Connect Romans 11:35 with Job 41:11 regarding God's ownership of all things. A Single Voice in Two Books: Romans 11:35 and Job 41:11 “Who has ever given to God, that He should repay him?” (Romans 11:35) “Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” (Job 41:11) The Spirit-inspired words of Paul in Romans echo the very speech of God in Job, separated by centuries yet perfectly united. Both declarations assume one massive truth: God owns everything and owes no one anything. The Principle of Divine Ownership • God’s ownership is absolute. He does not borrow, rent, or inherit; He possesses by right of creation (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 1:16). • God’s ownership is uncontested. No rival claim can stand because “Everything under heaven is Mine” (Job 41:11). • God’s ownership is the foundation for His freedom. Because He owes nothing, His mercy and grace are always gifts, never payments (Romans 11:5–6; Ephesians 2:8–9). Creation Displays the Claim • Psalm 50:10-12—“Every beast of the forest is Mine… the world is Mine, and all its fullness.” • Haggai 2:8—“The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” • Revelation 4:11—“For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be.” Everything we can touch, measure, or imagine already bears God’s name on the deed. Redemption Doubles the Claim • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20—“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19—We were redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ.” At creation God made us His; at the cross He purchased us again. His ownership is both original and sacrificial. Living in the Light of God’s Ownership • Stewardship replaces entitlement. Since all things are His, we hold resources, talents, and time as managers, not proprietors (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Worship replaces worry. The One who owns all also supplies all (Philippians 4:19). • Humility replaces pride. We cannot give God anything that is not already His; even our offering is a return, not a contribution (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Gratitude replaces grumbling. Recognizing God’s ownership turns every gift into evidence of grace (James 1:17). A Closing Snapshot Romans 11:35 asks the rhetorical question; Job 41:11 answers it. Together they silence human boasting and summon us to joyful stewardship under the God who holds the title deed to the universe—and to us. |
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