Does God Direct All the Details of My Life?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1338
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@annec988]

I am completely relieved to know that God controls my path, controls the detail, and that no purpose of God can be thwarted by my sin, and that even a sparrow is not insignificant to our loving Father. Thank you for your meticulous sovereignty Lord in my life. You are my only hope Holy Spirit. Let me be found pleasing in some small way Lord. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy. All things according to your counsel and mercy over my life. Amen.

[@mandodelorian4668]

Amen!

[@tomdavidrobinson4771]

Amen 🙏

[@waynegrobler7432]

Yes may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in THY sight my LORD GOD. in JESUS HOLY NAME. ❤🙏

[@M4N1MAL]

Hallelujah! Maranatha! Hosanna!

[@zeeeeroin9981]

Ok, so if the sovereignty of the universe is entirely under God's direction....then doesn't that make every action including sin predestined? My point is, that even when you commit a sin....it wasn't really free will......I'm a bit confused with this because of the whole "turn away from me for I never knew ye" seems at this point some people are destined for damnation.....

[@HIBUDBROs]

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

[@JonathanGrandt]

It’s true. A man chooses and plans his own course. God is there to make sure he doesn’t fall. Calvinism misunderstands this text and teaches that God has decreed from the beginning all details of every life.

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

That's not even logical. We all fall.

[@barbara260]

Pabriel Gomez yes I believe that we all have free will

[@cyclistblue]

Did the Lord direct Hitler,Stalin etc to do what they did?

[@ericwalker6546]

God directs our character as we are about our Father’s business. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. And it is required that a steward be faithful and must know the mysteries of God. How many mysteries are in the Bible? Do you know you can receive 5 Crowns for fulfilling those requirements? Do you know that there are 8 Kingdoms in the Bible? The Kingdom of God and The Kingdom of Heaven have different requirements. That you will find in the King James Bible.

[@siphevuzani]

Wish I could like this a million times. The sovereignty of God is what gives me peace everyday, it is my lifeline, I draw from it everyday and I rest on it. Nothing in this life gives me more peace and joy than knowing that God is sovereign over the tiniest details of my life! What a blessing❤️

[@timkramer4466]

You still have to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling-that includes you,me,john,hitler,Jim jones,Michael jackson,president Trump,Hillary Clinton!

[@kissafaith]

Please ignore the first link/reply i sent you if you see it. It's incorrect. Thanks.

[@PeaceFan1]

I LOVE Knowing that JESUS Knows me SO Intimately that ALL of my HAIRS are Numbered by HIM...WOW!!!! PRAISE JESUS!!!

[@Sotho0]

Amen🙏🏾

[@heavnxbound]

Is my dandruff numbered too? :/

[@lindsayskye4244]

@@heavnxbound yep

[@serena_bena]

Awww you’re so precious. Amen!!!!!

[@Mrten-jg4qj]

Not Jesus dummy, God..

[@dianjohnson1]

I’ll need to listen to this again, but amen! My anxiety is high and crazy right now and this helped. Praise the Lord for His sovereignty and goodness

[@kaboom9081]

Same here, lots of stress, anxiety and awful feelings that God has abandoned me. It could just be the Lord's refining fire but either way I Praise Him even if I don't understand. I'm glad that my Salvation is in His hands and not in my pitiful little human effort.

[@matthewmp111]

Kaboom how are you 10 months later?

[@MsButterfly1179]

I Second this!

[@edijares1543]

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to thy own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

[@SquidCena]

@@kaboom9081 How are you a year+ later?

[@tixiegreaves]

“The sovereignty of God over the details of the universe and our lives is meant to take away fear. The control of God, our good, loving Father - Who worked everything together for His glorious purposes and our good - should make us bold as a lion." Beautiful statement ❤️❤️ Glory to our wonderful Abba Father 🙌🏻❤️

[@delontebrown-dockery7389]

Amen

[@timkramer4466]

Still-you must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling-so we must bear some of the responsibility of getting home!

[@sungsookim8453]

Amen.

[@Tanjaicholan]

@@timkramer4466 it is very important to read and understand Paul’s complete thought flow on the matter why he says, we have to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. The Epistle to the Philippians did not have verse breaks. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; - Philippians 2:12 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13

[@jimmybutler1379]

Sound right without myself checking you out, but I will not say there is no errors at all without reading the bible myself first; but not at this time, but thank for bringing the words forth ! Mr Pulgoso11 ...

