Psudo-Sovereignty

03.23.09

J.A. Matteson

"Be anxious for nothing…." Philippians 4:6

Pseudo-sovereignty reveals itself in apprehension, whereby the bewildered Christian soberly calculates himself to be a living contradiction—a spiritual schizophrenic—rather than a living sacrifice; one moment he affirms the sovereignty and Providence of God, and in the next instant he is annoyed by both. Born into sin the inclination of man’s heart is towards independence from his Creator, “… and you will be like God….” (Genesis 3:5). The supreme incommunicable attribute of God is His sovereignty, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Grotesque before heavens throne is cosmic treason characterized by a refutation and challenge to divine sovereignty.

By grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Christian is forgiven of his former treason and declared righteous by a just Judge, and yet the annoying vestige of the former conspirator within—the old man—stubbornly persists and his demise entails nothing short of a declaration of all out war, “For from within…proceed the evil thoughts…deeds of coveting and wickedness, envy, pride….” (Mark 7:21-22). While speaking to His followers Jesus Christ tenderly summoned, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavyladen, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). What a delightful balm to the weary and agitated soul are the words of our Lord!

Through Providence the Spirit compassionately touches upon fleshly pressure points within the Christian in order to guide him to singularity with Christ, where the mind and heart operate in unison; what the Spirit initiates by way of loving grace so that Christ may be formed within, spiritual immaturity responds to in doubt, which is unbelief—“Has God said?” The fruit of unbelief is concern, worry, anxiety, and unbelief is sin. The pseudosovereign is preoccupied with the temporal, charting a cognitive course, developing grid to sift experiences and expectations, presuming upon future outcomes that serve what is perceived as beneficial. Providence then transpires and intersects the pre-fabricated understanding of the Christian, turning it on its head; intense anxiety is the resultant fruit, the root is a life characterized by a preoccupation with being its own sovereign; i.e., in control, “Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will wear for clothing?” (Matthew 6:31).

The Christian who mortifies the flesh and nails to the cross its aspirations, expectations, and presuppositions regarding future events walks as one yoked to the Savior, whose burden is light, and whose peace is beyond comprehension. Anxiety is not an attribute of the divine nature—the throne room of heaven knows nothing but perfect peace. The Spirit within the Christian has raised him up with Christ in heavenly places where peace and harmony triumph, “But God, being rich in mercy… raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places….” (Ephesians 2:4-6). Anxiety is not consistent with the new nature and is a mark of immaturity signaling a life not fully surrendered to Providence; for as God is not anxious within Himself the same is unbecoming in the place of His dwelling, “…do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). And as anxiety generally finds its center in temporal preoccupations the Christian who walks victoriously in peace daily directs his attention heavenward, entrusting himself to Him whose Word is true and whose ways manifest perfect wisdom.

The Spirit of grace who leads the Christian towards maturity is evidenced by the inexpressible joyful realization of a pliable heart, one inclined towards peaceful submission to divine sovereignty and the outworking of Providence, knowing that the Father is indeed crafting unique circumstances for the spiritual benefit of the pilgrim, outfitting him for heaven where his citizenship is held, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). Enduring peace and joy in the midst of unexpected Providences are the fruit of the Spirit, sprouting forth in a life abandoned to divine sovereignty.

Copyright 2009 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8)