War of Words - Chapter 5 - How does God's sovereignty affect mycommunication?

"...a life of godly communication is rooted in a personal recognition of the sovereignty of God.  Let me put it this way: Only when I submit to the rule of God, who has a perfect plan and is in complete control, will I begin to live and speak as he has purposed." War of Words, He is King!

The doctrine of God's sovereignty is fundamental to a healthy spiritual life.  Our understanding, and/or lack thereof, impacts every aspect of our lives. The way we see God's sovereignty influences our communication and definitely leaves a mark on our interpretation of life.

"...when we understand God's sovereignty and submit to his rule, we can live and speak as God has designed.  This is the polar opposite of living and speaking according to our plan, for our control, and for our own glory." War of Words, He is King!

If you haven't studied the doctrine of God's sovereignty, I encourage you to dig deeply into Scripture yourself. For further reading on this topic, I have always loved the book Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges.

"We live in a church culture that tends to separate biblical commands and principles from the rest of Scripture." ~War of Words, He is King!

It is a mistake to read the Word of God and try to apply specific Scripture into our lives without first understanding how the passage is rooted in the history and theology of Scripture.  When we don't do this, we miss the complete picture. The whole counsel of God is necessary because we need to know the character of God, just as much as we need to know what He wants us to do.

I look at my time in the Word as I look at time spent with a friend or family member.  A relationship requires time and experience with another person.  God has given us His Word to give us this time and experience with Him.   It is in His Word that we learn to love and follow Jesus.  I believe this is why God tells us to seek Him with all of our hearts, minds, and souls.  In God's Word, we are taught, encouraged and disciplined.  Day by day, we put off our old selves and put on the righteousness of Christ, and we are enabled to do so because we have developed an abiding relationship based on the whole counsel of God.

"Every command and principle has its roots in redemptive realities--what God has done and will do for us in Christ." ~War of Words, He is King!

When we understand God's sovereignty we are free to rest in His control.  When we don't, then our words, "come out of a heart that seeks control, so I can get what I want."  That brokenness  will continue to seep hurt into our words and victory will allude us.

Mr. Tripp broke this chapter down into seven sections, each describing an area of sovereignty.  See the book for related Scriptures and further encouragement.

1. God rules the universe.

Every moment of life is His moment.

2. God rules over all things for the church.

His rule is redemptive.  Everything He does has a redemptive purpose.

3. God rules over the specific details of our lives.

He knows every detail and has a purpose for each one.

4. God rules over every aspect of our salvation.

Why?  So we can't boast in ourselves!

5. God rules over circumstances for our sanctification.

He wants us to be like Jesus.  He will do whatever it takes.

6. God rules over relationships for my sanctification.

Our relationships, both the pleasant and the difficult, give us an opportunity to learn Christ.

7. God rules over all things for His glory.

This is the bottom line. God is not working to be our candy dispenser in the sky. He is working for our good, to make us more Holy, to ready us for an eternity in Heaven with Him....to bring glory to Himself.

~~~~~

How do you respond when God sends suffering or disappointment your way? What about when your plans are thwarted?  How has God changed your communication as you have trusted Him more?

If you still need the book, you can get it here:War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles (Resources for Changing Lives)

Grateful for grace,

  *This post contains affiliate links.