Embracing God's Sovereignty: Surrendering Control to Christ
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound themes of control, sovereignty, and the essence of the gospel, drawing from the rich narratives of Scripture and our contemporary experiences. We began by delving into the historical context of the nation of Israel, tracing its lineage from Abraham through the kings Saul, David, and Solomon, and the eventual split into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This historical backdrop set the stage for a deeper understanding of God's sovereign hand throughout biblical history, particularly through the prophets like Isaiah who admonished the people to repentance.
I emphasized the importance of understanding God's sovereignty, especially in the face of challenges and the human tendency towards control. Reflecting on Isaiah 14, I discussed the downfall of the king of Babylon, a symbol of ultimate power and control, who attempted to elevate himself above God. This narrative served as a caution against the illusion of control and the pride that often accompanies it.
Transitioning from the historical to the personal, I shared insights into our daily struggles with control, from managing life's uncertainties to handling personal relationships and responsibilities. I stressed that these challenges are not just about external control but are deeply tied to our internal spiritual state and our trust in God's sovereignty.
The sermon then connected these themes to the gospel message, highlighting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I recounted the lineage and prophecies that pointed to Christ, emphasizing that the gospel is not just good news but a transformative power that offers redemption and a new way of living under God's sovereign rule.
In conclusion, I addressed the practical implications of these truths for our personal lives and our community at the Grove Church. I encouraged embracing a posture of surrender and trust in God, moving away from the need to control, and opening ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding God's Sovereignty in History
The biblical narrative, from Abraham to the kings of Israel, teaches us about God's intricate involvement in human affairs. This historical perspective is not just for knowledge but for understanding how God's sovereignty works in cycles of human obedience and disobedience. It challenges us to see our lives and global events in light of God's overarching plan. [44:52]
2. The Illusion of Control
The story of the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14 serves as a stark reminder of the futility and danger of human attempts to usurp divine sovereignty. This historical example parallels our contemporary struggles with control, urging us to reflect on whom we truly trust and depend upon in our daily lives. [47:52]
3. The Gospel as the Center of History
The gospel is the climax of God's redemptive plan, woven through the tapestry of history. Understanding the gospel involves more than acknowledging historical facts; it requires a personal recognition and acceptance of Jesus Christ's sacrificial role for our redemption. This understanding transforms our approach to life and faith. [59:59]
4. Personal Surrender to God's Will
In recognizing God's sovereignty and the truth of the gospel, we are called to a life of surrender. This means letting go of our illusions of control and trusting in God's perfect purposes, even when they transcend our understanding or desires. This surrender is a daily, moment-by-moment choice that shapes our spiritual maturity. [01:04:15]
5. Implications for Church Life and Witness
As a church, understanding and living out these truths is crucial not only for our internal health but also for our witness to the world. Our response to God's sovereignty and the gospel should be evident in how we conduct ourselves as a community, how we welcome others, and how we prioritize the mission over our preferences or comforts. [40:04]
### Chapters
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 0:34:45 - Introduction to the Series "Not It"
- 0:37:20 - Discussing Church Growth and Changes
- 0:40:36 - The Importance of Flexibility in Church Life
- 0:42:03 - Historical Context of Israel's Kings
- 0:44:52 - Prophetic Warnings and Calls for Repentance
- 0:47:07 - Exploring the Theme of Control
- 0:50:33 - Isaiah's Prophecy Against the King of Babylon
- 0:58:22 - Discussing God's Sovereignty
- 0:59:59 - What is the Gospel?
- 1:01:07 - The Story of Jesus' Birth and Mission
- 1:03:40 - Choosing Trust Over Control
- 1:06:06 - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 14:4-15 - The prophecy against the king of Babylon and the illusion of control.
2. Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
3. Deuteronomy 4:6-7 - The wisdom and understanding that comes from following God's decrees.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 14:4-15 reveal about the king of Babylon's attitude and actions? How does this relate to the theme of control? [45:39]
2. According to Isaiah 55:8-9, how are God's thoughts and ways different from ours? What comfort can we find in this? [54:28]
3. In Deuteronomy 4:6-7, what is the result of observing God's decrees carefully? How does this impact the perception of the surrounding nations? [01:05:05]
4. How does the sermon describe the historical context of Israel and Judah's struggles with idolatry and control? [43:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the downfall of the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14 serve as a cautionary tale for our own struggles with control and pride? [47:52]
2. What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty, especially when we face uncertainties and challenges in life? [54:28]
3. How does the gospel message, as described in the sermon, offer a transformative power that contrasts with the human desire for control? [01:01:52]
4. What practical steps can we take to surrender our need for control and trust in God's perfect purposes, as suggested in the sermon? [01:04:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you tried to control the outcome. How could you have approached it differently by trusting in God's sovereignty? [49:10]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of flexibility in church life. How can you personally contribute to a more flexible and welcoming church environment? [40:36]
3. Think about a relationship or responsibility in your life where you struggle with control. What specific actions can you take to surrender this to God? [49:52]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the gospel's transformative power and live in a way that reflects God's sovereignty? [01:01:52]
5. The sermon emphasized the need for the church to prioritize mission over personal preferences. What is one way you can support this mission in your church community? [40:04]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to let go of pride and the illusion of control. How can you seek God's guidance and strength in this area? [47:52]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's higher ways and thoughts, especially when facing difficult or confusing circumstances? [54:28]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereign Design in History
Understanding God's intricate involvement in history helps us see His sovereignty and purpose. The biblical narrative from Abraham to the kings of Israel and Judah reveals a pattern of divine interaction with humanity, where God's hand guides and corrects according to His will. This historical perspective is crucial, not just for knowledge, but for understanding how God's sovereignty operates through cycles of human obedience and disobedience. It challenges believers to view their lives and global events in light of God's overarching plan, recognizing that nothing escapes His sovereign rule. [44:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QArdgMvIxvw&t=2677s)
