The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

DOXOLOGY

Paul’s pattern of writing letters was broadly the same — he built his convincing arguments by explaining doctrine, but then brought it to a more practical level by discussing behavior. This holds true in the book of Romans. Having spent 11 chapters extrapolating the gravity of sin, the necessity of faith and the profound grace of the gospel, Paul is ready to turn the corner into the practical implications of behavior in Romans 12. As he closes the first section of his letter, he erupts in praise for who God is and for what he has done.

In this passage, Paul acknowledges the mysterious and incomparable nature of God and his plan. The gospel, which Paul has explained in detail in the previous pages, was not something any human could have devised. Rather, it took God’s great and unsearchable wisdom to provide the solution for the terrible and universal problem of sin. He acted in history in such a way that men and women could be made righteous.

Because the foundation of the gospel is not humanity but God, God alone can and should receive the glory and honor he is due. The gospel, as with all things, begins and ends with God, for he is the center of all things.

Jesus, I know that sometimes people will add to or take away from the gospel in an effort to improve it. Don’t ever let me do this, Jesus, as I know your gospel is perfect. Amen.