[@sabam473]

"The sovereignty of God over the details of the universe and our life is meant to take away fear."

[@bloodmooncomix457]

It's supposed too but NEVER really fully does until God proves Himself. Sad and unfair as it is, it has to be like this but I guess....... it's the weakness of our flesh.😣🙏

[@timkramer4466]

IT TAKES AWAY THE FEAR IF YOUR WORKING YOUR SALVATION OUT WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING-BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE FEAR AND TREMBLING-YOUR RESPECTING YOUR PART OF THIS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO HEAVEN-AND WILL NOT END UP IN HELL-PART OF THE FEAR AND TREMBLING IS-PROFFESING WITH YOUR MOUTH JESUS IS LORD AND THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD-THEN PRACTICING RENEWING YOUR MIND ON A REGULAR BASIS-HOPEFULLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS!

[@xavierthomas5835]

​@Blood Moon Comix God doesn't have to prove anything. To say that he does, is a clear violation of faith. And any person who walks by any other device but by faith is certainly destined for eternal hellfire.

[@qoieo589]

"even the strands of your hair are numbered." 🤗

[@pauldoddy9714]

God's perfect timing for me to hear this timely message @1:42 am in the morning. Praise God for his sovereignty.

[@shivadizayin]

Me at 6:15am 👍👍☦️✝️

[@jaysonyata1992]

I've taken a major decision of career change in life. Lord God helped me with that, he walked me into success. Yet, I doubt him a unworthy sinner. I praise you lord Jesus, I thank you.

[@timkramer4466]

Even with success-you still need to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!

[@jaysonyata1992]

@@timkramer4466true. Amen.

[@timkramer4466]

@@jaysonyata1992 I like your comment about success-you gave God the glory for helping you become successful-please pray that I continue to work out my salvation with fear and trembling and I will pray for you-then may meet in heaven someday!

[@jaysonyata1992]

@@timkramer4466 @tim kramer hello tim, I lost sight that I need to work my salvation in fear and trembling not in self complacency like a pharisee mentioned by Christ. Yes, I need your prayers for my convertion and commitment. I'll pray for you and meet you in heaven by Gods mercy 🙂🙏

[@xavierthomas5835]

Amen. He is able to cleanse and to keep you spotless and blameless until his coming.

[@leeleewaters1451]

It's such a relief having my Heavenly Father with me at all times. He even kept my jar of pickles from getting broken🥰

[@MinvlyMusic]

Please allow captions to be submitted so we can translate all of this to other languages

[@agneskristianto6929]

Hi! This is a year late 🙈. But there is the article version written on this, captioning the conversation to a writing. Here is the link www.desiringgod.org/interviews/does-god-direct-all-the-details-of-my-life

[@sungsookim8453]

We see the fingerprints of God all over our lives. Amen.

[@finekashawu]

Amen,I love this teaching, we cannot make it in this life and make it into heaven without the strengthening,the leading,training,purifying, conviction,rebuking and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit I am not pleasing to God. My sinful nature does not know and cannot comprehend how to please God!!!Thank you Jesus for saving me and leading me everyday,Amen!

[@DailyMaddie]

God is sovereign over all. Praise God! Give all the glory to God for He is good and His Love endures forever 🙏🏻🙌🏻❤️

[@williamcopeland6683]

Thank you again PJ.. the Word of the LORD satisfies the soul

[@jennifermallard465]

this is a beautiful way to explain it God is my everything

[@HowDoesFrankyEven]

Thanks Pastor John!

[@johnmcgagh547]

So good! Thank you Pastor John!

[@Greg_J]

Thank you Pastor John, I learnt something 😊

[@gobricafort6010]

Amen! God bless your ministry more and more Pastor John! Glory to Christ Jesus, our Lord and God!

[@AmmeUnesa]

Thank you Pastor John

[@artwizz4real]

Knowing this brings me such joy because I now know that everything I do, no matter how it ends, it's because He made and wanted it so for His purpose. This is amazing!

[@averageeddy1102]

The Fall of New Babylon The Bible clearly teaches man is responsible while also teaching God’s absolute sovereignty. How those two are compatible is something I can’t explain myself but I know God is completely just in his actions. God has an infinite mind that I will never fully understand so I feel good with just accepting God’s word as truth even if I don’t understand every detail.

