My purpose will stand

Text: 46:3-10 Thesis: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. - :8

I. “I have upheld you since your birth.” A. God is already intimately aware of who we are. 1. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:13-14).” B. God has already laid the foundation for us to choose to follow him. 1. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (:5).” C. Help me to recognize your presence in my life, and give you the honor you deserve.

II. “With whom can you compare me or count me equal?” A. God is sovereign above all things and all people. 1. “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19).” 2. “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me (Isaiah 46:9).” B. “I am God” 1. Hebrew - I am El (meaning “The Most High /The Mighty One / The Om- nipotent”) (1) Eerdmans Pulpit Commentary / Beacon Commentary C. Followed by “I am God” 1. Hebrew - “I am Elohim” (meaning “The Godhead” in all its fullness) (1) Eerdmans Pulpit Commentary / Beacon Bible Commentary D. Help me to set aside my ______and humble myself before you.

III. “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” 1. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9).”

B. God’s purpose will be fulfilled with or without our help. 1. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)?” 2. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).” C. God blesses those who choose to follow him. 1. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). D. Help me to set aside my plans to do that which you please.

“He Is Lord. Lord of all.” - Lyrics to the song “Cornerstone”.