Passage: Exodus 3:7-8
God’s Sovereignty and Responsibility Part II
May 21, 2023
Summary:
- God is completely sovereign and in control of everything that happens, AND we as humans are responsible and our actions matter. These two truths seem paradoxical but are both affirmed in Scripture.
- Examples were given from Exodus where God sovereignly determined to deliver the Israelites from Egypt AND chose to accomplish this through the actions of Moses. God was in charge AND Moses' actions mattered.
- Another example was when the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea. God told them to stand firm and he would deliver them. Their act of faith in standing still mattered even though God was the one who parted the sea.
- In rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah prayed AND posted guards, affirming both God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
- Believing in God's sovereignty does not excuse foolish behavior or irresponsibility on our part. We are to act wisely and responsibly, trusting God is ultimately in control.
- We don't need to reconcile these two truths - God's sovereignty and human responsibility work together as friends.
questions to discuss:
- Can you think of other biblical examples that illustrate this relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereignty? In what areas do you need to take more personal responsibility?
- How would keeping both of these truths in mind impact how you pray? How you make decisions? How you view challenges and setbacks?
- Why do you think some fringe groups use "God's sovereignty" as an excuse for irresponsible behavior? How can we avoid this pitfall?
- How might remembering that God's sovereignty and human responsibility are friends or partners change your perspective?