[@artwizz4real]

@The Fall of New Babylon His word says, 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. I don't believe "responsibility" is the word you're looking for. Feels too feeble to be a recognizable part of such complexity.

[@artwizz4real]

@@averageeddy1102 Well said..! Remain blessed.

[@VoDitas]

It is not amazing, it is Delusional.

[@KlaustheViking]

@@VoDitas Delusional? Or you just simply do not like what is being told?

[@miraclechildseen]

I love you Pastor John. This is the first time I am hearing from you. God bless you.

[@edgectrl3346]

All glory and praise to the Most High God!! 🙏🏽

[@tel5690]

This is so key...In understanding Our Lord Hand in our lives....He has full control of all things...🙏🙏

[@joelnenadovich8141]

Yep ☺ he has been giving me the desires of my heart lately. It was been small things. Very very cool

[@johnalbert1460]

I found another go to Pastor / teacher . And I’m picky . Thank you Pastor John . Peace and God Bless . Desiring God .

[@mikerokhum6971]

Amen! It is only the 'Sovereignty of God' that makes me to understand and accept anything happen in my life.

[@vklymish]

This is great

[@thejdog139]

Praise God

[@robraver]

All I do...is pray at the start of the day, on waking up..just thank Him..go sort myself out...another prayer to thank Him and just to devote the day to Him. Whatever we go through, He is there. It might not feel like it at times...most times in fact. Even when I backslid for a crazy amount of time I know He had my back, at least, at one very critical time.

[@HearGodsWord]

Just been reading 2 of A.W. Tozer's books so this is well timed.

[@harp376]

Amen Praise God

[@kaboom9081]

Thank you pastor John. This video creates a peace in me knowing God is all powerful and mighty and sustains ALL life from the largest star in the universe to the smallest insect on earth. Too majestic and awesome for my little mind to understand. What are humans to you Lord that you care about them, walked among them and even died for them? Mind blown. Thank you Lord Jesus may your Name be praised in all of Heaven and all of the earth.

[@sonofnun1917]

Amen!

[@lindsayskye4244]

Amen!✝️

[@newyorknight]

The Lord's sweet control and plan ,is what I need.

[@prayingmantis2389]

In Him we move and breath and have our being! We need movement, being and breath to do anything and they are all to be found IN HIM.

[@1973wildcatman]

Very sophisticated thinking from an amazing Bible thinker. I think the struggle comes when we want this resolved in a tweet sized commentary. It take much reflection and counter-intuitive faith to fully embrace God’s Sovereignty.

[@mauricecardinal6352]

Beautiful. Amen.

[@seaofgalilee]

This was such a beautiful explanation of the sovereignty of the Father. I am so beyond encouraged. Thank you, John!

[@timkramer4466]

John should add that we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling-the fear and trembling is what takes the fear out of it-because your taking time to study your choices and desicions in everyday life-if you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart God RAISED him from the dead you will be saved-then get baptised-then study the Bible all the time and renew your mind-and pray and develop a relationship with Jesus-you will have a lot less fear. I need this also.

[@timkramer4466]

Sometimes I succeed at this-and sometimes I dont-please pray for me and I will pray for you-that we all get home safely!

[@77ronboy]

"Handsofgold" you have touched upon something that is so peaceful, and does as God tells us - His yolk is light, so light that it is almost not felt. What better joy and peace could there be than to know He controls "ALL" things, even those things we cannot comprehend. BLESS YOU for what The Holy Spirit has revealed to you - RON B.

[@Tanjaicholan]

For the choir director. A Psalm of David. O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. O that You would slay the wicked, O God; Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed. For they speak against You wickedly, And Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with the utmost hatred; They have become my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. - Psalm 139:1-24

[@michaeldutton1503]

Great message!

[@cmullenmusic]

Great video, and great answer in a Biblical way. Nothing is random. God is sovereign. #Jesussaves 💜✞🕊

[@amc657]

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD AMEN🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@romans8forging181]

I have had the sovereignty of God and free will explained in this way: think of a straight line. This is the will of God. Then think of something “we” do that directs us away from the line. God has worked out every possible way we can go and has complete control over it all. So we could break off the straight line but he has worked out the path back to the straight line. All conceivable paths he has seen and controlled. Amen

[@stiffzewge]

This gives me such a relief in my life he will ultimately lead me to my life purpose

[@loressavargas2020]

I love Jesus!

