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“… If my people, which
are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn
from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their
sin, and will heal their land…” (1 CHRONICLES 7:14 NASB).
*
A humble person is very aware of and
secure about their intrinsic worth and inherent value, but they are NOT
prideful about it; they have NO need to flaunt it; they DON’T force it on
others; and prefer to exalt others rather than themselves. “…
To every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly…” (Romans 12:3 NASB).
Humility is an attitude or mindset. Jesus
was HUMBLE. The bible says, “…Let this
mind
be
in you…” that
was in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5 KJV).
This means having the SAME attitude or mindset,
which involves the heart and thoughts that was “…in Christ…”
(Philippians 2:5 KJV).
A Christlike attitude or mindset will
enable you to line up your judgements, choices, desires, intentions, patterns,
and practices with God’s good, perfect, and acceptable will. “…..not my
will, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV).
Whatever lofty and exalted position Jesus
held, in heaven, before he took on finite, human flesh, he disregarded, and
humbled himself instead. He willingly took on the form of a humble servant. “… [Jesus]…took upon him the form of a
servant, and
was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV). “… Let
this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5 KJV).
This attitude or mindset of Christ was one
energized and marked with the humility of one who serves. Jesus did, “…not come to be served, but TO
SERVE …” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “… Who, being in the form of God, thought it
not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he
HUMBLED himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…”
Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).
Jesus’ mindset is clearly seen through his
acts of humility, especially during his days of obedience, his suffering at the
hands of man, and his death on the cross. “… nevertheless, NOT MY WILL, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42
KJV).
Jesus kept his mind on his purpose. “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as
a ransom for many."
Jesus first humbled
himself by taking on human flesh. Second Jesus humbled himself by being
obedient while suffering in human flesh. “…Christ…suffered
for us in
the flesh …”
(1 Peter 4:1-3).
Further, Jesus had a learned mindset
which taught him to STAY in perfect compliance with God will. “… Learned
he obedience
…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).
This kind of learned
obedience is painful, stressful, and usually comes BY or as a result of
difficult trials. “… learned
he obedience
BY
the things he suffered…”
(Hebrews 5:8 KJV).
Yet, Jesus humbled “himself”
and submitted to God’s will for his life in spite of the things he suffered. “…
he HUMBLED himself, and became
obedient unto death …”
Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).
Humble submission to
God’s will was personal to Jesus and reflected his attitude or mindset about
his devotion to God and to humanity. “…There is no greater love than to [humbly]… lay down one’s
life…” (John 15:13 NLT).
Jesus “… learned
… obedience BY the things he suffered…”
(Hebrews 5:8 KJV). Every time Jesus
followed God’s will, whether it was pleasant or not, he demonstrated an
attitude or mindset of humility. “… NOT MY
WILL, but thine, be done…”
(Luke 22:42 KJV).
Jesus humbly gave up
his divine privileges, was reduced to human flesh, voluntarily and willfully
became like a servant, and “…emptied himself…”
(Philippians 2:7 NASB). “… Let this (humble) mind
be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…”
(Philippians 2:5 KJV).
Jesus’ relationship with God, during his human
life on earth, was that of a humble submission or voluntary, willful surrender. “…He… [completely] … entrusted himself to him who judges justly…”
(1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).
Jesus openly declared that he came to do
God’s will and not his own. “…I seek not mine own wilL but
the will of the Father which hath sent me...”
In addition, he said, “…the Son can do nothing of
himself [and
admitted,]…I can
of mine own self do nothing…...”
(John 5:19, 30 KJV).
Jesus was absolutely devoted to doing the
will of God. They were an undivided team with an undivided purpose. “… I and
the father are one…”
(John 10:30 KJV).
They were joined uniquely together. Jesus
had put on human flesh, but was still “one” UNION with God. Jesus, therefore, was
both divine and human. “…I and the father
are one…” (John 10:30 KJV).
This divine and human relationship is
revealed in the following scripture: “… Who,
being in the form of God, thought it
not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).
Christ had all the glorious rights and
power, the intrinsic worth. and the inherent value of his Father in heaven. “…I and the father are one…” (John 10:30
KJV). “…THERE ARE
THREE … the Father (God),
the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (Spirit): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…”
(1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).
