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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