Go! And Acknowledge God's Sovereignty Series

Go! And Acknowledge God's Sovereignty

Introduction

Today, we dive into a profound and challenging truth captured by David Platt's powerful words: "The most offensive claim in Christianity is that God is the Creator, Owner, and Judge of every person on the planet." These words confront us with the reality of God's sovereignty over all creation and the implications of that sovereignty for our lives.

In this sermon, we will explore three key aspects of God’s sovereignty: God as Creator, God as Owner, and God as Judge. Each point will draw us into the depth of Scripture, using 1 Corinthians 10:13 as our foundation and supported by other passages. Let us allow the Word of God to shape our understanding and response to His lordship over all.

1. God as Creator

Let us begin with God as Creator. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding the entirety of Scripture and our existence.

The Hebrew word for "created" in this verse is bara, which denotes an act of creation that only God can perform—bringing something into existence out of nothing. This underscores God’s unparalleled power and authority over all things.

Psalm 139:13-14 elaborates on the personal nature of God’s creative work: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it."

Here, the psalmist praises God’s intricate involvement in creating each of us. The word "knit" conveys care and intentionality, reminding us that we are not random accidents but masterpieces of a divine Creator.

If God is the Creator, then our lives are not our own to define or direct. Recognising God as Creator calls us to worship Him for His greatness and to steward our lives in alignment with His purposes.

As John Piper writes, "God created us for His glory. If we try to find our ultimate purpose anywhere other than Him, we will always come up empty."

2. God as Owner

Our next focus is on God as Owner. Psalm 24:1 states, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him."

The Hebrew word for "belong" (melo) indicates possession and authority. This verse reminds us that everything—from the vastness of the cosmos to the details of our lives—is under God’s ownership.

In Deuteronomy 10:14, we read, "Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God." God’s ownership extends beyond material possessions to include our very being.

Recognising God as Owner transforms how we view our resources, time, and talents. Everything we have is on loan from God, entrusted to us for His glory. Are we using what He has given us in ways that honour Him?

David Platt reminds us, "Our possessions, our time, our very lives are not ours to cling to. They are God’s, and we are stewards."

3. God as Judge

Finally, let us consider God as Judge. Acts 17:31 says, "For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."

The Greek word for "justice" (dikaiosune) conveys righteousness and fairness. God’s judgment is not arbitrary but rooted in His perfect character. He judges the world through Jesus Christ, whose resurrection affirms His authority.

Hebrews 9:27 adds, "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment." This verse reminds us of the certainty and universality of God’s judgment.

Understanding God as Judge should lead us to live in reverence and humility. For believers, it is a call to rest in the righteousness of Christ. For those who do not yet know Him, it is an urgent invitation to repentance and faith.

Tim Keller writes, "If Jesus is the Judge, then His judgment is not only perfectly fair but also perfectly loving."

Imagine standing before an ocean with a teaspoon, attempting to scoop it all out. This futile image mirrors our attempts to atone for our sins or control our lives apart from God. As Rob Turner says, "Trying to atone for your sin is like scooping out the ocean with a teaspoon. Which do you want to hear? ‘Get to work’ or ‘it’s already done’?"

The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus has already done the work. On the cross, He bore our sins, and through His resurrection, He offers us life. This truth is at the heart of communion, where we remember His sacrifice and proclaim His victory.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Today, as we reflect on God as Creator, Owner, and Judge, let us respond with surrender and gratitude. Embrace Him as the Creator who designed you, the Owner who sustains you, and the Judge who redeemed you through Christ.