He could invoke those rights and power any
time he wanted to, but he didn’t. Instead, “[He
humbly]… took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7
KJV).
He also had the option of using human will
and could choose against the will of God for his life. However, Jesus humbly
said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of
my own accord. I have
authority to lay it down and authority
to take it up again. This command I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
Thus, Jesus disregarded human will and
chose to voluntarily or willfully remain in humble compliance to God’s will. “…..nevertheless,
NOT MY WILL,
but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV).
He had the same human will as God has
given to all of mankind. Yet and still, “… learned
he obedience BY the things he suffered…”
(Hebrews 5:8 KJV). Jesus did NOT have to choose death on
the cross.
Yet his love for God,
and love for YOU was greater than whatever else he might have wanted or desired
over God’s will. “…but I
lay … down … [my life] … of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
“…There is
no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).
Like you, at any time,
he could have exercised his own human will and lived a selfish and prideful
life doing what he wanted to do. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding
its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s
life…” (John 15:13 NLT).
Where would you be if Jesus
had had a different mind? It is hard to grasp this kind of radical love and
devotion. Jesus was radically devoted to God, to YOU, and
made it clear that he did, “…not come to
be served, but to serve, and to give His life a
ransom for many.”
(Matthew 20:28 NIV).
He was TRULY a living sacrifice. “… Who in the days of his flesh,
when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears
unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
And being
made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all
them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
Jesus demonstrated that humble obedience
or voluntary surrender out of LOVE for God and LOVE for you was WORTH whatever he
had to suffer; so he stayed the course. “… Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in
the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).
Jesus’ kind of humble obedience or voluntary surrender is a sign
of his attitude or mindset. Jesus reveals an intimately trusting and radically
devoted love toward God “….if ye LOVE me… keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).
Jesus loved God and
proved it by doing his good, perfect, and acceptable will, even though it was
painful. “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…”
(Psalm 15:4 NLT).
Jesus,"… humbled
himself, and became obedient
unto death,
even the death of the cross...” (Philippians
2:8 KJV). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when
it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
Humble obedience or voluntary surrender is
often learned by the things you have to suffer through. “… learned
he obedience BY the things he suffered…”
(Hebrews 5:8 KJV).
Staying faithfully trusting to God through
everything you suffer will PROVE your
mind is being renewed. "… bear much fruit, and … PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith (trust), Meekness, temperance…”
(Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
The PROOF
of the renewing of your mind begins with humility. Jesus,"… HUMBLED HIMSELF, and BECAME obedient
unto death...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “…If My people which
are called by My name SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES …AND TURN FROM their wicked ways…”
(2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
“…he who HUMBLES
HIMSELF will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “HUMBLE
YOURSELVES in the sight of the Lord…” (James 4:10 KJV). “…HUMBLE YOURSELVES therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6
KJV). “Let this mind be in
you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). “…I am gentle and HUMBLE IN HEART…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV).
. “...God sees not as
man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE
HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…God …predestined [you] to be
conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV). Jesus said, “…I am
gentle and HUMBLE IN HEART (ATTITUDE, MIND)…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV).
Jesus had a real human
experience, but was heavily influenced and impacted by an attitude of humility.
Therefore, “…be
clothed with
HUMILITY…” (1 Peter
5:5 KJV). “….He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and
what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and TO WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD…”
(Micah 6:8 KJV).
Being HUMBLE is easier said than done. The
problem with humility is human will. Human will is an innate gift of choice God
has given every human being on earth.
The established Christian doctrine
(Calvinism, Reformed Theology, etc.) says every human being has the FREE will
to choose God or not. “… Who
will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…”
(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Others believe that people, based on the
notion of an “enslaved” WILL, cannot choose God, without his help. “….I want to do what is right, BUT I CAN’T… …” (Romans 7:14-25
NLT). “… the
whole world lies under the power of the evil one”
(1 John 5:19 RSV). However,
“….if the Son sets you
free, you will be FREE INDEED…” (John 8:36 NIV).
