I came across a line recently that gave me a helpful perspective of the letter to the Romans. Speaking of the letter's focus on the gospel of Jesus, it said, “The gospel reveals how God is righteously righteousing unrighteous people.”
Now, is that a little wordy? Yes. But also kind of perfect.
It highlights Paul's conviction that everything begins and ends with God. We don't make ourselves right. God does that. From start to finish, it’s God’s work. It's God’s mercy, righteousness and grace poured out for all people. Or, as Paul says himself, “For from him and through him and to him are all things.”
That might sound like a lot of theology. If it does, welcome to Romans. Paul doesn’t always make it easy. But he does make understanding it worth the effort. Romans is widely considered Paul’s deepest and most profound letter. And for good reason.
Notice, too, something that happens after some of Paul's reflection on God's saving work. In today's reading, Paul isn't analyzing what God has done. He praises for doing it by recognizing God's wisdom. Right in the middle of his most dense theological work, his wonder and awe shine.
He says, "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!" That is not a question, but a shout of praise.
Once, someone told Paul, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane!” Quite the contrary. The more he learned about God’s mercy, the more his trust and his worship deepened. 
Knowing more about God is never just for debate or doctrine. It's meant to stir our hearts. To move us closer to the Lord. To make us praise God from whom all blessings flow.
So, what are you learning about God? Whatever it is, don’t just stop at understanding. Let it turn to praise. Learn something new. Then praise God who is making all things new, even you.
Stay blessed...john | 
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