The Sovereignty of God
The sovereignty of God is His power, justice, and authority over all creation, demonstrated through His word and works, and submission to it is necessary to avoid His judgments and to experience His mercies.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the sovereignty of God as a powerful force that demands submission, either through His word or through His works, mercies, or judgments. He warns that failure to submit to God's authority will lead to dire consequences, as often it is through judgments that God captures the attention of the intractable world. Brooks highlights that God's judgments reveal His power, justice, and anger towards sin, serving as a reminder that a one-sided view of God as solely merciful can lead to atheism and profaneness. Ultimately, he asserts that God's severity is a means to prevent utter ruin and misery, showcasing His sovereignty in both mercy and judgment.
Text
The sovereignty of God is that golden scepter in
His hand which He will make all bow to, either . . .
by His word or by His works,
by His mercies or by His judgments.
This scepter must be kissed and submitted to,
or else fire and sword, desolation and destruction,
will certainly follow.
Many times judgments work--where mercies do
not win. The world is so intractable, that God's
frowns will do more with them than God's smiles.
The the power, justice, and sovereignty of God
shines most gloriously in the execution of His
judgments upon the world.
God's greatest severity is to prevent utter ruin
and misery!
There is a knowledge of God by His works as well
as by His word; and by His judgments as well as
by His mercies. In His dreadful judgments everyone
may run and read--
His power,
His justice,
His anger,
His severity and indignation against sin and sinners.
It is the highway to atheism and profaneness, to
imagine to ourselves, a God made up all of mercy,
to think that God cannot be angry and wrathful
with sinful men.
Sermon Outline
- The Sovereignty of God
- Definition of Sovereignty
- The Scepter of God's Sovereignty
- Submission to God's Sovereignty
Key Quotes
“This scepter must be kissed and submitted to, or else fire and sword, desolation and destruction, will certainly follow.” — Thomas Brooks
“God's greatest severity is to prevent utter ruin and misery!” — Thomas Brooks
“It is the highway to atheism and profaneness, to imagine to ourselves, a God made up all of mercy, to think that God cannot be angry and wrathful with sinful men.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must submit to God's sovereignty and acknowledge His power and justice over all creation.
- God's judgments and mercies are demonstrations of His sovereignty, and we can know Him through His word and works.
- A balanced view of God's character, including His mercy and severity, is essential to avoid atheism and profaneness.