People all over the world make choices on
a daily basis. In the daily life of making choices people appear to FREELY make
then without any outside forces, or influences, or limitations. “…My
people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil
hearts (or their own choices)…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
Of course, within the law and within
ethical boundaries, people happily choose whatever their heart desires. “FREE”
will right? Yet, “… the
whole world lies under the power of the evil one”
(1 John 5:19 RSV). “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“FREE” will says that people can do
whatever their hearts desire to the degree nobody, nothing, no one; not even
God; can stop them. “….I want to do
what is right, BUT I CAN’T… …”
(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
People “FREELY” make choices. Your “FREE”
will, however, is limited by your ability, your available options, and your personal power. “… the
whole world lies under the power of the evil one”
(1 John 5:19 RSV). “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Most believers know this scripture: “…it
is God who worketh in you, both to WILL and
to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…To WILL and to DO…” implies that God’s Holy Spirit
wields so much glorious indwelling power it can empowers the human will . “I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
In
addition, his indwelling Spirit can also transform and empower human behavior
to miraculously walk in the ways that please God. “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” TO
DO exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
“…You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…the Father that
dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…”
(John 14:10 KJV).
The Holy Spirit’s WORK
in you is NEVER forceful, but honorable.
God’s presence in your
world or your life can be a POWERFUL, SOVEREIGN assistance that empowers the human will and transform human
actions. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works … both to will and to
do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 & John
14:10 KJV).
Sovereign
assistance is where the Almighty God HELPS a person through situations and
circumstances by empowering the human will or transforming their actions. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works … both to will and to
do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 & John
14:10 KJV).
God
is sovereign and by his OWN loving choice he set his OWN boundaries over human
will. God is in control, but God is NOT controlling. Mankind is in control of
their own choices and can do whatever they want within their finite power to do. ITS YOUR CHOICE. DO WHAT YOU WANT.
GOD IS SOVEREIGN and “…he does whatever pleases him…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV). AND “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He (God) does as he pleases (not
mankind) with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
“…Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none
else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from
the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying,
My counsel shall
stand, and I will do all my pleasure…”
(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “…Remember the
things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God! I am God, and
there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before
it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for
I do whatever I wish…”
(Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).
God’s Sovereignty
informs you – even though he respects your God-given human will - that HE is “STILL”
in supreme control over all things, events, and people at all times. “….Declaring the end from the beginning, and
from ancient times the things that are not yet done…” (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).
“…. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).
God is the sovereign
ruler and authority over everything and everybody. It is God’s sovereign “WILL”
that is ultimately FREE to do as it pleases. “…[God]…does whatever PLEASES HIM…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV). “…He
does as HE PLEASES with
…the peoples of the earth.
NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have
you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Because the whole world
and everyone in that world belongs to God he has the right to bring about his
own purposes and desires as He pleases. “…THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…”
(Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine,
and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for ALL
that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
God, not man, is in
COMPLETE control and absolutely nothing happens without his permission or apart
from his will. “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).
God in his SOVEREIGNTY
says “…Everything I PLAN will come to pass, for I DO whatever I WISH…”
(Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT). In this verse God declares and reveals His Sovereignty
over HIS WORLD.
And God also declares
his sovereignty can powerfully AFFECT human will. “…He does as HE PLEASES with
… NO
ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Therefore, God and God
ALONE “…does
whatever pleases him…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV).
The Sovereign God says, “…My counsel (WORD) shall stand, and I WILL DO “ALL”
MY PLEASURE…” (Isaiah
46:10 KJV).
In other words, God CAN
and DOES things that can AFFECT the
human will IF He pleases. “…He does WHATEVER pleases him…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV).
If the truth is
realized, all mankind can truly say: “…If the Lord
will, [I] shall live,
and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).
