Theology Proper - Who is God?                                                         Lesson 20

 

g. Sovereignty of God

1.     Definition: God is the one supreme ruler of the entire universe.

 

 

      - The concept of Sovereignty flows out of rulership, dominion There is not a word for sovereignty as such; derived; rightly so.

 

     Psa. 103:19 "and His sovereignty rules over all"

        - sovereignty = tWkl.m  kingdom, sphere of ruler ship

        - rules = lv;m rules, has dominion          

      a. From Ps 103:19 we see the existence of God's kingdom and its extent

   That the Lord has established !WK  shows 2 things:

  #1 - His rule is unique from any other authority,  Why??

 

             ** God's throne, His rulership, is not dependent on anyone outside Himself.

             ** It comes from His self-existence.

             ** Stands in total contrast with that of a human/earthly king clearly dependent on someone outside of himself for his rule and authority.  Ezra 1:2 [Rem: Cyrus was an unbeliever]

             ** Man always gets his rule and authority outside of himself.

                Where does God derive His Sov/rulership from??

                Who gave it to Him??  NO ONE!!

             ** It is derived from Himself and is eternally maintained by Himself.

 

  #2. The 2nd thing that "the Lord has established" tells us is that God's throne is permanent.

 

      b. Ps 103:19 also tells us the extent of God's rule.

 

 

        God's kingdom is so vast it is beyond our comprehension.

  The last phrase says that He rules over ALL.

 

   2. There is in scripture a description of Sovereignty in two ways.

      #1 - by means of certain titles or phrases

           a. Heb. 6:13 -  no one greater

           b. 1 Chr. 29:11-12 - head over all (rule over all)

           c. Dan 4:2-3 - Most High God (one of His names)

           d. Ps 24:10 - King of glory

           e. 1 Tim 6:15 King of Kings - the one supreme king

 

 

 

      #2. Two Basic illustrations [Remember anthropomorphisms]

          His power = arm/hand;   OmSc = eyes

          - to illustrate Sov is by the throne, Ps 103:19

          - Sometimes His name is even omitted and we see the heavens are called sovereign. Dan 4:24 cf. 4:26

 

   3. The extent of God's Sovereignty; How far does it reach?

      - we'll look at 5 spheres!

 

      a. Over man - 1 Sam 2:6-8

        

         1 Cor 4:7

 

      b. Over nations - Isa 40:15

 

 

              - Look at Hab. 1:5

 

- It took divine permission for Satan to be able touch Job.

 

- 2 Cor 12:7  

     

       ** - God controls the limits of Satan's power and authority.

          Remember 1 John 4:4

 

      d. Over History - Ps 115:1-3

 

         - also Ps 135:5-12

     

      e. God is sovereign over SinGen. 45:5-8  [sin committed against you]

 

 

         - it was the result of the sin of jealousy.  Acts 7:9

 

 

         - Also Acts 4:26-28  [quote of Messianic Psalm 2]

 

           In the very act of crucifying Him what were they doing?

           They were carrying out the            of God!