UP: DISTRACTED BY GLORY – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV)
Points:
1. His Knowledge is Deep
2. His Wisdom is Deep
3. His Riches are Deep
4. And by His Grace… so too is ours.
The invitation of “UP” is not just about elevation, but transformation. It’s on the mountain that we hear Him.
God is a conversational God (i.e. He’s not always speaking – sometimes He’s listening). As a people, we don’t walk by what we see, we walk by FAITH – we walk by what we HEAR.
Romans 11:33-36 – in the middle of a deeply theological letter to the religious people in Rome, Paul gets distracted/overwhelmed by the depths and glory of God.
“OH” – THE DEPTHS.
Paul shifts his focus and their attention from the CROWD to the KING.
The invitation of “Hear Him” and this journey of ascending the mountain is to allow ourselves to be distracted by God’s depth and wisdom, even in the midst of our own discussions and debates. To pause amidst the chaos and complexity of life and get caught up in His grace – “OH, the depths” of His love and wisdom. His paths are untraceable, and his knowledge is beyond human understanding.
- HIS KNOWLEDGE IS DEEP
GOD IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE.
Knowledge = understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Lean not on your own understanding…” – we need God’s knowledge and wisdom – we can’t rely on our own.
- 2. HIS WISDOM IS DEEP
GOD IS WITHOUT CONSELLORS.
wisdom = applied knowledge.
God is without counsellors, meaning he doesn’t need advice from us. His paths are untraceable – The best parts of our lives and accomplishments often come from God’s intervention, not our own efforts.
Who might be God’s wisdom to you right now?
What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you?
- 3. HIS RICHES ARE DEEP
GOD IS WITHOUT CREDITORS.
We need a revelation of the wealth of Heaven.
“10% in His hands beats 100% in mine.”
The privilege of stewardship vs. the pressure of success: everything we have comes from Him. Our possessions and future are not ours, but God’s.
What if we were more distracted by God’s glory and riches than the worldly successes and possessions that often consume our attention?
- 4. AND BY HIS GRACE… SO TOO IS OURS.
Discussion Questions
1. His Knowledge is Deep: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to lean on God’s understanding rather than relying on your own? Discuss ways in which acknowledging God’s incomprehensibility can deepen our trust in Him, especially in times of uncertainty.
2. His Wisdom is Deep: Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s wisdom guiding you. How did you recognize it, and what impact did it have on your decisions? Who might be God’s wisdom to you right now? What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you?
3. His Riches are Deep: How can we shift our perspective from viewing possessions and success as personal achievements to recognizing them as stewardship opportunities from God?
4. And by His Grace… so too is Ours: Share a personal experience where you felt overwhelmed by God’s grace. How did that experience transform your understanding of grace and impact your relationship with God?
5. Distracted by God’s Glory: Share practical ways we can intentionally get caught up in God’s grace amidst the chaos and complexity of life. How can we make space for these moments in His presence – moments to pause and reflect: “OH, the depths…”?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your deep knowledge, wisdom, and riches revealed in your Word. Amidst the distraction of everyday life, lead us to the place of your presence. Help us lean not on our own understanding, but be guided by your wisdom. Shift our focus from worldly success to stewardship May we be captivated by the depth of your grace on this journey of faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
THE LINC COLLECTIVE 
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