The Sovereignty of God
A.W. Pink's sermon emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the sovereignty of God in Christian faith and theology.
A.W. Pink emphasizes the sovereignty of God as a foundational truth that has been neglected in contemporary discourse. He explains that God's sovereignty signifies His supremacy, kingship, and ultimate authority over all creation, asserting that He acts according to His will without opposition. Pink laments the loss of understanding regarding this doctrine, which is essential for interpreting history and providence, and for strengthening Christian faith. He highlights that acknowledging God's sovereignty is crucial for recognizing His power and governance over nations and kingdoms. Ultimately, Pink calls believers to reclaim this vital truth that defines the nature of God as the Almighty.
Text
The sovereignty of God is an expression that once was generally understood. It was a phrase commonly used in religious literature. It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought comfort to many hearts and gave virility and stability to Christian character. But today, to make mention of God's sovereignty is, in many quarters, to speak in an unknown tongue. Were we to announce from the average pulpit that the subject of our discourse would be the sovereignty of God, it would sound very much as though we had borrowed a phrase from one of the dead languages. Alas! that it should be so.
Alas! that the doctrine which is the key to history, the interpreter of providence, the warp and woof of scripture, and the foundation of Christian theology should be so sadly neglected and so little understood.
The "Sovereignty of God." What do we mean by this expression? We mean the SUPREMACY of God, the KINGSHIP of God, the GODHOOD of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that GOD IS GOD!
To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, "doing according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35), To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the possessor of all power in heaven and earth so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, nor resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is "the governor among the nations" (Psa. 22:28), setting, up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleases Him best. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the "only potentate, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords" (I Tim. 6:15).
Such is the God of the Bible.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Definition of Sovereignty - Historical Understanding - Contemporary Neglect
- II points: - Supremacy of God - Kingship of God - Godhood of God
- III points: - God's Will and Power - God's Governance - Divine Purpose
- IV points: - Sovereignty in Scripture - Sovereignty in History - Sovereignty in Providence
Key Quotes
“To say that God is sovereign is to declare that GOD IS GOD!” — A.W. Pink
“To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the possessor of all power in heaven and earth.” — A.W. Pink
“Such is the God of the Bible.” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Reflect on God's sovereignty to find peace in uncertain times.
- Study scripture to deepen your understanding of God's governance over history.
- Share the truth of God's sovereignty with others to encourage their faith.