[@lanepywell1390]

This is a really good episode!

[@kilbepicciano8178]

Tozers context was that only the regenerated are on the ship. To which even the regenerated will "freely" move about but will only move so far as the regenerated heart will allow

[@josiahkronk6846]

Experience and Scripture have shown me that man has Ultimate Decisive choice, but GOD ordains and alters the outcome of said choices.

[@MrPulgoso11]

Psalm 139:14-16 "14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and my soul knoweth right well.15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all were written, in continuance were fashioned, when none of them" This is the body of Christ Jesus, (the elects) that has been fearfully and wonderfully made in eternity past for eternity future. God's elect rejoice in God's truth, listen: Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, thou our father; we the clay, and thou our potter; and we all the work of thy hand" Romans 9:20-23 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:23 And that he make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. I see myself (by God's grace) as a vessel of honour/mercy in Christ Jesus and I just praise the Lord for it.

[@soughtaftervessel4611]

God please give me the strength Or end my suffering

[@barrett9631]

Message recieved!

[@st.christopher1155]

That is a simple question with a simple answer of “No”. ✝️🙏🏼

[@benitojohngenitojr.5608]

The LORD GODFATHER in CHRIST will Give Us HIS Spirits in Christ which we shall experience in Life in Christ as Our Souls in Christ Lives today and everyday continually Everlastingly.It is only for Us to be so Thankful to HIM, Love HIM,Serve HIM and Worship HIM.

[@angloaust1575]

Acknowledge the Lord He will direct thy paths!

[@miskrteka777]

Thank you

[@bamafan1411]

Jonah... I'm not going to Nineva. God.... Watch this.

[@JavarGarrett]

This gave me a good laugh lol

[@lindsayskye4244]

😫🤣🤣🤣

[@HelloRememberMe.]

Hahaha God has a sense of humour

[@promisesmithee943]

The soveriegnty of God is a beautiful thing. For years I had fear of condemnation I meditated on Pastor Johns sermons from hebrews. I knew that if I made it to heaven it was because God chose me to be saved, not a work of myself, there was nothing I can do about it. I said if I end up in hell I can rest knowing its not my doing but Gods choosing. When I tell you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Could you imagine. Meditating on the fact that God was in control of my destiny was so freeing that the fear of hell and death was removed from me.

[@timkramer4466]

John should add-you need to work out your own salvation with fear and trenmbling-the fear and trembling is the part that takes the fear out of it-because when you observe your choices and decisions everyday-and the things you do in secret-and strive to do the right things-thats fear and trembling-especially when you really take in account of your actions-daily.Also it's easier to do all of this if you first-profess with your mouth Jesus is lord-and believe in your heart God RAISED him from the DEAD-THEN get baptised-then renew your mind daily reading the Bible and praying and developing a personal relationship with Jesus-you you do this first it's easier to understand how to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling-because you took the time to get saved-therefore the holy spirit will be helping you do this-please pray that I practise this and I will pray for you and maybe we will all get home safely!

[@simon_lz]

This helps me get over regrets over past mistakes because God chose to allow them to happen :)

[@rk5782]

Got better the second time I listened to it

[@etherioussanjudraganeel3163]

Ohh my god all my fears just disappeared thank you jesus

[@tamaratarere]

AMMMEEEEENNNNN!!!!!!!

[@melissaklemm9976]

Yes as long as your listening 🎶

[@MsButterfly1179]

AMEN!!!! 26. From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has DETERMINED their APPOINTED Time and the BOUNDARIES of Where they live. 27. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 28. For IN HIM We LIVE and MOVE and EXIST, as even some of your own poets have said 'For we are also His offspring.' Acts 17:26-28 HCSB

[@GilvanDF]

The lord is good

[@Hamlrts3rpic]

Psalms 139:2‭-‬5 NASB - You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.

[@jesussavessinner1315]

PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. TRUST IN HIM ALONE BELIEVE AND STUDY THE BIBLE NOT RELIGION

[@1689solas]

The Bible says we should worship together and that God has given us pastors and teachers for building up the saints. Christianity IS a religion.

