Sermons on Divine Attributes for Personal Discipleship

Sermon 1: Divine Sovereignty

In the process of being personal disciples, believers seek higher spiritual understanding and even the guidance necessary to navigate life through turbulent waters. The first theological concept, which is essential for the formation of Christian ideology and provides guidance for every individual, is the doctrine of God as the almighty, which emphasizes the authority of God and His governance. This sermon is succinctly derived from the theme of divine sovereignty and the impact thereof on personal discipleship. An elaboration, inter-referencing, and underscoring of relevant verses and theological texts that relate to divine sovereignty will be integrated to illuminate how it impacts our faith experience and give us practical insights into how to live a righteous life.

Target Audience and Relevance of Divine Sovereignty

Our primary audience is the members of a church, which comprises people from different backgrounds who want to find spiritual guidance. Divine sovereignty is significant for personal discipleship since it forms the foundation of the Christian worldview. Acknowledging God's sovereignty builds deep trust in His wisdom and power, building a stronger relationship with Him, even in turbulent times.

Exposition of Scriptural Truths

Scriptural passages such as Psalm 103:19 and Isaiah 46:9-10 are pillars of sovereignty on which we base our faith. They are the foundation of the bible that will soundly anchor our faith in God. It is so because of the power of these verses to confirm that God has complete control over the whole creation, and He is the God in charge of all events and particularities. For instance, Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. ^[1]”This says the Almighty rules, being on his everlasting earthly throne. This scripture, linked to our discussion, is about paying attention to the dominant lordship and ownership of the Almighty over the whole universe. It is a clear indication of the fact that we are serving God and God alone. As personal disciples and church ministers, we need to remember His supremacy. Understanding God's dominion over all could anchor believers in peace and hope as they rely on His divine providence and wisdom.

Insights from Theological Discourse

As theological discourse unfolds from age to age, writers like John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards significantly contribute to our understanding of the predicate of divine sovereignty. The prominent rabbis, with their profound articulation of doctrinal concepts such as predestination, providence, and the all-powerful hands of God, significantly influence our general understanding of this concept.^[2]. Edwards and Calvin prompt us to understand that when approaching the doctrine of sovereignty, one has to do it with humility and faith, since this is how one can acknowledge that the world comes under divine wisdom and control.

Practical Application of Divine Sovereignty

God's preeminent authority in personal discipleship leads to surrendering our will to His divine purposes, and in doing so, we receive peace and trust in His steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness. The viewers' eyes get touched by authentic narratives of people who narrate how they reached the point of spiritual growth and strength in the face of adversity through faithfulness to the Lord's sovereignty.^[3] These examples give us reasons to believe that, through reaching the stability of God's sovereignty, we will find force and hope in the steadfastness of His unchanging character.

Sermon 2: Embracing Divine Omniscience and Omnipresence

While examining foundational theological truths relating to personal discipleship, we broadened the scope of discussion to the concepts of divine omniscience and omnipresence. These spiritual features entail inexhaustible wisdom and the omnipresence of God, which fill the deepest bones of believers with certainty and are their spiritual guidance on the path to salvation. Here, we will expose the mystery of God's omniscience and omnipresence related to individual following of Christ. Our works' scripture and theological discourse serve as the source of our teachings on the subject. We emphasize how the revealed attributes of God are practically part of our lives and give us invaluable wisdom to help us with various challenges to our faith and discipleship. Through enlightenment from scripture and theological reflections, we hope to understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent, for the truths convey development and richness into our daily interaction with God.

Target Audience and Relevance of Divine Omniscience and Omnipresence

Our congregation comprises individuals from various walks of life, each grappling with unique challenges and seeking spiritual sustenance. Divine omniscience, the concept of God knowing everything, including us, and divine omnipresence, which means His presence is everywhere, hold immense relevance to personal discipleship. Understanding and accepting these attributes deepens our trust in God's provision and intimate involvement in our lives, fostering a more profound sense of connection and reliance on Him.

