Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways, acknowledge Him…” Don’t run off with your elaborate plans because you’re so smart. In this passage, Jesus assures believers that it is not their obligation to worry, but to trust Him to care for every detail of their lives. God is sovereign over even the most insignificant events. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Psa.22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. 3:10-20). These divine traits set the minimum boundary for God’s sovereign control in the universe, which is to say that nothing in the universe occurs without God’s permission. This article will attempt to articulate Gods sovereignty and human free will in a way that is both faithful to the Scripture and in harmony with each other. God is a sovereign God whose plans are trustworthy This sermon is by David Bassett rather than Chris Appleby Today we begin a new series of sermons looking at the book of Zechariah. Because of God’s providence, we can rest assured that our work is not in vain (1 Cor. It’s okay to grieve an unexpected ending to a season, a situation, a day, a moment that didn’t end in the way we hope or plan. Yet we are made in his image, bearing his likeness. 4:4) and that human choices are genuine and significant. "The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths" (Psalm 135:6). We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. . You and I need hope, and the reminder that God is in control, even when it feels like everything else--this nation, our health, our economy, and our toilet paper supply--is out of control. Related articlesBible Verses About Free WillHow ‘And’ Bridges God's Sovereignty with Man's Free Will15 Powerful Verses to Remind Us of God's Sovereignty. Enforcement of the laws and execution of punishment will also likely be delegated in most cases. Thus, it is often said in scripture that God did something that He merely allowed. That is scriptural evidence that nothing touches us--or our world--without first going through God’s loving hands. Nothing takes Him by surprise and no plan of His can be interrupted or undone (see chapters 38-41 in particular). Under a human sovereign, the subjects are free to follow or disobey the rules mandated by the sovereign. While few countries today are ruled by sovereigns, it was common in ancient times. The story of Job assures us that God is sovereign, that He holds the sun, moon, stars, and galaxies in His hand. For obedience there is reward. The word “sovereign” is not used in the King James Version of the Bible. Both of these characteristics of God are so vast that many volumes have been written about each. He will allow and at times arrange situations to draw people closer to Himself. When God declares the end long before it happens, what he says is, “My counsel shall stand.” And when God declares things not yet done long before they are done, what he says is, “I will accomplish all my purpose.” Which means that the reason God knows the future … Scripture: Ephesians 1:11–14. Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He concludes with a universal call for praise (vss. Isaiah 55:8-11: Assurance that God’s ways are higher than ours. God is not gracious alone, He is sovereignly gracious! Within the story of scripture where do you see the sovereignty of God on display? While God has delegated some responsibility to human government (Rom. John Piper Since God is in control, let the heavenly hosts praise him. Ancient kings were sovereign over their kingdoms, having power over everything and everyone. Bible Verses about God's Sovereignty over the Nations. . What stirs within you, positive or negative, when you reflect on the sovereignty of God? We insist that God does . If God Is Sovereign, What Can We Do? On the other hand are those who would understand that God, in his sovereignty, has granted a certain amount of autonomy to humanity. . Slide 1 of 5. While God is sovereign, we are still responsible to live out our calling based on his design and desire. “…No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. With a finite human sovereign, my disobedience might derail some plan of the sovereign. God spoke directly to Moses (verse 15) and indirectly (through Moses and the Scripture) to Pharaoh (verse 17). Sovereignty of God Verses – How does His sovereignty impact me? Uncertainty can lead to fear, which is powerful. 19:21) 2. A sovereign is ultimately responsible for the establishing and enforcing the laws that regulate life within their specific nation. He said: Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in … See more ideas about bible verses, verses, inspirational quotes. In other words, God’s sovereignty allows Him to not act—to allow—just as much as it allows Him to act. Yes, there’s less stores open and less to do and you may be going stir crazy at home, but what a way to take a heavenly pause and refocus on what really matters. God’s sovereignty over all creation is a prevailing theme throughout Scripture. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, (or if you will run out of toilet paper) … Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Cindi McMenamin is a pastor’s wife, mom, Bible teacher, and national speaker who helps women and couples strengthen their relationships with God and others. We are still supposed to seek God and strive towards our sanctification. Question: "What is sovereign grace?" Which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ... All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Is God sovereign? . God is sovereign over the plans of humans. This position is determinism, that every instant of my story is controlled by the laws that run the universe, my genetics, and my environment. Throughout the Bible we find people who acted contrary to the instruction God had given to them. Because God is sovereign, he does what he wants and achieves all his purposes. A second view holds that free will exists, after a fashion. God’s Track Record Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. And I can choose whether I am going to obey the speed limit. God allows fallen angels and humans to produce sin and evil, but they never act beyond or against His sovereign will (Job 1:1-21; Ps. So do the winds and currents of disease, the laws of nature, the cycle of life and death. There have been countless words written about God’s sovereignty. Not only does He have the ability, but He also has the right to … We must accept both sides of the truth, though we may not understand how they correspond to one another. Most would seem to agree that God is sovereign, at least in some measure. Anchored | God is Sovereign . "-Shelly Miller, The Sabbath Society I am thankful for a sweet Lord that is sovereign, even in our disappointments. This verse reinforces that God wants His people to be humble and dependent on Him. Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 3. We insist that God does . It is hard to read the Old Testament without seeing this repeatedly. Why Does the Sovereignty of God Matter? For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. But that would not be true with a sovereign who is omniscient and righteous. So is panic. This sovereign has the responsibility for establishing and enforcing the rules of the kingdom. The Bible describes a world that is in rebellion against their creator. This “free will” allows humanity to act in ways that are contrary to how God might wish for them to act. God’s sovereignty means that there are no limits on His authority to act. We wouldn’t want a God who wasn’t. Scripture affirms both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. (1:6-7; 2:1) Satan and God are not equals. Likewise, there are consequences for failing to obey his revelation to us. The sovereignty of the God of Scripture, is . If so, then we acknowledge all governments are in place because of God’s sovereign control. My aim today is to give an overview of the setting of the book and some of the major themes. But to disobey the laws comes at a cost. In a like manner, that we as humans are free to violate God’s laws does not diminish his sovereignty. Scripture makes it perfectly clear that God is sovereign. Try to trace it throughout the story of scripture. If He is not healing immediately, He knows what is best and when it is best to answer our prayers. It is obvious from Scripture and from everyday life that people do have free will. Proud member All rights reserved. Yet, even though we might act contrary to God’s will, his purpose in creation will be accomplished. With God’s sovereign power, Jesus dwelt on earth, completely holy and yet completely man. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). We are still commanded to repent of our sins and to cling to Christ . It seems to me that a primary story line of the Bible is humanity’s rebellion against God, and his working to bring redemption to us. As Habakkuk learned, God uses pagan empires to accomplish his purposes (Habakkuk 1:1-11). This explains why the Bible refers to God as Sovereign, for He is! And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”. Since the heavenly Father gives constant sovereign supervision even to seemingly insignificant creatures, surely he will also care for his disciples in their mission to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. We make both good and bad choices. Article Images Copyright ©, When Couples Walk Together: 31 Days to a Closer Connection, Why Does Jesus Ask ‘Who Do You Say I Am?’, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. God's sovereignty is a bit more complicated than simply imagining Him as a puppetmaster who holds all the strings. Repeatedly, the Scripture identifies God as sovereign. This passage of Scripture assures us God is all-knowing and ever aware of our health, our concerns, and our needs. For more on her speaking ministry, coaching services for writers, or books and resources to help you grow in your relationship with God, your marriage or your parenting, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com. While the Scripture sometimes pictures a heavenly council, it is God alone who rules over his creation. Nor can I choose to sprout wings and fly. Yes, the economy is tanking, but is our hope in the condition of our economy? In the books of Exodus through Deuteronomy, we find the law code given by God to Israel through Moses. Many are ready to concede that God is sovereign over the … So, they woke up Jesus, who had been asleep in the bottom of the boat. I do not have a choice in whether or not gravity will pull me to the ground when I jump out of a window. He is sovereign over what appears the most random acts in the world. Resounding throughout the pages of Scripture is the proclamation that God is King. Scripture Union Daily Guide 12th August 2020 – God Is Sovereign TODAY’S TOPIC: GOD IS SOVEREIGN OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that you sanctify my spirit, soul and body as I read your word in Jesus name. That seems at odds with a God who is in total control of all that happens. So, which of these two is correct? Repeatedly, the Scripture identifies God as sovereign. Jesus was right there in the boat with them, and was perfectly capable of getting them safely to where they needed to go. But what does that really mean? That is the true idea of God. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus’ disciples were scared that a storm on the sea would overturn their boat and they would all drown. God is the "sovereign Lord of all by an incontestable right [as the] creator... owner and possessor of heaven and earth." You must then make the choice. Whether or not government leaders are godly, or even wise, is irrelevant to the question at hand. Nor can his subjects break those rules with impunity. In this story, we are assured that God controls the elements of the earth. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 3:19 tells us, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. That God is sovereign… In contrast to His creatures, however, Almighty God always brings about that which He has purposed. God Is Sovereign Over . Wherever Satan roams, and whatever Satan does, he is under the watchful governance of God and is limited by God’s sovereign wisdom and power. Sep 5, 2020. Scriptures Concerning God's Sovereignty Including Predestination and Election "His Sovereignty rules over all." Compiled by David R. Sprenger . “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. In the back of my mind, it seems I had determined that Houston, Texas, was one place I would not want to go. 103:19 . In the examples of King David and the Apostle Paul, God also works with man's bad choices to … It is not that God is powerless to stop them. God is the “sovereign Lord of all by an incontestable right” as our Creator. There are two ways that God’s sovereignty and human free will can be reconciled. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (verses 8-9, ESV). See, while the Bible says that God is sovereign, Scripture also says that humans have freedom of choice in their lives (Deuteronomy 30:15-19), that they're personally responsible for their sins (Exodus 20:5), and that God is sometimes unhappy with people's actions (Numbers 25:3). However, the Holy Spirit prompts the human heart to choose God, a good choice. The wind and the waves obey Him. Bible Study Resources - Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com. “For my thoughts are … God allows pauses and rest stops for us to regroup and reprioritize, and this just might be one of them. I get that. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” In modern language we would say, “The dice are rolled on the table and every play is decided by God.” There are no events so small that he does not rule for his purposes. Jesus continues to assure us in verses 31-33: “Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the [unbelievers] seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. See the application in verses 20-22. Although the word “sovereign” only shows up 4 times in Scripture, and only then in the New Testament, the words “Highest, Supreme, Chief (Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone), Master (again, Jesus’), Ruler, Superior, and LORD Yahweh,” show up thousands of times in the Bible. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 HCSB Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Better yet, look to Him as The Answer. He is retired and currently enjoys his gardens and backpacking. As pointed out above though, the Scripture makes it clear that humans are sinful, acting in ways that are contrary to God’s revealed will. Then to look at the introduction in chapter 1. 13:1-7), he is still ultimately sovereign. God is indeed paramount and supreme in the universe. He is the Gentle Healer and the Great Physician. As we can see, the Bible is very clear that God is not in absolute control of everything that happens today. But the authority for that enforcement lies with the sovereign. God Is Sovereign. Answer: Sovereign grace combines two of God’s attributes, His sovereignty and His graciousness. Be still!”, Scripture tells us “Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Then Jesus said to His disciples “Why are you so afraid? But still, the indication is troubling because they are… It is used 303 times in the Old Testament of the New International Version, but it is always used in association with the word “LORD” and is the equivalent of the King James Version’s “LORD God.” 9.32.R - Lesson: Is God Sovereign (In Control)? God’s will shall prevail. . (Proverbs 16:33) The heart of the most powerful person in the land: The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. Do not fear or be dismayed.”. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. God is Sovereign -Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I change not; ….” -Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.“ -Isaiah 55:9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.” Pharaoh was chosen too but for a very different role and destiny. And we, as his subjects, follow or disobey. Then to look at the introduction in chapter 1. God is no democrat and this isn’t a democracy. Yes, people are staying home from work, but what an opportunity to be with family. In spite of the worry, fear or panic that might come naturally to you right now, look to the  Supernatural God who can give you peace that passes understanding (Phillippians 4:6), and the assurance that He is in absolute control. When Moses said, “I beseech You, show me Your Glory.” God made him see that He was glorious and that His Glory was His Sovereign goodness. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. A question that divides those who otherwise adhere to the sovereignty of God concerns the amount of control that requires. Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 4. Verse 20. He is holy and pure. Because of His love for us, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, setting us free from the eternal death of sin. No, God is the Sovereign, and Satan is his subject. Do you still have no faith?” Their response was terror as they asked “Who is this? Deuteronomy, along with all the prophets, makes it clear that God holds us responsible for obeying his law. He would know my disobedience before it occurred and have planned around it to be able to fulfill his purpose in spite of me. People are responsible for what they do with the gospel—or with whatever light they have (Romans 2:19, 20), so that punishment is just if they reject the light. Scripture: Ephesians 1:11–14. Which view is correct? Sovereignty is the absolute, unfettered right to decide when and how—and if—to use that power. And if you read the story, you’ll see God was already preparing Job’s reward. The God who can still the wind and the waves can still this situation as soon as He deems it is time. Because God is both sovereign and good. Yet by and large we choose to follow our own way. Of the “sovereignty” claim of calvinism, Ken Rieske writes: “Calvin’s Sovereignty Doctrine Distorts the Attributes of God Calvinists are proud to proclaim, “The basic principle of Calvinism is the sovereignty of God.” This doctrine allowed John Calvin to misinterpret Scripture in any manner he desired in order to fit his Institutes theology. You can also follow him on Twitter or Facebook. God’s Sovereignty inspires us to worship him. He is able to calm the storms on the sea, as well as the storms in you and me. And probably just as much has been written about human free will. I was a new Christian in a Bible study in college, and some tragic news had come to us about a member in our group. Our Motives (vs. Our Perspective. Salem Media Group. as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases! Consequently, no matter what you face in life, you can take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”. Trust what He is allowing in the world, in your country, in your local community, and in your family, and personal life. Most notably you find it in Ezekiel where he is identified as “Sovereign Lord” 210 times. The first argues that God is in complete control. 1-18). Since God is in control, let everyone praise him. Posted in: Devotions, Scripture, Thoughts from my Quiet Time | Tagged: Bible verses, God is in control, Scripture, sovereign, sovereignty Post navigation His strength is enough for the grand and the ordinary, the big and the small That is likewise true of God. Sovereignty of God is the Christian teaching that God is the supreme authority and all things are under His control. He gives “power to the faint” and strength “to those who have no might” (Isa. It is obvious from Scripture and from everyday life that people do have free will. Check with the One who sees the end from the beginning and be safe. Do you still have no faith?” (verse 40). Be encouraged. Recall that a human sovereign is responsible for making and enforcing the rules that govern his kingdom. To do so would seem to make God ultimately responsible for our disobedience to his revealed will. Even in the Greek in the Ne… He can heal individually, as well as heal nations physically, economically, spiritually. Bibles, previous attribute of God posters, a large piece of paper with the words GOD IS SOVEREIGN written on it, key verse (Job 42:2) printed on a piece of paper, pictures of (1) the world, (2) rain, (3) a throne & (4) a crown, drawn or printed on paper, blank paper and markers or colored pencils for each child in the group. Scripture supports that belief (Daniel 2:20-21). 1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”. Devotional Questions. He created it and controls it. . Now, I know what they’re getting at; God doesn’t overlook sin as if it’s meaningless. It does at least appear from the Scripture that humans have libertarian free will. Please understand. As the end of my seminary training neared, I had to give thought to what I would do after graduation and just where that might be. That’s the difference between the creation and the Creator. And cry out to Him for healing of you and your land. God is perfect and wholly good; he is incapable of doing anything that is not good. The dictionary defines sovereignty as “supreme power or authority.” A king who rules a nation would be considered that nation’s sovereign – one who is not answerable to any other person. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Seemingly random things: The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. While there are some individual passages that would seem to support a deterministic approach to free will, the Scripture as a whole teaches that, while God is sovereign, humans do have a free will that allows us to choose to act in ways that are contrary to God’s will for us. The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his own name, and this is what he, the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, says: “I despise the arrogance of Israel, and I hate their fortresses. For instance, I can choose, among a limited set of options, what I will eat for dinner. The second way these are reconciled is to see God’s sovereignty including a permissive element. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim.6:15). . He is our peace and comfort. In this view free will is either an illusion or what is identified as compatibilist free will – a free will where we freely make the choices that God has arranged for us to make. The support for God’s Sovereignty in Scripture is pervasive and indisputable. Jesus assured us that He is in control of whatever evils attempt to befall us when He told His disciple Peter: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. John Piper Sep 5, 2020 325 Shares Look at the Book. When Job experienced a season of intense suffering (including the loss of his crops, animals, investments, livelihood, children, and personal health) he gained an incredible amount of wisdom, with which he was able to respond to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”. Furthermore, David proclaimed in Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD. Although I never verbalized that Houston was off limits, somehow it became apparent to me that I would not seriously consider inquires from there. 12:7-10). However, the sovereignty of God does not mean what many people think it means. God has many attributes[1], but His sovereignty is foremost. But there is a lot of debate over the extent of sovereignty and free will as well as the compatibility of these two things. While the Scripture sometimes pictures a heavenly council, it is God alone who rules over his creation. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”. Life doesn’t always pan out the way we hope or envision. This view is often attacked as being incompatible with God’s sovereignty because it allows a person to act in ways that are contrary to God’s will. God is sovereign, even in our disappointment. This passage of Scripture assures us that God knows what He’s doing, His thinking is different than ours when it comes to what is best for us and His ways – and everything He allows – are so much higher and better than ours. The God Who Acts. Nothing can stop God doing his will. Sometimes God closes wombs to prevent conception (Gen. 20:18), and other times He opens them (Gen. 29:31–32). So, while human sovereignty is more limited than God’s sovereignty, I believe that we can use the one to understand the other. God Is … Satan is one such underling. as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases! Let’s look at four points the Bible makes concerning the sovereignty of God. This view holds that God works in the circumstances of my life to ensure that I freely make the choices that God wants me to. Most notably you find it in Ezekiel where he is identified as “Sovereign Lord” 210 times. The Sovereignty of God Raises a Puzzle . But throughout, humanity is pictured as acting contrary to God’s revealed will. That the subjects are free to violate the king’s laws does not diminish his sovereignty. How ‘And’ Bridges God's Sovereignty with Man's Free Will, 15 Powerful Verses to Remind Us of God's Sovereignty, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Verse 21. When everything around us feels out of control, we can allow Scripture to prove to us that God has been, is, and will be sovereign over our lives and world. 3. Romans 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. Ed is married, the father of two, and grandfather of three. Repeatedly we are called to act in a certain way. God is in Control of All Things, including human decisions “'I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted'" (Job 42:2). The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. That choice is a choice to love Him in return. Just like in the story of Job, Satan had to ask God’s permission in order to mess with Peter. But God is over all and in control. He will not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and He is well aware of all that is happening, all that has happened, and all that will happen according to His wisdom, His love, and His plan. Every command of Scripture is a command by a sovereign God for you to be responsible and obedient. So, exercise your faith so His words to you will not be “Do you still have no faith?”, Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Arthit Longwilai, Jesus said to His followers in Matthew 10:29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? “All the ways of man [i.e., all he thinks and does] are clean [pure, … It would require a secret will of God that is at odds with his revealed will. Even the wind and the waves obey him!”. The sovereignty of the God of Scripture, is . But God’s moral law is also written on the hearts of all people (Rom. I don’t know about you, but the first time I heard the word sovereign, it didn’t register with me. Since God is sovereign, there is a sense in which He has responsibility for everything that happens because, while He may not be the cause in every case, He could prevent any event from happening. But hope can be contagious, too. “But our God is in the heavens — He has done whatever He has pleased!”Psalm 115:3 If God is sovereign, what then? When we remember that God loved us in Christ before the foundation of the world and adopted us to be his own, we know that the circumstances he brings into our lives are ordered out of that love. God is a sovereign God whose plans are trustworthy This sermon is by David Bassett rather than Chris Appleby Today we begin a new series of sermons looking at the book of Zechariah.