Mankind has his or her
human will, but God can affect it by his sovereign will over HIS WORLD. “…THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…”
(Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine,
and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for ALL
that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
God’s sovereignty, over HIS WORLD, are a reminder that is it God who “IS” in control
of his infinite world like humans are in control of “their” limited, finite world. Thus,
“…He
(God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with
…. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have
you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God’s Sovereignty is
without dispute. His Sovereignty over “HIS” world is NOT restrained or limited
by human will. “…He does whatever pleases HIM…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV). “…My counsel (WORD)…
SHALL stand, and I WILL DO all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV). “…NO ONE can hold back [MY]… hand or say to
[ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Ultimately, God does
whatever HE wills or desires with COMPLETE Sovereignty over life’s course of
events and nothing or no one can stop Him. “…NO ONE can hold back [HIS]… hand or say to
[HIM]: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The human will is NOT
sovereign over what God chooses to do with HIS
world or the things or people that BELONG to him. “…I will do
all MY pleasure…”
(Isaiah 46:10 KJV). “…NO ONE can hold
back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel
4 NLT).
When the “…peoples of the earth…” come up against
God’s Sovereignty over HIS WORLD, it impacts the perceived or
so-called “freedom” of the human will.
“…How do you know what your life
will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little
while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.
Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such
boasting is evil” (James 4:15-16 NLT).
God’s sovereignty over HIS WORLD has in the past, does in the present, and will in the future AFFECT
the options from which the human will can choose. In reality all people can
truly say: “…If the Lord will, [I]
SHALL (will)...” (James 4:16 KJV).
Remember this story? “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home
in my palace, contented and prosperous. I had a dream that made
me afraid. So I commanded that all the wise men of
Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me, but they could not
interpret it for me. Finally, Daniel came into my
presence and I told him the dream.
“This
is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar (another
name for Daniel),
tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it
for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Belteshazzar
answered, “My lord…The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top
touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, with beautiful leaves
and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals,
and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— Your Majesty, you are that
tree!
You
have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the
sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. “Your Majesty saw
a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree
and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass
of the field, while its roots remain in the ground.
Let
him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals,
until seven times pass by for him.’ “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty,
and this is the
decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild
animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven.
Seven
times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is
sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The
command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom
will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
Therefore,
Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being
kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”
All
this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.
Twelve months later,
as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?”
Even
as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven,
“This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority
has been taken from you. You
will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will
eat grass like the ox.
Seven times (years) will pass
by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign
over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately
what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.
He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body
was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an
eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
At the end of that
time, I,
Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored
and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he
pleases with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say
to him: “What have you done?”
At
the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned
to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I
was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.
Now I,
Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything
he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble…” (Daniel
4 NIV).
King Nebuchadnezzar’s
human will DID whatever it wanted and chose to do in the world he had BUILT. “…King Nebuchadnezzar … said, “Is not this the
great Babylon “I” have built as the royal
residence, by “my” mighty power and for the
glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4
NLT).
On the other hand, God does whatever he
wants and chooses to do with the world HE BUILT. “…I will do
all MY pleasure…”
(Isaiah 46:10 KJV). “…NO ONE can hold
back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel
4 NLT).
God’s WORLD is the ALL
the earth and ALL the people of the EARTH. “…THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY
that dwell therein…”
(Psalm 24:1 KJV).
God informed King
Nebuchadnezzar of some changes he wanted
him to make. Remember: “… ALL the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he
pleases with
the powers of heaven and the peoples (including
Nebuchadnezzar) of the earth. No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel
4 NLT)
This is what God respectfully
and lovingly requested of King Nebuchadnezzar: “… Your Majesty,
be pleased
to accept my advice: Renounce
your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the
oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” (Daniel
4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar
didn’t humble himself or voluntarily surrender to God’s request. “… Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of
the royal palace of Babylon … a voice came from heaven,
“This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority
has been taken from you. You will be driven away from
people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge
that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them
to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was
fulfilled.
He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body
was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an
eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel
4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar learned
humility by the things he suffered. “…THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY
that dwell therein…”
(Psalm 24:1 KJV).
Human will “IS” NOT sovereign over God’s WORLD.
Human will “IS” sovereign over their OWN choices, but they are making their
choices WITH God’s STUFF that are “IN” God’s WORLD.
“…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…”
(Psalm 50:12 KJV).
It doesn’t matter how
LONG you have USED or CONTROLLED GOD'S STUFF or GOD'S people they STILL ultimately
BELONG to God. “…for ALL that is
in the heaven and in the earth is thine…”
(1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
Yes, you have human
WILL, but God has sovereign will “…He does as he pleases with
the powers of heaven and the peoples
(including Nebuchadnezzar finite world) of the earth.” (Daniel
4 NLT)
Nebuchadnezzar’s human
will had finite limitation, yet he was prideful and had the nerve to exalt
himself to God. “…“I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel
4 NLT). “…God OPPOSES the proud
…” (James 4:6 NLT). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled…”
(Luke 18:14 ASV).
“THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS:
“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in
their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in
this alone: that they truly know me and understand that
I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing
love and who brings justice and righteousness to the
earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord,
have spoken!”
(Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
Mankind must NEVER forget: “…If the Lord will, [they] shall live, and do this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV). He told Israel:
“….Do not forget that [it was God that]… led
you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you
would never
say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’
Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who
gives you power to be successful ...”
(Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).
The human “will” was
bestowed upon mankind as a gift from God. “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is
from God, why
boast as though it were not a gift?”
(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…If the Lord will, [You] shall live, and do this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV)
“…It is God who worketh in you, both to WILL and to DO of His good
pleasure…”
(Philippians 2:13 KJV).
How did God demonstrate
his sovereignty over “HIS” WORLD? “… Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of
the royal palace of Babylon … a voice came from heaven,
“This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority
has been taken from you. You will be driven away from
people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge
that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them
to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was
fulfilled.
He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body
was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an
eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird…” (Daniel
4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar’s
human will was AFFECTED when he REALIZED God’s ULTIMATE Sovereignty. “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised
my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him
who lives forever… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the
King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his
ways are just. And those who walk in
pride HE IS ABLE to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).
Nebuchadnezzar said: “…those who walk in pride he (God)… is “ABLE” to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…NOW UNTO
HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do… ACCORDING to the power that
worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
Nebuchadnezzar had
human will over his finite world, but God had SOVEREIGN will over his infinite
world. “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…”
(Psalm 50:12 KJV).
God is sovereign “OVER” his world, and it can
AFFECT human will, which can also result in a “…renewing
of [the human]… mind…” God says: “…Be
transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
God’s sovereignty over
“HIS” WORLD affected King Nebuchadnezzar’s human will and he humbled himself. He said this about God; “…He IS
ABLE to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).
God gives man human
will to choose among the many options available to them. “…The
highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …”
(Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).
However, God boils
those choices down to two options: “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…”
(Deuteronomy 30:19) OR “…Choose
you
this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
Nebuchadnezzar chose to
do whatever he wanted to do in “his” world. God choose to do whatever he wanted
to do in “HIS” WORLD, but he offered King Nebuchadnezzar a CHOICE. “…Your Majesty (Nebuchadnezzar), be pleased
to accept my advice: Renounce your
sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the
oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…”
Nebuchadnezzar
willingly chose NOT to follow the CHOICE God offered him through, the prophet,
Daniel. People often ignore God’s messages he sends through human mouthpieces or the Holy Scriptures. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they
wanted, following the stubborn desires
of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh
reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).
Thus, because God
doesn’t immediately act against their wrongdoings; people continue to do them. “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed
speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set
in them to [continue to]… do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
When you DON’T immediately reap the wrong
you’ve sown; God is not giving you permission to continue to do wrong, but an
opportunity to get it RIGHT with HIM. “…Don't
you see how wonderfully kind …God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you?
Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
(Romans 2:4 NLT).
“…The
Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient
for YOUR SAKE. He does not
want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent…” (2 Peter 3:
9 NLT). “…The LORD, The LORD God,
is merciful and gracious, longsuffering,
and abundant in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…But you, Lord, are a compassionate and
gracious God, slow
to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” (Psalm 86:16
NIV).
Nebuchadnezzar ignored
the opportunity to get himself right with God. “….Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the
royal palace of Babylon… a
voice came from heaven, “This is what is
decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken
from you. You will be driven away from people and
will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge
that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them
to anyone he wishes.” Immediately
what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel
4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar,
like so many of God’s OWN people are NOT listening to him and have no respect
for his Sovereignty. “…But
my people would not listen to me.
They kept doing whatever they wanted, following
the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar
LEARNED, the HARD way, that God is Sovereign. Twelve months later, as God had said, “… [he was] … driven away from people and ... [lived] ...with the wild animals ... [and] ... grass like the ox…”
Nebuchadnezzar’s human
will had no precedence over God’s SOVEREIGN will. The King, however, CHOSE not to
listen to God. “…My people would not listen to me.
