or Gentile) can boast because God planned it all and did it all. 

In light of all the wonderful truths of God's sovereignty and mercy, Paul breaks into a doxology extolling God's greatness.  It boggles the mind to reflect on the knowledge and wisdom of God.  Does pondering these great truths bring you to praise God in awe? 

One part I really enjoyed is when he discussed how all this talk about sovereignty doesn't make us fatalists.  Fate says all that is must be.  Providence (or God's sovereign working of all the details of life) comes from God, and God is wise and ordains everything with a purpose.  Fate has no purpose.  God has great ends or goals in mind.