Note where Paul comes to in his discussion of these very complex theological matters. It does not end on the chin-scratching, academic ‘hmmm’, but with an outburst of celebration. The celebration begins with one of the most important biblical expressions: “Oh!” I remember one of my professors at theological college saying that if you take the “O” out of ‘theological college’ all you are left with is ‘the_logical college’. Let’s get beyond our logical, intellectual musing and move into worship. Biblical revelation is not given to us to analyse critically but to move us into God. We must learn to use our intellect for a higher purpose, not just to grow our intellect. Intellectual pursuits have worth, I have spent many years studying and it has grown me profoundly. So, let’s not be anti-intellectual either. The key is to understand that biblical and theological learning is not an end-in-itself. Its role is to lead us to a real experience of God. Academic pursuits are a common route for spiritual escapism. If you are a keen thinker, make sure you watch yourself for this. Know that it is all about worship. Be ‘simple-hearted’ before God. Become like a small child so that God may be magnified in your sight as he clearly is in Paul’s sight here. Leave lots of room for mystery. Hold convictions, but openhandedly, submitting them always to God and his Word. Strive to keep your sense of awe and wonder.
Celebrate what you have learned about God so far.
Read Romans 11:33-36
