A Sovereign and Personal God

Transcript

Eternal Priorities in Prayer
“A Sovereign and Personal God”
Nancy Butterfield ~~~~ April 3, 2018


1. False Arguments
Ephesians 1:11 “…the purpose of him who works all things according…”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility in relationship to our prayer life

2. Two Firm Truths
a. God is Absolutely Sovereign
b. Human beings are responsible creatures

Martin Luther ~~ “Your thoughts of God are too human.” ~~

God is Totally Sovereign
Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of…
Isaiah 46:10 “…My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all…
Proverbs 16:33, 4, 9 “…every decision is from the Lord.”
Psalm 115:2, 3 “…But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”

Examples of God’s Sovereignty:
The care of the birds – Matthew 6:26
Man’s steps – Jeremiah 10:23
The wildflowers – Matthew 6:30
All events – Ephesians 1:3-14
God is Sovereign over:
Unintentional manslaughter – Exodus 21:13
Family misfortune – Ruth 1:13
National disaster – Isaiah 45:6-7
Personal grief – Lamentations 3:32-33, 37, 38
Even sin – 2 Samuel 24:1

We are accountable for our actions – Human Responsibility
Joshua 24:14-15 “…choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…”
Romans 10:9, 11 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe

Clearing the Fog

1. Genesis 50:19-20
2. 2 Samuel 24
3. Isaiah 10:5-19
4. John 6:37-40
5. Philippians 2:12-13
6. Acts 18:9-10
7. Acts 4:23-30

“Divine Sovereignty and human responsibility is one of those mysteries of God. Sometimes it is more important to worship such a God than to understand Him.”
D. A. Carson

How did the Saints live in light of these two truths?
Daniel 9:2-4

Two possible diagrams

God’s Sovereignty Man’s Responsibility




God’s Sovereignty Man’s Responsibility



Paradox and mystery are a part of Scripture

Psalm 145:17 “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds!”