Exposition of Scriptural Truths

Scriptural passages such as Psalm 139:1-12 and Jeremiah 23:24 illustrate God's omniscience and omnipresence, showing how He knows our thoughts and deeds and is always with us wherever we are.[4] For instance, in the latter passage, it is written, "Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?" The Lord has spoken so. "Isn't heaven and earth full of me?" This passage resonates with the theme of divine omniscience and omnipresence in Sermon 2. It states that one cannot run from Him since God inhabits all places. This reflects the sermon's emphasis on recognizing God's ever-present presence in our lives, calling the listener to the awareness of a living God in every thought, every action, and every circumstance. Integrating this biblical passage into the sermon enforces the relevance of acknowledging God's omniscience and omnipresence for personal discipleship and living every day.

Integration of Theological Insights

From the rich pool of theological wisdom, through the contributions of revered theologians A.W. Tozer and John Piper, one can get insights into the depths that divine omniscience and omnipresence can carry. The more intense examination of God's exhaustive knowledge and the ceaseless presence of God in His creation by such theologians offers profound wisdom for a better understanding of these divine attributes. Tozer and Piper's reflections beckon us to a deep understanding and awe of God's omniscience and omnipresence, inspiring us to cultivate a deeper intimacy with the divine and greater trust in His providential care.

Practical Application of Divine Omniscience and Omnipresence

Recognition of God's all-knowing and all-present nature makes day-to-day life full of the assurance that we have never been left alone. God sees and acknowledges any struggle of ours. In recognizing His presence, we can also draw His wisdom from praying and meditating upon His will. To this end, the sense of peace and assurance over the uncertainty of life becomes profound.^[5] The true-life stories of the individuals who discovered both peace and purpose because they developed the mentioned characteristics in their daily lives are regarded as live evidence that the practice of these attributes helps to transform the disciples to be better.

As we conclude this sermon, we must embrace the truths of God's omniscience and omnipresence as pillars fundamental to our faith. Let us take comfort in the assurance that God knows and understands every aspect of our lives and that His presence is with us always, guiding and sustaining us through every trial and triumph. That is how we find an unshakable source of hope and assurance by anchoring ourselves in these truths, allowing us to walk confidently on our journey of personal discipleship.

Conclusion

The presentation and discussion of divine attributes—divine sovereignty, divine omniscience, and divine omnipresence—manifest profound truths about God's being and His work below. Sermon 1 led us to learn about the sovereignty of God by recognizing His supreme authority and transformative power, which ensures a plan that works for the faithful. Through Sermon 2, we delved into the omniscience and omnipresence of God, finding consolation in His omniscient nature and the assurance of His constant presence. All of these reflect further toward God's wonders, showing how a deeper understanding of these creates a more personal friendship and influences our approach toward personal discipleship and the practice of ministry. Through embracing the wonder of God, there is a cultivation of humility, reverence, and trust, in which His truths have reached every level of our lives. Therefore, we must reaffirm our commitment to applying these theological truths in our personal discipleship and ministry practice. May we seek God with an open heart, whereby His wonder guides us through our faith and ministry journey for Him and others.

1.New International Version. 2019. “New International Version Bible - Read Free Online.” Bible Study Tools. 2019. https://www.biblestudytools.com/niv/. ↑

2.Edwards, J. (2017, June). 92 Sermons of Jonathan Edwards [Review of 92 Sermons of Jonathan Edwards ]. ↑

3.“10 Key Bible Verses on God’s Sovereignty.” 2020. Crossway. February 2, 2020. https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-gods-sovereignty/. ↑

4.New International Version. 2019. “New International Version Bible - Read Free Online.” Bible Study Tools. 2019. https://www.biblestudytools.com/niv/. ↑

5.Frame, John M. 2023. “The Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence of God.” The Gospel Coalition. 2023. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/omnipotence-omniscience-omnipresence-god/. ↑