“It is rather arrogant to think that the Creator of heaven and earth would not be sovereign over his creation, to do with according to his own will. For what is built, the design and workmanship are up to the builder.”
Was a very hard lesson for me to learn especially as an American when we do not bend the knee to anyone...man has always thought he controlled his own destiny...not so and it’s very hard to give up that idea and submit...even if it is to God....just not human nature to do it.
Was a very hard lesson for me to learn especially as an American when we do not bend the knee to anyone...man has always thought he controlled his own destiny...not so and it’s very hard to give up that idea and submit...even if it is to God....just not human nature to do it.
The Bible tells Christians that they should bow the knee to Christ, and increasingly live in such a way, and, that by God's Grace, the true believer will find themselves on just such a lifelong journey (one that they could not make if left entirely to their own devices), that is, one of progressive sanctification. Of course, due to original sin, we are born into sin and stubbornly resist and defy God; it is only upon men's hearing the Word of God (the Bible), that the Holy Spirit of God draws them to him - as he chooses them according to his sovereign will.
I like the Book of Job and Book of Ecclesiasties, as well as the Psalms for what they teach regarding the smallness of man and the greatness of God.
Especially
Job 26. At that link you can click on "Show Resources" and see the Reformation Study Bible notes and Matthew Henry's Commentary. I find verse 7 to be astonishing, especially considering the
possible date range of the writing of the book.
Much of the Old Testament deals with our utter weakness and dependence on God, which, of course, makes our rejection of God all the more deplorable.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Ezekiel 30:6
Thus saith the Lord; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord God.
Hosea 5:5
And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity: Judah also shall fall with them.
1 Timothy 3:6
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Also, of course, essential for study of the topic,
Ecclesiastes 9.