Thinking Christian: A Counter-Culture WorldviewSample

GOD is SOVEREIGN

For the next five days, we’ll allow God’s character to challenge our thinking about some of the biggest cultural issues of our day. By placing God at the center of the conversation, we’ll be able to think “Christianly” and engage these issues with wisdom, truth, and grace.

For some, the idea of “sovereign” brings to mind a crown, throne, and scepter. All the trappings of a king or queen. But isn’t the idea of monarchy a little outdated except for those nostalgic few among us?

When the Bible describes God as SOVEREIGN, it is describing him as having ultimate authority and dominion over all of creation. Because He is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (all-present), there is nothing outside of his knowledge and control. There is no limit to His rule and reign.

Paul provides us with two rich descriptions of God’s sovereignty:

1- In the beautiful confession of Christ in his letter to the Colossians, Paul reminds us that God’s sovereignty belongs to the Son as well, and in His sovereignty, He has provided a way for our salvation (Colossians 1:15-20).

2- In Paul’s admonition to Timothy to be content and avoid the love of money, he charges Timothy to remember God’s sovereignty and pursue righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:8-17).

Ask Yourself:

-What do Paul’s words in Colossians 1 and 1 Timothy 6 teach you about the sovereignty of God?

-Consider the questions we asked yesterday. If someone asked you one of these questions, how would your understanding of God’s sovereignty help you respond?

What is the standard for life?

What is the purpose of life?

What big problem does the world face?

What is evil?

Where do I find salvation?

How do I achieve a breakthrough?

How should I live?

-To claim that Jesus is the “Lord” of your life means that you place yourself under his sovereignty. What does that look like for you right now? In what areas do you struggle to let go of your own control?

Pause to Pray:

Let the words of Psalm 103 lead you into prayer and praise of God who is Sovereign.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all… Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul. Psalm 103:19, 22 NIV

Take a Next Step:

In the next 24 hours, set a timer for 5 minutes to pause and meditate on Colossians 1:15-20.