God’s Sovereignty

This is the final attribute we will study and bringing in all of God’s other attributes helps us understand His rule.  
The word "sovereign" comes from Latin meaning “super” or “over” or “top” reign. This means that the one who is sovereign has the last word and his reign overrules all others.

God’s rule also reflects His other characteristics.
So, His reign is gracious, merciful, loving, just, eternal, patient, unchanging, good and Triune, which points to His giving and personal nature.
The immediate question is how is this rule possible in the world as we see it?  This study should help answer this question by looking at three areas:

• The characteristics of God’s sovereignty

• The intersection of His sovereignty with man’s free will

• How should God’s sovereignty affect our lives

The characteristics of God’s sovereignty

“LORD” comes from the words “I AM”, which points to God’s self-existence and self-rule.  
No other independent ruler is possible.  “LORD" carries the idea of the sovereign one.

God is no tyrant, seeking His selfish ways, but His rule is wonderfully pleasing and beautiful.

Ps 48:1-3 mentions a city of God that is perfectly situated and the joy of the whole earth. God is present and is a refuge. His uses His reign to benefit others.
The phrase, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” has no relation to God. His rule is exquisite, perfect, and gorgeous.

Isaiah is a book that deals much with God’s sovereignty in times of national chaos. It is a great study of God’s rule.

Is 45:20-25 is a call to the nations to join themselves to the Lord.  Idols, everything we place above God for meaning and purpose in our lives, actually dehumanize us. We become less. God is the only ruler and none could be better.  
The universal offer is available to all. Everyone will bow before the Lord but we can do it willingly now or in anger later and perish as a result.

Phil 2:6-11 is the fulfillment of the Isaiah passage. Jesus shows how He gave up the privileges of His sovereignty to be beaten and crucified so all could turn to Him and be saved.
God showed His beauty and mercy to provide His Son to pay the debt of our sin so we could enjoy His perfect rule.  

The intersection of His sovereignty with man’s free will

The problem now is a revolt that is happening, inspired by Satan, and men are willing participants.  
God gave man free will and this involved the possibility of his abusing it to act against God. But God still rules.

Acts 4:24-28 is a prayer after Peter and John were threatened by the Jewish leaders. Many were in rebellion against God but their sinful actions were used by God to bring about His purpose.

Genesis 50:19-20 is Joseph’s statement to his brothers that earlier sold him into slavery into Egypt because of their jealousy.  They meant it for evil but God meant it for good to help the nation of Israel survive and not die off.

We don’t understand how God can accomplish His purposes even through sinful actions since we are not eternal, all-knowing, and all-powerful but God has called us to trust that He is working.

How should God’s sovereignty affect our lives

People are in two categories: those willingly under His rule by having trusted in His Son and those unwilling to submit to Him.  The unwilling ones are called to repent and come under His rule now.  The willing ones are called to trust His rule and not be afraid.

Luke 13:1-5 Jesus details situations of abuse and natural disasters to point out that the subsequent deaths point to an ultimate death that is coming to people unless they repent. Even these bad events have a worthy purpose.

Acts 2:23, 36-37, 38 Peter addresses the crowd that helped bring about Jesus’ crucifixion. They were guilty but they fulfilled God’s plan. Now they are called to repent and receive Jesus Christ so they can be made new citizens and children of God. The amazing love of God offers this to make rebels into sons.

Is 41:10 God tells His people to not fear or be anxious because He is with them. An improving situation is not their hope but His presence that is decisive.

Mark 4:35-38; Matthew 8:25-26; Mark 4:39-41 show how Jesus worked in a terrible storm in the lives of the disciples.  He said they were going to the other side of the lake. Then He fell asleep and a fierce storm hit them all. The boat was about to sink and they woke Jesus in a panic.  
He asked why they were afraid and unbelieving. Then He calmed the storm, wind, and waves. He asked the same questions again. He ruled over all things and because He was with them, they were safe, even in the worst of circumstances.  

Like us in our storms, we need to focus on the Lord and not on the situations we are in. God is not limited by what we think will or could happen.  We pray and ask the Lord to help us have a right perspective and fight fear with the truth of His sovereignty.  

A final assignment is to read Psalm 23. It helps us see God’s wonderful rule and provision, even in the hardest times and even when we have enemies.