Discipleship
Attributes of God: Sovereignty
Nov
Sovereignty of God:
Resounding throughout the pages of Scripture is the proclamation that God (Yahweh) is King. And the concept most closely associated with His Kingship is His Sovereignty. To say that God is Sovereign is not to say merely that He is stronger than everyone else, although this is true. Rather, to call Him Sovereign is to ascribe to Him a rule and authority that transcends space and time, leaving nothing outside its scope. Below are a few aspects of God’s Sovereignty as taught in His Word:
God’s control is always successful; nothing can prevent Him from accomplishing His purpose (see Ps. 115:3; 135:6; Isa. 14:24–27; 43:13; 55:11; Dan. 4:34–35; Rev. 3:7). It is also universal; that is, it covers all the events of nature and history. This includes the natural world (Ps. 65:9–11; 135:6-7), human history (Acts 17:26), and individual human life (1 Sam. 2:6–7; James 4:13–16). God even governs the free decisions of human beings (Prov. 16:9), including our attitudes toward others (Dan. 1:9; Ezra 6:22). More problematically, God even foreordains people’s sins (Exod. 4:21; Deut. 2:30; 1 Kings 22:23; Rom. 9:17–18). But, as sovereign Lord, He also ordains that some will come to faith and salvation (Eph. 2:4–10). So, salvation is God’s work from beginning to end, doing for us what we could never dream or desire of doing for ourselves. We should always remember that God’s saving grace in Christ is part of His control over creation as the Lord. (Several passages summarize the doctrine of the efficacy and universality of God’s sovereign control: Lam. 3:7; Rom. 8:28; 11:33; Eph. 1:11.)
“People treat God’s Sovereignty as a matter of controversy, but in scripture it is a matter of worship” –J.I. Packer
“There is not one piece of cosmic dust that is outside the scope of God’s sovereign providence”– R.C. Sproul
Scriptures:
Romans 11:33-36 “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
Psalm 93:1-2 “The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved. 2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
Be Encouraged:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Lord Reigns! He is currently seated on His throne no matter what is going on right now. Don’t be forgetful of our Lord’s Word’s in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Therefore, let us only burden ourselves with the yoke of Christ and let us learn from Him (Matthew 11:28-29). Let us turn away from the constant feed of troubling News broadcasts and stop worrying about tomorrow. We are Christ’s Bride (The Church) and He will cover us with His hand in times of tribulation. Our Lord is Sovereign. He has ultimate charge over this world and every trial that comes to test our faith. Therefore, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). Many Christians live as if Satan is sovereign, fearing the effects of his power and malice in their lives. However, though Satan’s power is greater than ours, it is nothing compared to the might of our Sovereign Lord. God’s reign is not limited to past or future events; it permeates our present reality. Let us as born again believers in Christ, live our lives full of peace and rest knowing that our Sovereign God is also Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Immutable, Good, Truthful, Holy, Gracious, Guiding, Patient, Faithful, Merciful, Wise, and Loving towards us. He will never leave you or forsake you. He walks with you and is your Good Shepherd.
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Aspects of God’s Sovereignty courtesy of:
The Sovereignty of God an essay by John M. Frame
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-sovereignty-of-god/