They kept doing whatever they wanted, following
the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
God gives mankind a human
will to make choices in the world, but they must never forget that WORLD
ultimately BELONGS to God. “…the
world is mine, and the fulness thereof…”
(Psalm 50:12 KJV).
As God forewarned; Nebuchadnezzar’s
choice radically altered his world: “…He (Nebuchadnezzar) was driven
away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew
of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like
the claws of a bird….”
When Nebuchadnezzar’s human
will came up against God’s SOVEREIGN will; God’s sovereign will RULED. Ultimately,
ONLY God“…does whatever pleases HIM…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV).
How did King Nebuchadnezzar’s
story end? “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward
heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then
I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His
dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom
endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he
pleases with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say
to him: “What have you done?”
Now I,
Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything
he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble…” (Daniel
4 NIV).
Nebuchadnezzar’s human
will was AFFECTED by God’s sovereign will and he "finally" CHOOSE to humble himself or
voluntarily surrender. “… HUMBLE YOURSELVES in
the sight of the Lord…” (James 4:10 KJV). “… HUMBLE YOURSELVES therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6
KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES
…AND TURN FROM
their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
God, in his sovereignty
AFFECTED the King’s human will and it TRANSFORMED
his attitude or mindset. “….Those who walk in pride HE IS ABLE to humble… NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do
exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20
KJV).
Nebuchadnezzar’s story
gives credence to God’s sovereignty over “HIS” WORLD and everybody “IN” his WORLD.
“…THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY
that dwell therein…”
(Psalm 24:1 KJV).
The lesson is clear: “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “….HE IS ABLE to humble
(YOU)… [and]...NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that
worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
The Sovereign God
CONTROLS his infinite WORLD and “…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV).
Nebuchadnezzar was
warned through a prophetic word from God to DO RIGHT, but he did not LISTEN. “…My
people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they
wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24
NLT).
Many of God’s people
today are NOT listening to the prophetic Holy Bible or to God’s anointed mouthpieces,
but eventually God’s WORD will PREVAIL. “…Whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh
reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).
you can't get mad about how your story ends. you made an INFORMED CHOICE, BECAUSE GOD
HAS LOVINGLY TOLD YOU WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. “…My
people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they
wanted, following the stubborn desires
of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our
own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
God is Sovereign and
POWERFULLY CONTROLS HIS WORLD and it often AFFECTS human will for the GOOD. “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called ACCORDING TO
HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “….HE IS
ABLE… [and]…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV). “…the things which are impossible
with men are
possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am
the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing
too hard for me?”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS
ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”
(Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
“…Everything
I PLAN will come to pass, for
I DO whatever I WISH…”
(Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).
Therefore, “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….”
(Romans 12:2 KJV). Be like Jesus. Jesus said, “…not My
will, but Yours be done…"
(Luke 22:42-43 NIV). ). Jesus
came to do God’s will. “…I seek NOT mine own
will…” and submitted to His will. “…but THE
WILL of the Father which hath sent me...”
(John 6:38 KJV). “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL
BUT to do THE WILL of him who
sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).
Jesus had human will too, and like YOU and many
believer’s today; he did not have to follow God’s sovereign will. However, Jesus
voluntarily surrendered himself and said: “… I lay
down my life... No one
takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
“..Let this
mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians
2:5 KJV). “…not
My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
“… HUMBLE YOURSELVES in
the sight of the Lord…” (James 4:10 KJV). “… HUMBLE YOURSELVES therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6
KJV).
IF YOU CHOSE NOT TO HUMBLE YOURSELF TO GOD'S WILL, DON'T GET MAD IF YOUR DECISION DOESN'T END FAVORABLY. YOU DID WHAT YOU WANTED; RIGHT?
IF YOU CHOSE NOT TO HUMBLE YOURSELF TO GOD'S WILL, DON'T GET MAD IF YOUR DECISION DOESN'T END FAVORABLY. YOU DID WHAT YOU WANTED; RIGHT?
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