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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The sovereignty of God refers to the fact that God is in complete control of the universe. A belief in God's sovereignty is distinct from fatalism, which denies human free will. Humans are able to ...
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Jennifer Rothnie
Supporter
“Sovereignty” means rank, authority, or power – especially control over a body politic.* It does not imply micro-management, meticulous control, or hard determinism. When we speak of the “sovereignty of God,” this does NOT mean we are speaking of God decreeing all things, pre-approving all things, determining all things, or micro-managing the motion of every molecule and sinful thought. Rather, we are speaking of His power and authority over all creation, His right to supersede lesser beings and laws, and His right and power to judge wrongdoing. We are also speaking to the fact that there is no power – nature, man, demons, Satan, etc. – which is higher than God in authority, nor powerful enough to thwart His eternal plan of salvation. *https://www.wordnik.com/words/sovereignty When it comes to daily life, understanding God’s sovereignty has several practical effects: #1 We are less anxious for the future. No matter how bad things get in the short term - bad political leaders, persecution of the church, betrayal from friends, isolation, sickness, financial troubles, etc. – Christ is coming soon! He already won the victory over sin and death. Even if we suffer and die, we will have a place in His perfect eternal kingdom. https://ebible.com/questions/11083-what-does-it-mean-to-cast-your-care-upon-the-lord #2 We are less anxious about our relationship with God. No power in the universe can separate us from the love of Christ, nor condemn us. We don’t have to worry we are not “good enough” for God (Rom 8:34-35.) We can trust that He gives grace to the humble, that He longs to embrace us as children and bless us, and that Christ and the Spirit are continually interceding for us. Even God’s discipline is out of His love, so we do not lose heart (Heb 12:5-7.) #3 We are able to stand firm against the lures and arrows of Satan, as we recognize that we can be “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Eph 6:10.)” God, but His sovereign power and gracious choice, has given us the equipment we need to fight the spiritual battles we will face and to resist evil (Eph 6:10-17.) #4 We’re less likely to blame God for the sin and evil in the world. Specific sins and sinful thoughts do not happen by His decree or permission, but rather against His permission and decrees! We recognize our own sins were not inevitable, nor decreed by God, nor wanted or approved by God, but were out of our own folly and disobedience. Knowing this should drive us to repentance and to follow the Spirit’s guidance (Gal 5:16.) We also know the sins of those who have harmed us were also not decreed or wanted by God, but He will judge them! We are able to more clearly trust that God’s guidance and decrees will never lead us into error, and less likely to grow complacent in our own sin. We can be productive in our relationship with Christ, adding knowledge and virtue to faith (II Pet 1:1-11.) #5 Meditating on God’s wonderous works, especially in creation, in delivering/establishing Israel, and in raising Christ, is a comfort in times of weariness and distress. Psalm 77, 126, 143; Isa 44, 63; Lam 2; Dan 9; Psalm 104; Acts 7; and Heb 11 & 12 are just a few of the many passages that show how God’s great works throughout history – even His judgements and calamities poured out – give us hope, strengthen our faith, encourage us in times of trial and persecution, draw us to obedience, and humble us. God has always been faithful in the past, and will always be faithful in the future. He will carry out, by His sovereign might and choice, all He has promised to do. #6 Everyone will eventually submit to the power of God, one way or another – either as believing heirs of the Kingdom, or as defeated foes. Those who deny Christ will not escape God’s sovereign power or domain – they will face the judgement and wrath of God! Knowing this compels us to be more active witnesses to others in our daily lives, as we hope our neighbors will choose life instead of death.
Grant Abbott
Supporter
The following scriptures confirm the impact of God's sovereignty in our daily lives. 1. God has a plan and purpose and will fulfil it Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the days of Christ Jesus 2. God protects us from harm and danger Psalm 91:11-12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more. 3. God provides a refuge and renews our strength Psalm 9:9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. 4. God empowers us so we can accomplish his will 1 Corinthians 16:9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 5. God disciplines us so we remain on his path Hebrews 12:4-11 (v10-11) God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 6. God is daily moulding us into the image of Christ 2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." The closer our relationship with the Lord, the better our spiritual eyes will see his work in our lives every day. Try this experiment. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on your thoughts, conversations and activities. Ask God to reveal how he has been at work. Whatever comes to mind is from the Holy Spirit, so write it down in a journal. Review your journal notes over time and praise God for his love and faithfulness.
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