Understanding God - 6

In continuation of our focus on "Understanding God", we are starting a sub-series on "The Sovereignty of God". It is impossible for man to identify his responsibility when He does not know where God stands. We intend to sow the seeds that will set on on a course of discovery. May God grant us understanding in Jesus Name. Amen.

The Sovereignty of God 1
In general terms, the word ‘‘sovereign" refers to (a) authority to rule and reign, (b) one who has such authority and (c) territories that have exclusive rights of self determination. In specific terms, we serve a sovereign God, One who is described as "the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto: Whom no man hath seen…" (see 1 Tim. 6:13-16).

In exploring the above passage, we need to resolve a seeming contradiction. On the one hand, the passage teaches that there is one Potentate (or Ruler, or Sovereign) while, on the other hand, it teaches that God is a King over other kings and a Lord over other Lords. In resolving this, we must recognise that all authority to rule resides in God, and yet He delegates a measure of the same authority to men, giving them a mandate to rule on His behalf. The implication is that no king has absolute authority. This is confirmed by Romans 11:36: ‘‘For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
Thus we confirm that God is sufficient in all things. He is the Source of all things, the Sustainer of all things and the End of all things. Everything begins in Him, everything is held together by Him and everything exists for His glory (see Gen. 1:1-3, Jn. 1:1-3, Heb. 1:1-3, Col. 1:16, 2 Pet. 3:7, Rev. 4:11, Eph. 1:11).

This leads us to consider the basis of God’s sovereignty. In general terms, men become rulers by (a) inheritance, (b) conquest or military might (c) some form of voting or election. These factors may be relevant in the world of men, but not so with God.
What then is the basis of God’s sovereignty?

Basis of Sovereignty
The following factors make up the collective basis for Gods sovereignty:
(a) He is the Most High (Acts 7:48, Gen. 14:18, Heb.6:13). The implication is that He is exalted over all beings (animals, men, angels) and all things (the earth, the sun, the moon and stars, including the Heavens). He needs not submit to any other authority, for there is none higher than Him; neither is there any that is equal to Him.

(b) He is the Creator of the universe (Gen. 1:1, Jn.1:1-3, Col. 1:16, Rev. 4:11). This includes the Heavens, the earth, animals, men and angels, all created for His for His pleasure. Certainly, He has a -right to rule over the works of His hands.

(c) He is the Possessor of Heaven and Earth (Gen.14:19 & 22, Psa. 24:1, Isa. 66:1). We must not mix up the words ‘‘Creator" and ‘‘Possessor." The maker of a thing does not always retain ownership or possession of his product. But in relation to the universe, God has retained ownership, choosing (however) to delegate to man the authority to administer the earth.

(d) He is the Sustainer of all things (Rom. 11:36,Heb. 1:3, 2 Pet. 3:7, Mt. 10:29, Ac. 14:15-17, 1 Pet.1:5). This includes Heaven, Earth, angels, men and animals.

(e) He is the judge of all (2 Pet. 2:4, Rev. 20:10-15, 2 Cor. 5:10, 2 Tim. 4:1). This includes believers, unbelievers, angels, Satan and evil spirits. This prepares us to consider the extent of God's sovereignty.