Romans 11:33-35 (KJV)

33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
35. Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

The beginning word of our text "O" is simply one letter in the Greek language. It is the only time this expression is used in the entire Bible. It would correspond to our modern "Wow!" or "Unbelievable!" Too often in our churches there is very little wonderment. Theology is forgotten. Culture is exalted. The "O" is lost. But it is not with Paul. Why?

1. Paul's eye is upon God, not himself, and He finds God faithful.
   There are two things in v.33 that amazes Paul about God -- God's riches and works.
   1. The riches of God include:
      1. The riches of His "goodness" (Romans 2:4).
         Paul asks if sinners despise God by not recognizing His goodness.
      2. The riches of His "glory" (Romans 9:23).
         Paul contrasts the punishment of the reprobate with the glory of the saved.
      3. The riches of His "grace" (Romans 2:7).
         Eternity will be spent discovering the unbelievable riches of God's grace.
   2. The works of God include:
      
      1. His wisdom and knowledge (v.33).
         These two usually go together as an attribute of God's infinite intelligence. "In whom are hid all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).
      2. His judgments (or decisions) (v.33).
         It is impossible to figure out why God makes the decisions that He makes. His decisions are "unsearchable." But His decisions are always right.
      3. His acts (or ways) (v.33).
         The reason for God's mercy and grace is found within Himself.
2. When Paul looks at himself, and not God, he finds himself foolish.
   It always happens like this. When you are self-centered in your worship and theology, you will find that life does not work out the way "you" plan it. It is much better to keep your eye on the faithfulness of God in all things than to try to manipulate God. Are things not going the way you want them to go? Ask yourself three questions:
   1. Do you know the mind of God?
      I am amazed at the number of people who feel they know God's plan for their lives or the lives of others. Sometimes God's plan includes pain and suffering.
   2. Is any suggestion you have better than God's plan?
      How would you change His plan? Would you take away the pain? Would you end the suffering? If you would, then you have lost sight of the fact that God is using all things in your life to redound to His glory. In context, Paul is telling us of God's purpose to save the Gentiles and the Jews according to a fixed plan. Others might whisper to God, "But God, I would do it another way." No, His way is always best. His decisions are not always understood, but they are best.
   3. What will you give God that places Him in your debt?
      It is silly for any of us to make a bargain with God. All that we have is from Him.