God Is Still in Control
God is still in control of this world and this universe, and He has given us all that pertains to life and godliness.
Theodore Epp emphasizes that, like Elijah, we may feel isolated and overwhelmed by the challenges of faith, questioning the purpose of our efforts in a world that seems to oppose God. He reassures us that God remains sovereign and has preserved a faithful remnant, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Epp encourages believers to resist despair and to listen for God's still, small voice, which offers hope and assurance of His control over all circumstances. He highlights that all we need for life and godliness is found in God, who has made every provision for us. Ultimately, we are called to trust in God's plan and purpose, knowing that He works all things according to His will.
Text
1 Kings 19:8-18
Perhaps we have felt like Elijah and said, "What is the use?" Perhaps we have given the best of our lives to accomplish something for the Lord and feel that we have been left stranded.
Perhaps we feel that the Enemy is seeking to destroy all traces of Christianity and belief in the true God and that he is after our soul too. Perhaps we feel we are the only one left of all God's people.
If so, we need to be reminded, as Elijah was, that God still had 7000 who had not bowed their knee to Baal.
And God still is the Almighty God. He is still on His throne. People cannot dethrone Him, no matter how hard they try. All we need for life and godliness and Christian service is found in Him.
Perhaps we have tried hard to overcome temptations and to rise above our testings. Perhaps we have fought against the overwhelming odds of modernism in our church.
Perhaps we have done so and have found few, if any, standing with us, and we are about ready to give up our belief in the fundamentals of the Word of God. Do not give up. God is still in control of this world and this universe.
Perhaps we have tried hard to live for the Lord and have failed. Perhaps we fail today as we failed yesterday and the day before and are asking, "What's the use?"
Let us come out of the cave of darkness and listen to the still, small voice of God. He tells us that He has given us all that pertains to life and godliness (see 2 Pet. 1:3). Every provision has been made for us.
"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Eph. 1:11).
Sermon Outline
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God's Sovereignty in a Chaotic World
- Recognizing God's control in the midst of challenges
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The Enemy's Attempt to Destroy Faith
- Identifying the Enemy's tactics to undermine Christianity
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God's Reminders of His Power and Presence
- Remembering God's past faithfulness and provision
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The Assurance of God's Provision
- Understanding that every need is met in Christ
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The Call to Trust and Obey
- Responding to God's voice in the midst of uncertainty
Key Quotes
“Let us come out of the cave of darkness and listen to the still, small voice of God.” — Theodore Epp
“God still is the Almighty God. He is still on His throne. People cannot dethrone Him, no matter how hard they try.” — Theodore Epp
“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
- Remember that God's provision and power are available to us, even in our failures.
- Listen to the still, small voice of God and respond to His call to trust and obey.