August 4, 2002 Northwest Bible Church
Rom. 1:10
The Sovereignty of God
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INTRO
The sovereignty of God is one of the most important teachings of the Bible. To say that God is sovereign means basically two things: God has supreme authority and control over His creation.
Sadly, however, few understand the sovereignty of God today in its glorious biblical form. The God of our age is a helpless, effeminate being who exerts only a marginal influence in His world. Though many make mention of the "sovereignty of God," it has become like the Athenian altar to the UNKNOWN GOD for they do not understand its true meaning.
If the church is ever to regain its holy reverence of God we must regain our vision of a sovereign God.
In Rom. 1:10, Paul gives a clear testimony to His conviction of the sovereignty of God.
I. SOVEREIGNTY DEMONSTRATED (v. 10).
A. The "if" of submission to sovereignty.
"If" introduces a conditional statement. In other words, Paul knew that he would never successfully go to Rome until it was God’s will for him to go to Rome. The "if" reflects his submissive attitude toward the sovereign will of God, his willingness to acknowledge and yield to God’s will. We can call this "if" the condition of submission.
Why should we put a condition of submission in our plans and prayers? Because of . . .
B. The annulling power of sovereignty.
Paul longed deeply to see them for a long time, and often his plans were prevented from coming to pass (1:13; 15:22). God has the right to annul our plans when they come up against His plan for our life.
How were his past plans prevented? See Acts 16:6-7; 1 Thess. 2:18.
II. SOVEREIGNTY DEFENDED - more "Lord willing" verses.
Luke 22:42 saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done."
Acts 18:21 but taking leave of them and saying, "I will return to you again if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus.
1Cor. 4:19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills,
1Cor. 16:7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
2Tim. 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
BUT THIS IS NOT JUST PAUL’S THEOLOGY, IT IS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE N.T.
Heb. 6:3 (talks about leaving elementary things and pressing on to maturity) And this we shall do, if God permits.
James 4:15 Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." In v. 16, James says that those who make confident plans without subjecting them to God’s will are guilty of boasting in arrogance which is evil.
1Pet. 3:17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
Psa. 33:10 The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
Psa. 33:11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Prov. 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Prov. 19:21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.
Is. 14:24 The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, "Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,
Is. 14:27 "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?"
III. SOVEREIGNTY’S DESIGN
Why is the glorious truth given us in the Scriptures? The answer is twofold: to reveal the glory of God, and to be a blessing to God’s people.
A. Comfort when your plans are frustrated.
B. Contentment in trusting God.
C. Constant communion with God.
Do you know the experiential blessings of this truth?
CONCLUSION
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