Hiding Behind Our Theology

One of my favorite things to teach about is the sovereignty of God. I remember - as a freshman in college - when it slowly dawned on me the implications of God's sovereignty. At first, I was upset ("That can't be!"). Then I was confused ("But that means..."); Finally, I rejoiced in it ("This is amazing!").

For the rest of my college career - I was a Calvinist recruiter... attempting to convert every Arminian to the wonderful beauty of God's sovereignty over our depravity.  I was functioning as a hyper-Calvinist (see previous post on that topic HERE) during my college years.

As I look back at those years, I wonder if I often excused my lack of passionate evangelism on God's sovereignty - and felt theologically superior in doing so.  Once I became a youth pastor, I still equally enjoyed and taught the sovereignty of God as I did when I first discovered it, but that teaching began to be balanced with human responsibility. It is only recently that my passion for lost people has begun to bring accusations that I'm not trusting in God's sovereignty enough. 

That is why Nehemiah 4:9 means a lot to me these days: "We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat."

God is absolutely and totally sovereign, and we must take reasonable steps of responsibility. And if that seems theologically confusing - then it probably is just about right.  Because if we have God's sovereignty "all figured out" perhaps He isn't as transcendent as we think.

For me, I will continue to live in the confusion of knowing He is totally and completely sovereign, and I will continue to do all I can to "win as many as possible."

Comments

[Dave Baxter]

Good comment from the Life Application Study Bible for Nehemiah 4:9 -

"We show God we are serious when we combine prayer with thought, preparation, and effort."

[Bill Boulet]

That's not confusing, that is BALANCED!

[Cherith Pierson]

This was really good!!!

[Tim L]

David, you'll get a kick out of another application of that great verse. Since I live in a freer state than NY we are allowed to get a license to carry a concealed weapon. I asked a pastor once what he thought about the possibility of members of his congregation carrying a concealed weapon in church. One of the arguments people raise is that, "you just have to trust God." He didn't have a problem with it and referred to this verse in response to that argument...trust God & post a guard. Unfortunately society is becoming more and more polarizing and we have already seen what can happen when a nut-job comes into a church and starts shooting...I wonder what would happen if he was met by Pistol-Packing Parishoners???

[Eric]

"For me, I will continue to live in the confusion of knowing He is totally and completely sovereign, and I will continue to do all I can..."

Confusion is putting it mildly; my own spiritual walk is often hindered by this paradox and few (if any) issues cause more distress.

This would make a great sermon topic, don't you think?

[David Whiting]

Eric -

No, it doesn't cause me distress. I am comfortable with not being able to understand how it works. God's sovereignty causes me great joy and keeps me sane. If God is not sovereign - THAT would cause me distress.

I did an entire series on the topic several years ago on Sunday nights. I loved teaching the beautiful truths of His greatness as seen clearly in His sovereignty!

[David Whiting]

Eric -

Desiringgod.org had a great post on this. You might want to check it out.

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2062_why_we_love_the_doctrines_of_grace/

[Eric]

David-

Thank you for that. Any chance you might do another sermon series on the topic one day?

[David Whiting]

Eric -

Someday in an adult class, I am sure I will. When it comes to Sunday morning - maybe not an entire series for quite a while.

I would recommend reading one of the following books:
* Chosen by God - R.C. Sproul
* Desiring God - John Piper
* Chosen for Life - Sam Storms