What other scriptures highlight God's sovereignty in spiritual development? Grounding Verse: God Alone Makes It Grow “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7 New Testament Echoes of God’s Sovereign Work • Philippians 2:13 — “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” • He sparks the desire (“to will”). • He supplies the power (“to act”). • John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Spiritual fruit is branch-and-vine reality; the life-sap is Christ Himself. • Hebrews 13:20-21 — “…may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ…” • The equipping and the accomplishment come from the same Source. • Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are God’s workmanship…” • Even the “good works” are pre-planned by God, then walked out by us. • 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 — “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” • Sanctification promised, sanctification performed—by Him. • Romans 8:28-30 — The golden chain: predestined → called → justified → glorified. • Every link forged by God; none left to chance or human merit. • 2 Corinthians 3:5 — “Our competence comes from God.” • Ability for ministry? Sourced in Him, not résumé. Old Testament Threads Woven Into the Same Tapestry • Psalm 127:1 — “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” • Human effort minus divine blessing equals futility. • Psalm 138:8 — “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” • Personal assurance: the project of your life is His project. • Isaiah 26:12 — “LORD, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.” • Credit where credit is due—at His feet. • Jeremiah 24:7 — “I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD.” • Even the heart’s capacity to seek God is His gift. Connecting the Dots 1. God initiates (choosing, calling, giving new birth). 2. God sustains (indwelling Spirit, daily grace, ongoing pruning). 3. God completes (conforming to Christ, preserving to glory). Living in Light of His Sovereignty • Confidence replaces anxiety—He finishes what He starts. • Humility displaces pride—growth is a gift, not a trophy. • Gratitude fuels obedience—every step empowered by grace invites wholehearted response. |
    |