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god’s sovereignty (Dan. 4:34-35; Rom. 8:28)
The sovereignty of God simply means the governance of God
(Ps. 135:5-6; Job 12:9-10). The sovereignty of God refers to
God working all things according to the counsel of His own
will (Eph. 1:11). The doctrine of God’s sovereignty is not
just a theological concept. There is a real practical side
to it. The practical side is – How would you respond?
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN believer’s life
Daniel Chapter 4 is a record of the life of Nebuchadnezzar,
the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, which was a
warning for him to recognise the sovereignty of God over him
(Dan. 4:25).
For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lived and behaved
like a beast. Then Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes toward
heaven, and his understanding returned to him.
Nebuchadnezzar lived like an animal. Before he became an
animal, he was a king. But even when he was a king, he was
an animal because he did not recognise the sovereignty of
God.
Nebuchadnezzar finally understood his position in
relation to God, and he worshipped God.
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Are you living to your whims and fancies?
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Are you living in the reality of God’s sovereignty?
God’s sovereignty in believer’s sufferings
We think of
the sovereignty of God mostly in terms of salvation and
election (Eph. 1:4-5; 2 Tim. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 2:13). However,
the sovereignty of God is also seen God’s control over our
lives (Matt. 10:29-30; Rom. 8:28).
Life is difficult because of the
bondage of corruption of sin (Rom 8:21). Sin has a
debilitating effect on us. The whole creation groaneth and
travaileth in pain. But there is encouragement for the
believer. However, there is deliverance (Rom. 8:18); there
is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27);
and there is assurance (Rom. 8:28). This assurance is based
on three things.
A. Truth – “We know…”
There are many things in life that we do not know – the day
of our death (Gen. 27:2); the hour of our Lord’s return
(Mark 13:33); tomorrow (James 4:14). But we know (knowledge
that comes by experience) that “know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28)
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Believe what you know.
B. Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness – “…All things…”
“All things” refer to all acts of God. There is a tendency
for man to be consumed by his own situation and forgets that
there a world out there. The Almighty pulls all the events
together to give us a complete story.
+ Remember the acts of God’s faithfulness, and have an
eternal perspective on life.
C. God is Control – “…Together…”
God is in control. God can work out all things for good only
if He is sovereign.
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God’s purpose is for our good. “For I know the thoughts that
I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and
not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11) |