[@jesussavessinner1315]

@@1689solas it is but most importantly Christianity is when one acknowledges Jesus Christ for who he is and has a relationship with Jesus Christ freeze the only mediator between God and man I love you and yes we should praise together pray for one another fervently God bless you

[@AtamMardes]

Reading the Bible is not enough, you have to read it properly and actually use your brain to think on your own because: "Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived." Isaac Asimov

[@AtamMardes]

"The best cure for Christianity is reading the bible." Mark Twain

[@AtamMardes]

"The Bible, a collection of honorable, but still purely primitive, legends which are nevertheless pretty childish." Albert Einstein

[@GodeeperBibleStudies]

My favorite verse is Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will work out his plans for my life- for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me." Even when I can't see which way to go I believe He is directing my steps and fulfilling His plan and I know that I can trust in that because He loves me.

[@timkramer4466]

A very beautiful thing you said there!

[@creativeape8994]

I don’t see god in my life at all

[@abenezermesfin6691]

@@creativeape8994 hang in there friend, though you might not feel Him at the moment but He's in control. Just seek Him diligently.

[@stevehicks399]

This is so deep and rich

[@jesuschristbiblebiblestudy]

Amen.

[@matthewciappara6506]

Amen indeed

[@peterpulpitpounder]

The point Tozer was attempting to make is that man has a brain, man was given a will to choose, man can decide when to get up and when to go to bed, as well as scores and scores of different earthly life details, and God is NOT pulling the strings and causing man to act as he does. Man is not programmed by God to think and act a certain way within each and every day of His life. Now, it is true God is Lord over all things, and His purposes will most certainly be accomplished, despite the untold trillions of acts, motives, schemes, decisions and plans carried out daily by His creatures. I totally agree with Tozer's analogy. Man was given freewill and volition. Man was given a brain. This brain is not God's brain. This brain can think. This brain can come up with ideas and thoughts that are original to the person. This was Tozer's point. Man can decide many things for himself, but in no way can man thwart God's plan. God is Lord over all of Creation, and whatever He decrees shall most surely come to pass. Good grief, is this such a hard point to acknowledge, requiring "Pastor John's" corrective analysis? John quotes Hebrews 12:14 to prove his position, which I don't see applies all that much at all to what Tozer was driving at. Ever read Psalm 78:41, a verse that speaks of Israel's sin and unbelief "limiting" God? Boy, this doesn't sound too Calvinistic, does it? How can the Lord of all Creation be limited? Well, the obvious point is that human behavior greatly diminished the potential blessing of heaven. It's sort of Like Jesus words, when He said to Israel, "How often would I have gathered you under my wings." Hmmm, God wanted to do this time and time again, but apparently human behavior limited the flow of divine blessing that potentially could have been poured out. No, God does not direct all the details of our lives, as if He is pulling all the strings and making us do everything we do and say, etc., But His purposes will be accomplished, despite the exercise of human volition. Now let's not make all of this too complicated by exceeding the Spirit of God with our silly, man centered commentary.

[@timkramer4466]

Good point

[@allisondawn9610]

This Chanel is edifying👍thank you👍do you have a podcast as well?

[@RanierMedic]

"We are free to do as we choose, but God determines what we choose." Please read that carefully and explain it to me.

[@sphaobie8472]

John Piper God bless you

[@ihavetubes]

great video

[@AndroxineVortex]

What is your profile picture from? It looks so familiar but I can't think if the name.

[@exaucemayunga22]

I look at it this way: God already knows the outcome of every choice we make, but he wants us to make the right choice, which is where free will comes. We have free will to choose either good or evil, it's up to us, but if we trust fear and love him we will choose good. However, if we choose evil, he already prepared a final destination for us.

[@xavierthomas5835]

See you understand and that's the point. if you want to understand then seek and ye shall find and knock And it shall be opened. Don't however say you want to ask a question but then reject any answer that contradicts your savings otherwise you simply prove God correct about you anyway except you don't get to live and live God. You lose, and keep you pride but God wins and gets the glory, honor, praise and respect he so justly deserves and made happen.

[@gregjay9933]

In this video Piper answers the question of how much of our daily life is sovereignly directed by God. Piper’s answer, “All of it, down to the tying of your shoelaces and the brushing of your teeth.” Piper goes on to say,” We are free in the sense we can choose but ultimately God governs what we choose.” If this is true then I don’t have to worry about sin or disobeying God because my choice to do so was ultimately governed by Him. I do think it is a bit unfair, however, for God to punish me for behaving in an immoral or unethical way since He sovereignly determined that I would do it.

