Romans 11:33-34
Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, 3/16/2025
God Knows It All
When was the last time you were truly awestruck? When did you last experience a moment so profound that you couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh my God!” in genuine wonder? In our fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and marvel at the incredible nature of our Creator. Today, let’s take a moment to explore the depths of God’s wisdom and knowledge, and rediscover the power of spiritual awe.
The apostle Paul beautifully captures this sense of wonder in Romans 11:33 (The
Passion Translation):
“Who could ever wrap their minds around the riches of God, the depth of his wisdom, and the marvel of his perfect knowledge? Who could ever explain the wonder of his decisions or search out the mysterious way he carries out his plans?”
This passage is a perfect example of theology transforming into doxology – the study of God naturally flowing into praise. As we delve deeper into understanding God’s nature, we can’t help but be moved to celebrate His greatness.
Let’s explore four key aspects of God’s wisdom and knowledge:
1. Immeasurability of God’s Knowledge
God’s knowledge is perfect, profound, and pervasive. Unlike human knowledge, which is often incomplete or flawed, God’s understanding has no gaps or limitations. He possesses all information, past, present, and future. This means:
- God never discovers anything new – nothing is hidden from Him.
- His knowledge never decreases – He never forgets.
- He doesn’t need reports, tests, or updates to stay informed.
Imagine the comfort this brings! When we pray, we don’t need to explain our situation to God – He already knows every detail. We can simply say, “Lord, you know,” and rest in His perfect understanding.
2. Impeccability of God’s Wisdom
While knowledge is having information, wisdom is knowing what to do with that
information. God’s wisdom is flawless – He always knows the right course of action. Unlike us, who often struggle to apply our knowledge effectively, God:
- Never needs to practice or rehearse
- Performs all things perfectly and precisely
- Knows exactly how to work all things together for our good.
Think about the implications of this in your life. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or senseless, God is weaving together a perfect plan, using His boundless wisdom to create something beautiful from the irregular pieces of our lives.
3. Inscrutability of God’s Ways
As incredible as God’s wisdom and knowledge are, we must humbly acknowledge that they far surpass our human understanding. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
This truth should inspire both humility and awe. We can study theology and dive deep into God’s Word, but we will never fully comprehend the totality of who God is. He reveals to us only what we can handle, and this partial revelation is enough to leave us in wonder.
Recognizing the vastness of God’s wisdom compared to our limited understanding should also caution us against trying to advise or direct God. Our wisdom is marked by miscalculations, mistakes, and mess-ups. Instead of demanding God act according to our will, we should humbly present our desires while trusting His superior wisdom.
4. Irrepressibility of Praise
When we truly grasp the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, we can’t help but respond with praise. Like Paul, we’re compelled to exclaim, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”
We see God’s wisdom and knowledge displayed magnificently in two key areas:
Creation: The intricate design of our world testifies to God’s incredible wisdom. From the precise placement of celestial bodies to the complex systems within our own bodies, every aspect of creation showcases God’s unparalleled knowledge and planning.
Salvation: Even more astounding is God’s plan for our salvation. Before time began, God knew:
- That we would sin
- What it would take to save us
- When to set His plan in motion
- How to justify, sanctify, and ultimately glorify us
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not reactionary measures but part of God’s perfect, pre-planned wisdom to redeem humanity.
Reflecting on these truths should stir our hearts to praise. As the old hymn says, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He’s done for me, my soul cries out, ‘Hallelujah!'”
A Call to Wonder and Worship
In our modern world, it’s easy to become desensitized to the truly miraculous nature of God. We can grow comfortable in our limited understanding, forgetting the vast mysteries of faith that should leave us in awe.
Today, let’s challenge ourselves to rediscover that sense of wonder. Take a moment to consider:
- The intricate details of creation around you
- The precise timing of events in your life
- The depth of love displayed in God’s plan of salvation
As you reflect, allow yourself to be truly amazed by God’s wisdom and knowledge. Let it inspire not only awe but also trust. When life feels chaotic or unclear, remember that you serve a God whose understanding is perfect and whose wisdom is flawless.
Moreover, let this reflection inspire gratitude for your salvation. Understanding the depth of God’s wisdom in creating the plan of salvation should fill us with thankfulness. If you’ve never accepted God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, consider reaching out to Him today. Don’t leave God’s extended hand of grace “hanging” – embrace the incredible gift He offers.
In a world that often leaves us jaded and unimpressed, may we never lose our capacity for spiritual wonder. Let’s cultivate hearts that are quick to praise, minds that are hungry to learn more about our infinite God, and lives that reflect the awe-inspiring wisdom and knowledge of our Creator.