1 Chronicles 29:11-12: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all."
Reflection: How does recognizing God's sovereignty over history change your perspective on current global or personal challenges?
Day 2: The Danger of the Illusion of Control
The narrative of the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14 serves as a stark reminder of the futility and danger of human attempts to usurp divine sovereignty. This historical example parallels our contemporary struggles with control, urging us to reflect on whom we truly trust and depend upon in our daily lives. The illusion of control is a common human error, leading often to pride and downfall. Recognizing this can liberate us from unnecessary burdens and align our actions with God's will. [47:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QArdgMvIxvw&t=2857s)
Isaiah 14:13-14: "You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'"
Reflection: In what ways might you be trying to maintain control in areas of your life where you need to trust God more?
Day 3: The Gospel as the Fulcrum of History
The gospel is not merely a series of historical events but the climax of God's redemptive plan, woven through the tapestry of history. Understanding the gospel involves more than acknowledging facts; it requires a personal recognition and acceptance of Jesus Christ's sacrificial role for our redemption. This transformative power of the gospel offers a new way of living under God's sovereign rule, impacting every aspect of our lives and faith. [59:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QArdgMvIxvw&t=3584s)
Galatians 4:4-5: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."
Reflection: How does understanding the gospel as the center of history affect your daily life and decisions?
Day 4: Embracing Daily Surrender to God's Will
Recognizing God's sovereignty and the truth of the gospel calls us to a life of surrender. This means letting go of our illusions of control and trusting in God's perfect purposes, even when they transcend our understanding or desires. This surrender is a daily, moment-by-moment choice that shapes our spiritual maturity and our relationship with God. [01:04:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QArdgMvIxvw&t=3840s)
Psalm 143:8-10: "Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in Community
As a church, understanding and living out the truths of God's sovereignty and the gospel is crucial not only for our internal health but also for our witness to the world. Our response to these truths should be evident in how we conduct ourselves as a community, how we welcome others, and how we prioritize the mission over our preferences or comforts. [40:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QArdgMvIxvw&t=2389s)
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can your participation in church life be more aligned with the truths of God's sovereignty and the gospel?
Quotes
"I want to make a little bit of a parallel that you may be frustrated by. I realize most of us in this room aren't narcissists. Most of us in this room don't want the demise of those around us that rub us the wrong way or whatever, whereas that's the king of Babylon. But I want to challenge you in the first message of this series about the conversation regarding the word control." [47:07]
"Because I believe, without exception in this room, every single one of us struggles with the need for control. Every single one of us wants to somehow control everything around us and whether we see it that way or not, I believe wholeheartedly it's true." [47:52]
"Let me go back for a second to Isaiah chapter 14 and look carefully at verse 13. I will ascend to the heavens. This is the king of Babylon. I will ascend to the heavens. I will ascend to the throne above the stars of God. I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly. I will ascend to the top of the clouds. I will make myself like the most high." [48:24]
"What it comes down to when it comes to control is who is it that you trust? Well, I trust myself and I'm smart enough to figure certain things out so I'm going to get through this because I've got the mental capacity to do that." [49:10]
"If you find yourself given to worrying, maybe you have a problem with wanting to control. If you constantly second guess your identity because something embarrassing happened and you feel humiliated by it and you can't seem to get past it, maybe you wish you could. Maybe you could control the narrative." [49:52]
"There's a weird thing that happens in church world sometimes and maybe you've seen it and maybe you haven't, but it goes like this. The longer we're in Jesus, the less loving we become. The less gracious we become. The less flexible we become." [40:36]
"I love how every missions trip we take the first meeting. I always bring up. I always bring up a beatitude that's not in the Bible. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken. But the same is true for us as a church." [41:20]
"That it's going to require for all of us a level of flexibility. This isn't about what you want. It's not even about what I want. Because if it were about what I want, we would only sing worship songs from 1994." [42:03]
"It's about building bridges to those that need Jesus. And it means that we've got to become something that Jesus is designing for us. And we've got to take it as a church together, but also individually." [42:45]
"And I'm going to start today with a certain topic out of Isaiah chapter 14. If you've ever read the book of Isaiah, it's a really long prophetic book that's super confusing for most people." [43:23]
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