If you were to look up the word “sovereign” in the dictionary, you would find words and phrases like “superior,” “greatest,” “supreme in power and authority,” “ruler,” and “independent of all others” in its definition. But the way I like to explain God’s sovereignty best is simply to say, “God is in control.”
There is absolutely nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of God’s influence and authority. As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations. Consider just a few of the claims the Bible makes about God:
That’s what being sovereign means. It means being the ultimate source of all power, authority, and everything that exists. Only God can make those claims; therefore, it’s God’s sovereignty that makes Him superior to all other gods and makes Him, and Him alone, worthy of worship.
1. God’s Sovereignty calls for our submission. God’s sovereignty compels us to bow before Him, not out of fear of punishment, but because of His love for us. Romans 8:28 shows that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
2. God’s Sovereignty provides us with comfort. Knowing that nothing happens without God’s decree or allowance brings comfort, even in hardship, as God is in control of all circumstances.
3. God’s Sovereignty inspires us to worship Him. Because God is perfectly good and sovereign, He is worthy of worship. His greatness, provision, and guidance compel us to praise Him (Psalm 145:3).
Watch Kay Arthur explain this complex question about how God in His sovereignty brings both prosperity and disaster.
“My husband and I have been through trials we never thought we’d go through. But we can walk in peace because we know that God is sovereign. And this God that sits on the throne, that creates good, that creates adversity; He is love.”
Verses that Arthur references in her video: Isaiah 45:1-7, Amos 3:6-7, Daniel 4:35, 1 John 4:7-10
Some may feel that if God is in control, there’s no need to pray. However, the Bible specifically calls us to pray and assures us that God hears and responds to prayers according to His will.
God’s sovereignty is not limited. Scripture teaches that nothing happens apart from His will, even small details like the fall of a sparrow (Matthew 10:29).
John Piper explains that when we surrender the sovereignty of God to avoid discomfort with calamity, we also lose the very source of strength that helps us endure trials. God’s sovereignty is the foundation of our hope in difficult circumstances.
- excerpt provided by John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
One of the most discussed topics in theology is the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human free will. If God controls everything, how can humans have free will? The Bible affirms both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. God, in His infinite wisdom, ordains all things without negating human choice.
For example, in Acts 2:23, Peter speaks of Jesus’ crucifixion as both God’s plan and an act carried out by wicked men. This illustrates that God’s sovereign will operates alongside human decisions, ultimately accomplishing His purposes without infringing on human agency.
Understanding this balance gives us peace and humility, knowing that while we make real choices, God’s plans will always prevail for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Answer taken from Why do You Worship God? written and used by Chip Ingram (c) 2004.
Photo Credit: Thinkstock/ArtyFree