[@emilnumfor4417]

Yes brother calvinists are leading people to hell in their numbers!!! Thank God for rescuing me from this 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@pbuckets9242]

I personally think this is madness.

[@dontrushtohate]

The logic you have is of someone who may not been saved and has not encountered the love of Jesus. If God doesn't rule every decision in the universe, He's not God. Our will and God's sovereignty are not mutually exclusive. Just like He told Pharaoh to let His people go, and at the same time hardened his heart, He in the same manner executes His will thru our decisions a thousand times a day, yet still requires that we obey Him and repent of our sins.

[@MsButterfly1179]

God does Not Ordain our disobediences, (that we disobey Him, No) otherwise He'd be an UNJUST God, you're absolutely correct about that. So we know that isn't true. God doesn't command us to obey Him in something all while very well Knowing He had "not" made it possible for us to do so. That's NOT God, The God Who IS Good, Righteous and Just in ALL He does. Otherwise there would be NO POINT EVER to Obey Him if it really didn't bring about Peace, Joy and a Long Life with Him, if we can just live making only mistakes as if His plans are all about us making those mistakes and Him having a back up for them. Which He does, but His way is FAR BETTER, why else would He commend us to obey Him then if it doesn't make a difference, OR if He "made it impossible" for us to obey Him, (which to me sounds like blasphemy to even speak this way about Him). SIN enslaved us to Disobedience and God FREED us from that, Into OBEDIENCE. So in fact He MAKES Possible, for us to Obey Him, (because He FREED us from the slavery of sin), NOT the opposite. BECAUSE of sin, we BECAME Unable to obey Him, Unless He sends His Spirit to man to enable man to obey Him as He did in the Old Testament, and today by the Sealing, Power of the Holy Spirit, Whom He and the Father sent to dwell in us, to do All these Works in us. All those who fail to repent, God does NOT keep them from it, initially that is. See because, He has foreknown us before creating us, everyone one of us, (Ps. 139), and everyday of our lives Before we even live one of them, (as David has said). Therefore He Already KNOWS those who will NOT believe in Him or choose Him (life) instead of, remaining dead in their sins. As John 6:64 points out. And as Paul has said, God turns these ones (unbelievers) over to their sins (depraved lifestyle) where they go on ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding. (Mark 4:11-12, Romans 1:24, 28). God KNOWING ALL things from BEFORE time began all throughout the end unto eternity, and being ALL POWERFUL as He, The Creator of ALL that exists, IS, then He's more than capable of using our sins, using EVIL to accomplish His Good purposes, as Christ demonstrated this in His death upon the Cross. Therefore, God has ordained the Possibility for us (His Children, those He dwells within) so that we may freely choose whether or not we're going to obey or disobey and rebel against Him, (only in the things and matters that WON'T lead us to death/eternal damnation that is), as He *allows* us to do this in the non damning matters for our growth and His Good Purposes. God USES evil, sin and the enemy himself as His refinery tools, to train us up. This is what Paul meant by God WORKING - ALL things for the Good of those who love Him (who are His Children), He turns over our mistakes by His Perfect Will that was foreknown by Him long before we encounter these matters. I hope this here helps you out some.

[@timkramer4466]

The bible says work out your own salvation with fear and trembling-which I don't always succeed at-it sounds like we have some responsibility in this spiritual journey-to examine ourselves daily.

[@tazamar7668]

Good study I'll have to do a little more study on that can you start putting the scriptures on screen so we can read along brother thanks though!

[@danball4410]

God gives us the choice to attempt to do "whatever we want" but we cannot WANT what is good for us apart from God's sovereign work. His Spirit works in our hearts and the transformation of our minds by His Word and grace. Prayer and reading the word are SO important so that we might have the desire chose what God wants for us by His strength.

