The Sovereignity Of God In The Affairs Of Men

THE SOVEREIGNITY OF GOD IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN : PROVERBS 16:33

OUTLINE

1.PROMOTION

2.PLAN OF GOD

3.PROPHECY

4.PRIDE OF MAN

5.PROMISE OF GOD

6.POWER OF GOD

7.PRAISE UNTO GOD

THE MESSAGE

THE SOVEREIGNITY OF GOD IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN

1.PROMOTION

Psalms 75:6-7 Isaiah 51:2

The sovereignity of God is revealed in the promotion of man.God lifts up one and puts down another.We must look to Him for our promotion.He chose ordinary people like Abraham and David and made them into great men.Inspite of all human efforts the sovereignity of God is involved in the promotion of man.

2.PLAN OF GOD

Acts 4:27-28

The sovereignity of God is revealed in enforcing His plan . We can see clearly that King Herod and Pilate and all the priests could only fulfill the plan of God in the life of Jesus. All their plots and plans against Jesus could only succeed in fulfilling what God had predetermined. Thus when our life is committed to God even the best strategies formed against us will only fulfill the sovereign plan of God for our life.

3.PROPHECY

Luke 2:1-4 Micah 5:2

The sovereignity of God is revealed in fulfilling His prophecies against all odds. According to the prophecy of Micah the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.However Joseph and Mary were in Nazareth with Mary about to give birth to the Messiah .At that time there came a decree from Caesar Augustus that everyone should go to their native place to be taxed.This resulted in Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem where Jesus was born thus fufilling the prophecy of Micah. Thus the sovereignity of God is seen even in the decrees of Human Governments to fulfill His Word.Let us trust God to fulfill His promises to us even if it requires supernatural intervention.

4.PRIDE OF MAN

Daniel 4:29-35 Acts 12:21-23

The sovereignity of God is revealed in crushing the pride of man when he forgets that God is on the throne.King Nebuchadnezzar learnt a bitter lesson when he forgot that God is the sovereign authority over Human Governments.He lost his kingdom and glory until he realised that God rules over the nations.King Herod lost his life when he failed to give God the glory.Thus the pride of man is crushed when he fails to recognize the sovereignity of God.

5.PROMISE OF GOD

Genesis 15:13-16 Exodus 1:9-12

The sovereignity of God is revealed in fulfilling His promises.God promised Abraham that his descendants would be in bondage in a strange land for a period but would come out with great substance. The brothers of Joseph sold him as a slave to Egypt which ultimately caused the people of Israel to live in Egypt.Joseph realising the purpose of God told his brothers ’it was not you who sent me to Egypt but God’.The sovereignity of God is seen in the life of Joseph to fulfill His promises.The Egyptians feared the progress of the Israelites and oppressed them but it only caused them to multiply and increase. Let us recognize the sovereignity of God in our lives in fulfilling His promises.

6.POWER OF GOD

Job 42:2

The sovereignity of God is revealed through His power to fulfill His purposes.Job learnt at the end of his period of suffering that the Sovereign God is all powerful and none could stop what He wants to do. There were many confusing and conflicting arguments and explanations given by people during the suffering of Job.But finally he learnt and understood the fundamental secret of the sovereignity of God in his life.Let us understand the power of God to fulfill His sovereign will in our lives.

7.PRAISE UNTO GOD

Psalm 46:10

The sovereignity of God is revealed in His intervention in the affairs of men for His praise and glory.He can cause even difficult situations to bring glory and praise unto Him.When Lazarus was sick Jesus said that it was for the glory of God.However it appeared impossible when Lazarus died.But Jesus raised him from the dead which brought great glory to God. The sovereignity of God can cause even impossible and difficult situations to bring glory and praise unto Him.God wants us to be still and know that He is the Sovereign God.He will be exalted in our life even through difficult situations.