To emphasize God's sovereignty, the cunning of the Pharisees, and our responsibility to honor God in all we do.
Good morning, beloved congregation. Today, we delve into the fascinating passage of Matthew 22:15-22. This scripture is one where Jesus brilliantly fends off the cunning attempts of the Pharisees to trap Him. It's a passage that speaks volumes regarding God's Sovereignty, the debate of the Pharisees, and our responsibility to God.
Before we dive in, let's consider a quote from the renowned Christian author, A.W. Tozer. He once said, "The most important thing about a man is not what he does, but what he becomes in relation to God." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates our discussion today, reminding us of our primary duty to honor God in all we do.
When we speak of God's sovereignty, we are acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of all power and authority, and that His will is the final cause of all things. This is not a passive or distant sovereignty, but an active, engaged authority that is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives.
A. In the passage from Matthew, Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about paying taxes to Caesar is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty. By asking for the coin and inquiring about whose image and inscription it bore, Jesus was not only pointing out the obvious - that the coin belonged to Caesar because it bore his image - but also making a much deeper point. The Pharisees, like all of us, were made in the image of God. Therefore, just as the coin belonged to Caesar, they - and we - belong to God. This is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation, including each one of us.
B. Moreover, Jesus' response also underscores the fact that God's sovereignty is not threatened or diminished by human authority. Caesar had his realm of authority, but it was limited and ultimately subordinate to God's authority. Jesus was not advocating for a withdrawal from the world or a rejection of human authority, but rather a recognition of the ultimate authority of God. This is an important reminder for us today, as we navigate a world filled with competing claims of authority.
C. God's sovereignty also implies His absolute freedom. God is not bound by the limitations that constrain us. He is free to act as He pleases, and His actions are always consistent with His nature, which is perfectly good, wise, and loving. This is a comforting truth, because it assures us that God is not capricious or arbitrary, but acts according to His perfect wisdom and love.
D. The sovereignty of God also means that He is in control of everything that happens. Nothing can happen without His permission or outside of His will. This doesn't mean that everything that happens is God's perfect will, but it does mean that nothing can thwart His ultimate purposes. Even when we don't understand why certain things happen, we can trust that God is in control and that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him.
E. Finally, God's sovereignty is a call to surrender and trust. If God is truly sovereign, then the most appropriate response is to surrender our lives to Him and trust Him with everything. This is not a passive resignation, but an active trust that seeks to align our will with His and to live in a way that honors Him.
The Pharisees' debate in this passage is a fascinating study in human nature and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their power and control ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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