[@jamaeljavier9228]

Good day, DesiringGod ministries! My Christian walk has been greatly steadied and my affections for Christ have been deeply stirred through your ministry. I'd like to informally(or formally, if you would so choose to make an APJ about it) ask you about CT Studd's poem "Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past". I know that this poem played a profound role in pastor John's childhood, but I'd appreciate it if anyone on your team-- or even anyone knowledgeable reading this comment-- could answer my question. Here it goes: In the poem, a stanza reads; "Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." It's a beautiful stanza, but what on earth does it mean to have "clays to fulfill"? I've tried using context clues to no avail. I would love to understand this wonderful poem a lot better by knowing what Studd meant in that line. Thank you so much for your time and work in and through Christ! Blessings.

[@NathanaelNaused]

Romans 9:20,21. I'm almost certain this is at least one reference that stanza is making. It's alluding to us being made for good works that God made for us to talk in ahead of time. The idea of God being the potter. And we're the clay. It's speaking of our life.

[@jamaeljavier9228]

@@NathanaelNaused thanks for taking the time! I never really saw that passage in that light. That's so helpful. God bless you, brother!

[@5ivepoints18]

If Tozer's analogy were true we would all jump overboard!

[@benitojohngenitojr.5608]

The Spirits of the LORD GODFATHER in Christ in Your Souls in Christ Shall be Your Everlasting Life in Christ.You in Christ and the Holy Spirit of the LORD GODFATHER in Christ are One and Lives Continually Everlastingly.It is HIS Spirits Who Shall Perfect Your Lifes Everlastingly.

[@lukewagner8871]

Excellent presentation. To shed some light on how God works His will and purpose in the lives of those in the body of Christ, let us look at some verses in Hebrews. Hebrews 5:12-14 KJVS [12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. How are our senses exercised to discern both good and evil? Is it something we arrive at though our own power? The word exercised appears one other time in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 12:4-11 KJVS [4] Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. [5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: [6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. [7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. [9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us , and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? [10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Being chastised by God for sinful behavior is one of the ways we are God’s workmanship in Christ, Eph 2:8-10, due to grace working in our lives. Another aspect of grace is the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:4-7, that justifies a believer and slowly transforms them into the new man in Christ. www.justifiedfreely.com

[@sonofnun1917]

*"Now, I don’t say this because of any philosophical assumption about the nature of God. I think philosophical assumptions here are the nemesis of true biblical thinking. We should come to the Bible and try to listen to it for what it says without bringing our philosophical assumptions to it. I’m not saying this because of an assumption like “That’s what God means,” or, “That’s what the human will does or doesn’t require,” or, “That’s what causality is.” I’m just not even thinking that way. I’m trying to just come to terms with texts."* Amen brother, Piper. This statement means no EISEGESIS. Which is why molonism is not biblical.

[@booyaka870]

Popular psychology, philosopy or reasoning from a person saying something like "God doesn't control us" really messed me up. God controls every step we take. Thanks for this freeing message. Yes; freeing not freezing that lies tell you.

[@m.valdivia8048]

If he controls every step you take them you have no free will, no choice. You're nothing more than a robot and if you think God directs every step we take then you have to believe that God directs your steps toward sin. Rethink your theology mate before it's too late.

[@booyaka870]

@@m.valdivia8048 reasoning against Gods word mean nothing for a believer. It's vanity.

[@booyaka870]

​@@m.valdivia8048 But it is so that people will be judged. People are not controlled in the sense that judgement is removed. There is a type of control that I can think of that would remove the need for God's judgment that says that we are not responsible for our actions and therefore cannot be judged. But I certainly do think that people can be judged, and rightly so. This means that there seems to be different types of control and arguably some that are right or true and some that are wrong or impossible.

[@m.valdivia8048]

@@booyaka870 your thinking makes no sense

[@jedidiahsuela3407]

God knows our breaking points =)

[@2ndPigeon]

For me it was just below my right knee when I was 15 years old. He should have told me.

[@jedidiahsuela3407]

@@2ndPigeon I am sorry. =( I hope u feel better now.

[@IchigosShinraTensei]

The cruise analogy actually works very well. There a lot of missed context and jumping back and forth at free will and sovereignty. Jon piper is bordering on hyper-calvinism, if I sin did God sovereign decree for me to sin? In other words did God choose for me to sin? Perish the thought. Is free will an illusion? How are we any different from the atheist views and the animals then? God's sovereignty in the ONLY way it matters to us finite beings like us is that his plans will not be thwarted. Therefore the cruise analogy works very well. When your on a cruise you are going somewhere u dont control. But within the cruise u can make limited amount of decisions that ultimately cannot stop the cruise from getting to its destination.(u cant leave the cruise, u cant tell the captain to turn the cruise around, but u can choose what to eat and when to sleep) Evil cannot stop God, death cannot stop God, the devil cannot stop God, the flesh cannot stop God. Free will as given in the cruise analogy is not one that is above God's will, but God has graced us with free will that is limited in its scope

[@VoDitas]

John Piper is simply wrong on this.

