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7-29-15 Sovereignty of God

                                    
 
​if we do not understand the character and nature of God as revealed in His Word, we will ​run into roadblocks of fear and doubt all along the way, as we face difficult life ​​​circumstances, either in our own personal life, or in our quest to be a blessing and ​​encouragement to others in their times of trial. There is a direct relationship between our ​​confidence in the matter of God's supreme power and authority and our practical stability ​in total surrender.  The more we have clarity in our thinking regarding the sovereignty ​​of God, the less struggle we will have in the changing events of our lives.  What do we ​know about our God?
 
           He is the one eternal God, perfect, infallible, infinite in wisdom, full of mercy and Truth.
​           It is by Him that all things were made (John 1:3), by which all things consist,
           (Colossians ​​1:17), and to Whom all glory is due (Revelation 4:11).  He sees from
           eternity future to ​​eternity past (Isaiah 46:10).
 
            His ways are perfect (Psalm 18:30), and He is at work in all things to conform His        
            children to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:28-29).  All of His thoughts toward us are of
            peace, not evil, to bring us to that expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). Our times are in His
            hands (Psalm 31:15),and His grace is fully sufficient for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9).
            In the light of these truths, we may ask ourselves the question, "How do I handle a
            crisis?" We're often faced with unexpected difficulties in our lives.  We would not have
            chosen them, if given an opportunity, but they are full of purpose, from an eternal
            perspective.
 
          Total Submission to the Sovereign Savior requires us to:
 
         ​A.  Think theologically by asking, "What sayeth the Scripture?"
 
​​            Every thought that crosses our minds is to be "lined up" with the scriptural ​​​perspective on that particular
            issue.  Some illustrations for our consideration might be:
 
                ​​​1.  "I only wish my life had turned out differently".  
 
​​​                             Philippians 3:13-14 gives us God's perspective in direct         
                                                     opposition to ​​​our thoughts, declaring Brethren, I count not     
                                                     myself to have ​​​apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting
                                                     those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
                                                     things which are before, I ​​​​press toward the mark for the prize    
                                                     of the high calling of God in Christ ​​​Jesus.

     
                          ​​​2.  "I don't think I can do what lies before me to do".
 
                                                       ​​​​Philippians 4:13 gives us God's perspective in direct
                                                       opposition to our thoughts, declaring, I can do all things
                                                       through Christ which ​​​​​strengtheneth me.

 
                   ​​​3.  " If only I had 'her' personality, I would be so much better off".
 
                            ​​​​2 Corinthians 10:12 gives us God's perspective in direct ​​​​​​opposition to our thoughts, declaring,                                 For we dare not make ​​​​​ourselves of the number compare ourselves with some that ​​​​​commend `                                themselves: but they measuring themselves by ​​​​​​themselves, and comparing themselves                                             among themselves, are ​​​​​not wise.
 

                     B.  Behave biblically by asking, "What sayeth the Scripture?"
 
​​            Every action is to be "lined up" with the scriptural guidelines for that
            ​​particular behavior.  Some illustrations for our consideration might be:
 
                                ​​​1.  "Everyone else is doing it, so it must be alright".
 
​​​​                            Romans 12:1-2 gives us God's perspective in direct opposition to our behavior, declaring
                            I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present  your bodies a living                                 sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to                             this world:but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that                                 good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
 
 
                        ​​​2.  "I know that activity is questionable, but it would be so enjoyable!"
 
​​​​                                James 4:17 gives us God's perspective in direct opposition  to our ​​​​​behavior, declaring                                             Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
 

 
                ​​​3.  " I really need the company of my ungodly friends".
 
​​​​                        Colossians 2:8 gives us God's perspective in direct opposition to ​​​​​our behavior, declaring Beware                             lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the  tradition of men, after the                             rudiments of the world, and not  after Christ.
 
 
 
                             C. Speak scripturally by asking, "What sayeth the Scripture?"
 
                        Every spoken word is to be "lined up" with the scriptural directives for that
​​                        particular speech pattern.  Some illustrations concerning the words of our
                        ​​mouth might be:
 
                ​​​                1. Does it speak the truth in love?  Ephesians 4:15
 
                                ​​​2.  Are they acceptable in God’s sight?   Psalm 19:14
 
                                ​​​3. Do they edify and minister grace to the hearer?  Ephesians 4:29
 

 
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