Chapter CONTEXT MHCC: God, by the prophet here, designing shortly to deliver them out of their captivity, prepared them for that deliverance by possessing them with a detestation of idols and with a believing confidence in God, even their own God. I. Let them not be afraid of the idols of Babylon, as if they could in any way obstruct their deliverance, for they should be defaced (v. 1, 2); but let them trust in that God who had often delivered them to do it still, to do it now (v. 3, 4). II. Let them not think to make idols of their own, images of the God of Israel, by them to worship him, as the Babylonians worship their gods (v. 5-7). Let them not be so sottish (v. 8), but have an eye to God in his word, not in an image; let them depend upon that, and upon the promises and predictions of it, and God’s power to accomplish them all (v. 9-11). And let them know that the unbelief of man shall not make the word of God of no effect (v. 12, 13).
The past few days we have written about Pride, humility and I think today’s subject ties right in. In fact in our June 17th devotional we quoted Voddie Baucham who said; “The Gospel is not about how special you are. It’s about how sovereign God is.” We too, have repeatedly stated the same sentiment on this site, it is not about you or me it is always about God. The only way one can accept this concept is to put away ones pride and humble ourselves before the Sovereign God of the universe.
[God’s sovereignty] simply refers to the fact that all things are under His rule and control, and that nothing happens in this Universe without His direction or permission. He is a God Who works, not just some things, but all things after the counsel of His own will (see Eph. 1:11). God’s purpose is all- inclusive and is never thwarted (see Isa. 46:11). Nothing Takes Him by Surprise
“God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established” — Westminster Confession of Faith, 3.1.
- God is sovereign over the entire universe: Ps 103:19; Rom 8:28; Eph 1:11
- God is sovereign over all of nature: Ps 135:6-7; Mt 5:45; 6:25-30
- God is sovereign over angels & Satan: Ps 103:20-21; Job 1:12
- God is sovereign over nations: Ps 47:7-9; Dan 2:20-21; 4:34-35
- God is sovereign over human beings: 1 Sam 2:6-7; Gal 1:15-16
- God is sovereign over animals: Ps 104:21-30; 1 Ki 17:4-6
- God is sovereign over “accidents”: Pr 16:33; Jon 1:7; Mt 10:29
- God is sovereign over free acts of men: Ex 3:21; 12:25-36; Ez 7:27
- God is sovereign over sinful acts of men and Satan: 2 Sam 24:1; 1 Chr 21:1; Gen 45:5; 50:20
Here are some resources to help in better understanding the Sovereignty of God.
The Comfort of God’s Sovereignty Web Page by Rev David P Murray
Of the Will of God, and the Sovereignty of it Web Page by John Gill
The Sovereignty of God (Series) Web Page by John Piper
Sin Didn’t Kill Jesus—God Did Web Page by Dr. John MacArthur
The Sovereignty of God (eBook)Web Page by A W Pink
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 