Sovereignty of God!

One of the most important lessons we can learn as believers concerns the sovereignty of God. When we know what it means when we say He is the sovereign God, it will be life altering. Thank you for joining us today for this vital lesson. Pray the Holy Spirit will give you a life altering revelation today. Eric

We as human beings have limited insight and knowledge concerning what is happening or taking place around ourselves, our communities, nations and the world. Most of us have a very limited worldview and true knowledge of the world picture, In fact, most of our focus and knowledge of what is taking place revolves around ourselves and those we know, be it families, friends, acquaintances, or church families and communities. We forget that our Creator, God is working, establishing and fulfilling His plans regarding not only those things that directly concern and affect us, but the entire earth.

John 3:16a declares, "God so 'loved' (God's unconditional love, by choice, that will never seek anything but the highest good for fellow mankind) the 'world' (the universe, the inhabitants, the human race).

God's love reaches people from every nation. He promised Abraham that 'all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'(Genesis 12:3). Jesus' sacrifice fulfilled the promise of bringing salvation to 'the world' as was God's intention. (2 Corinthians 5:19).

God's thoughts, ways, plans and purposes are higher than ours and are inclusive for the entire planet. All of His plans and purposes will culminate with the redemption of all His children (those who repent from their sins and accept Christ as their Savior), with us arriving at the place He has prepared for us to spend eternity with Himself.

I believe, often times, we wonder why bad things happen in the world. We wonder why nations and their leaders rise and fall. We question why God allows to happen the things that happen, especially the tragic events which we see and experience.

Honestly, we are so narrowly focused, we forget that God is sovereign and is establishing an eternal plan for this world which includes each of us individually and corporately.

We read of God's sovereignty in Isaiah 46:9, 10 and 11b,c (BSB), "Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is none like Me. 10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, "My purpose will stand and all my good pleasures I will accomplish'... 11b and c, "Truly I have spoken and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it." "The Lord alone created heaven and earth. He alone governs nations, judges sin and keeps covenant. Our future does not rest in any nation or nation's government’s power, but in God alone. No created being, ruler, idol or spiritual power shares the Lord's eternal nature or sovereign authority." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

Acts 17:26 also addresses the sovereignty of God, "From one man, He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."

As we look at various sources to define 'sovereignty,' the common definition is to have supreme power or authority and to have freedom from external control. It is absolute and unlimited power. So, when we are defining God's sovereignty, we recognize that as the Creator of everything that exists, He is the supreme authority and absolute ruler of the universe. Nothing escapes His notice or unfolds outside His purpose or will. Think about it, He rules over the natural world, the spiritual realm, human history and individual lives. Psalm 103:19 reveals, "the Lord established (set up, fixed, prepared) His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules (has dominion, reigns to govern) over all (totality, everything)." There is no doubt, He is king over all creation, forever seated on His throne and has no rival that ultimately will overrule or over come Him! What good news! Hallelujah! God as sovereign, is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He holds all power, knows all things and is present everywhere!

Jeremiah 23:24 reveals, "Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD." 'Fill’ conveys: filling something to the brim. It's the word used in the Old Testament to describe being filled with the Spirit of God. No one can hide from God. (Psalm 139). He knows where we are at every minute and location. God is great, mighty in power and His understanding is infinite or has no limit. (Psalm 147:5).

God's rule is all encompassing and extends from the forming of the stars, the shaping of nations, every detail of human existence and to every detail of eternity!

The Lord 'works out' (accomplishes) everything by the counsel (purpose of His will). (Ephesians 1:11). The Greek word boule which was translated 'counsel' "properly means a resolved plan, used particularly of the immutable aspect of God's plan - purposefully arranging all physical circumstances which guarantees every scene of life works to His eternal purpose." (HELPS Word-studies). Praise God, we can take great comfort in knowing that "He never loses control of human events, His wisdom, righteousness and authority is perfect and His purposes are not accidental nor uncertain.” (Bible Hib Study Bible).

As we 've studied history, we recognize that men since the beginning of time have tried to rule by making their own plans. Kublai Khan attempted to invade and conquer Japan but was defeated because of what the Japanese called a 'Divine Wind.'

Alexander the Great led his troops across Greece, North Africa, Asia Minor all the way to India. He died at the age of 32 either of a fever or being poisoned. Napoleon Bonaparte was known as the guy who wanted to conquer everything. He overextended himself and his armies. We could go on but what we learn from this is that men make their own plans, but God's eternal plan will always prevail.

Proverbs 19:21 reads, " Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." 'Plans' in this verse means: thoughts, intentions, schemes and plots.

Even though we see a lot of chaos and trouble in our world today, we must keep our focus on the fact that God Almighty is never out of control. He raises up and takes down world leaders and is in control of the seasons of history. Daniel 2:21 reveals, "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." All the world leaders who think they are special, in a place of power and leadership, will one day discover that the nature and course of history remains under God's rule. He will not allow evil to prevail.

Even when Israel was taken as captives to Babylon because of their rebellion, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah that His plans for them were 'plans to prosper them, not harm them and to give them hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11). Their time of captivity came to an end.

Job 13:15 (NKJV) reads, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him." Even when we don't understand His purposes for those things which take place in our lives - we must and can fully trust Him.

We have hope. Why? Lamentations 3:21-24 reveals, " Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." God's mercies are active in our lives!

He is the all sovereign God! He loves us and He never changes!

Remember, no matter how things look or what you may be experiencing - God has an appointed time for an intervention. (Habakkuk 2:3).

Difficult times are coming. Be grounded in His Word and prayer. Stand strong and trust in Him. He is sovereign, He is ever faithful. He will carry you through every trial and hardship…that is His promis"When we set ourselves to believe in the overruling goodness, providence and sovereignty of God, we can refuse to turn aside no matter what may come, no matter how we may feel." (Margaret Clarkson).

"When we can get to the place where we can honestly trust Him - knowing He is sovereign can remove all cause for worry. His character is backed up by His ability. He is able to always accomplish His will, His choice and His purpose!" (gotquestions.org)

Romans 8:28 (BSB) declares, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

My wife Donna's mother fell and broke her hip at 98 years of age. She had an emergency surgery to put a pin in her hip. Donna's great niece entered her Great Grandmother's hospital room while she was still under the influence of the anesthesia. Donna's mom was propped up in the bed and Marissa found her singing, "Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand but I know Who holds tomorrow and I know Who holds my hand." Praise God! The sovereign God was holding her hand!

He will hold yours too!

All Scriptures were taken from the New International Version unless noted otherwise.

BSB Berean Standard Bible