[@rdallas81]

Nice! Thanks for the writing you did here. Yes! It's about controlling certain areas of our "cruise" as our destination is all the same! But will we change our own course through sin or "wrong decisions"? Only one own conscious or even "pride" can completely change where our souls end up!

[@brennanjames1632]

VoDitas agreed. Piper is confusing sovereignty with determinism, the Bible teaches the first and not the latter. If John was correct there would be no point in prayer, there would be no point in anything honestly

[@justinmikels7646]

Brennan James Agreed. I also have an issue with his definition of sovereignty. To be sovereign means to have complete capability to control, but it doesn't mean the one who governs is constantly manipulating each micro transaction. God can allow free will and still be sovereign. In addition, the determinism he seems so hung up on us just junk theology. Predetermination refers to the reward of salvation. God hasn't predetermined who will be saved, He has simply predetermined WHAT the reward will be. These hyper Calvinist views create some troubling and confusing eisogetic opinions that get weirder the more they search for scriptures that faintly suggest what they already decided is true.

[@loressavargas2020]

🔥

[@kolehollis5852]

So we have free will to choose but God governs between what things we choose from ex: I can lie, tell the truth, or force the person to forget about it. God steps in and says “ no you can’t do that” so that’s brings it down to either you lie or tell the truth

[@jazmindieg000]

Should we question the steps God leads us in? Does this ultimately lead to more wisdom?

[@KC-fb8ql]

Here we are in the comments. Cue the doctrinal debates and divisions. Those who have it all down start writing your essays. Be sure to use plenty of caps and exclamation points.

[@felixthecat777333]

Ezekiel 37/ Romans 3:25=You lived before and are now alive again in the judgment of the life lived so the creator is in full control of EVERYTHING!

[@HearGodsWord]

Not disagreeing with you there. The creator is in full control :)

[@chriswolf529]

god has all authority and has overcome everything but to say that he is in control of everything would suggest that he is in control of the devil and his evil schemes. Scripture says that there is no evil in God so that is one place that he is defiantly not in control yet still has all authority.

[@TruthInLove_]

I'm glad to know now that every single detail in my life is determined by God. Now when I sin then I realize it was ordained by God and I had no control over it...this view of the extreme sovereignty of God is simply false. I would love to dive into more scripture and have a conversation with anyone who has been taught this doctrine.

[@Mind_of_MATT]

Who created all things? Who is the ultimate determiner of all things?

[@alvirosehisole5832]

❤

[@sulemalopez8085]

♥️👍🏽🙌🏽

[@daysofelijah]

The ultimate proof of God's complete sovereignty is Jesus birth, life, death on the cross and His resurrection. No matter what mankind does, or does not, or think, God is sovereign above all. Just read all the stories in the bible, how God accomplished everything He had in mind. Humans failed and failed and failed, yet God brought forth His will - every time! That's the meaning of sovereignty.

[@flameofudun8447]

God is sovereign. Does a sovereign God allow choice? If not, then how can I be responsible for anything? If God controls all and there is no choice, why spread the gospel? Why give laws? Does all this mean that a sovereign God, and not Adam or Eve, is responsible for the fall? Defenders of Calvinism love to accuse Arminian theologians of diminishing Gods sovereignty. What if God, in his sovereignty, chose to give man limited autonomy? Does anything we do have meaning or responsibility attached to it if there is no free will? Why does a just and righteous God give eternal damnation to those who never had agency in choosing to do evil? God gave us limited free will. The whole idea of responsibility and punishment for sin makes no sense without it. Saying i can make choices does not mean I can negate Gods sovereignty. I can't save myself. I can choose to humble myself and accept the grace of God and the sacrifice of Christ for my sins. My choice is limited. The work of salvation was planned and completed by the foreknowledge and power of a sovereign God. ''Choose this day whom you will serve'' Joshua 24:15.