SOVEREIGNTY

God is in control of all the events of our lives

“The sovereignty of God, simply stated, refers to His undisputed authority and rule over every aspect of His creation” (Who is in Charge, Layton Talbert, p. 4).

“The sovereignty of God is the ground of peace and confidence to all His people” (Lectures in Systematic Theology, Thiessen, p. 119).

The sovereignty of God is seen in His power to bring the movement of the universe to its predetermined goal and design.

“Sovereignty is that continuous work of the triune God whereby He controls all things in the universe for the purpose of certainly bringing about the fulfillment of his own wise, loving, and perfect plan, and in ways consistent with the free moral agency of His creations.”  (McClain)

Job 42:2

I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

Psalm 115:3

But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.

Ephesians 1:11

Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.

Who is in charge?  Betrayal, “senseless” tragedy, untimely death, martyrdom, ungodly and barbaric regimens/rulers, crippling illness, human “discoveries” and inventions, deliverance from death.  All of the aforementioned circumstances fit within three explanations:

“1. pure chance – also identified as fate, fortune, coincidence, happenstance, accident, luck, or fluke;

2. cosmic contest – an ongoing struggle between God and Satan, which either may win on any given occasion; or

3. divine control – the overruling will of a single intelligent, omnipotent, omnipresent Being (God)” (Not By Chance, Layton Talbert, pg.4).

We acknowledge His sovereignty (we know that it is in the Bible), we give lip service to His sovereignty, (this is usually done negatively – if God is in control, why did He allow this to happen?)  but many times we don’t like it and we certainly do not live like we believe in God Sovereignty.

If we were to be totally honest, the reason that we don’t like the sovereignty of God is because God’s sovereignty reminds us that God is not our slave to do whatever we desire.

I am not sovereign, God is

I am not God, God is

I am not the designer, God is

I am not the master, lord, owner, God is

God’s sovereignty is one of the “rubs” in the lives of Christians.  Most of the times we examine God’s attribute for what it means to us.  Specifically, “what do I get out of this?  This examination through the lens of self is the reason why we question the Sovereignty of God.

Application to various life situations

When enduring trials or suffering (illness, abuse, loss, loneliness ) it is important to remember that God is in control.  His design for this life situation is to bring himself glory and to conform you into the likeness of Christ.

Romans 8:28-29

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. . .”

1 Peter 1:6-7

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

When facing hardships, disappointments, or temptation/sinful choices, remember that:

• God has allowed this decision to be made and has given you all the resources to make the right choice(s) (2 Peter 1:3).
• God could have allowed something else to happen, or prevented you from being in that situation, but He didn’t.

Oxford Valley Chapel Counseling Center

Dr. Dan Skogen, and Robin Skogen, are Biblical Counselors.

To schedule an appointment, ask a question, or just find out more information about our counseling program, call our church office at (215) 946-3946 or send us an email.