Thy Way Is in the Sea

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-2-2025

Psalm 77

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Why the seas; why the hard paths of life; why the unknown future of our travels that bring about much peril?    There is an old saying,  “When you cannot track God, you can trust God!”

 

B.  As a general rule, when seas are mentioned in the Bible, they are places of hardship or difficulty.  They are places that test our faith!  In this particular Psalm, we find “hindsight’s 20/20” in operation.  The Psalmist looks at the trial from start to finish. 

 

1.  Faith’s Confidence – vs. 1  “God Will!”

 

2.  Faith’s Confusion – vs. 2  “God Hasn’t!”

 

3.  Faith’s Complaining – vs. 3  “God Won’t!”

 

4.  Faith’s Contemplation – vs. 4-9  “God has turned His back on me”

 

5.  We Find Consideration – vs. 10-18  “God has been here and done it before”

 

6.  Faith’s Continuation – vs. 19-20   “God will do it once more”

 

C.  Why was the Psalmist overwhelmed? 

 

1.  Often, in the midst of our storms, we see as Christ’s disciples saw.  The wind and waves are now in our boat and the Lord is nowhere to be seen!  Because we are human, we lose sight of the Lord and the knowledge of what He has done in the past and concentrate on “bailing the water out of our boat” in the present. 

 

2.  We never seem to learn that, when we come to the end of our strength, it is only then that we find His!

 

2 Corinthians 12:7-10  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  (8)  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  (9)  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (10)  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

D.  Seas speak of the trials and troubles of this life.  They constantly remain in motion with underwater currents and external waves subject to great winds.  Seas in general are immense!  The Red Sea to Israel, which had no boats or planes, was just such a sea.  Life is hard at best. 

 

E.  Life is hard at best.  When I think of the great sea, I think of the Pacific Ocean.

 

1.  Great Depths - The Mariana Trench is 36,201 feet deep (Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, stands only 29,029 ft. tall).

 

2.  Immense Size - The Pacific Ocean is the largest in the world. It covers 69,375,000 square miles.

 

3.  Incredible Power – Currents, great 100 foot waves at times, and tsunamis that cannot be contained.

 

4.  Sudden tempests – Storms of great magnitude.

 

5.  Long Crossings – Thousands of miles over major oceans.

 

6.  Physical Impossibilities – I can neither wade through nor can I swim across them.  I often go to the Atlantic and the possibility of swimming across it never even crosses my mind.  There are fish there that would love to make a meal off of this fat preacher!

 

F.  The Psalmist said, “Thy way is in the sea and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.”  God often allows His children to come to hard places in their lives.  Not paths chosen by us, but paths that are allowed by Him.  This verse tells me three things:

 

1.  God’s Path Is Not Always Easy!  We seek the easy way but often the hard way is the best.

 

2.  God’s Path Is Always Ahead Of Us!  As God told Moses and the children to “Go forward,” He expects the same of us.  “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is an old saying. 

 

3.  God’s Path Is Not Always Visible!  God often does not show us the path that we are to tread.  We had much rather know where we are going but we are to follow God so as to know where He is going.

 

1.  God’s Sea is a Prepared Place – His Property!   God created the seas and knew every part of them like the “back of His hand!”  He made every mountain and every valley we will come to.  I believe that God knows every trial that we will face in our lives.  It is not that God creates sinfulness, nor does He condone it, but I believe that God still controls it!  It Is Not The Way Of Our Comprehending!

 

2.  God’s Sea is a Providential Place – His Permission!  God knew before He ever created the world that Israel would one day stand at that precise place, because the “hand of God” led them there.  It was a place of God’s choosing.  Every good General picks his place and time of battle.  God chose the place of Israel’s crossing.  So does God allow us to be brought to hard places in His providence!    

 

a.  It Is Not The Way Of Our Comfort! 

 

b.  It Is Often The Harder Way! 

 

c.  It Is Often The Longer Way! 

 

d.  It Is Not The Way Of Our Choosing! 

 

e.  It Is Often The Only Way!  When you have no choice, you can make no wrong decision!

 

3.  God’s Sea is a Powerful Place – His Parting!  When I see the ocean, it never ceases to amaze me with its magnitude and its power!  It goes beyond the horizon; it goes for thousands of miles; no power on earth can either tame it or stop it.  It is controlled only by God!  When we come to our sea—Seas Of Disappointment, Seas Of Discouragement, Seas Of Dire Circumstances, Seas Of Duration, Seas Of Doubt—they are seas where God can show His might power!

 

4.  God’s Sea Is A Protected Place – His Pillar! 

 

a.  When Israel came to the impossible, impassable Red Sea and the enemy drew near to destroy, God placed Himself between the enemies of God’s people and the people of God.  No matter how they hated Israel and Israel’s God, they could do nothing to draw any nearer than God would allow. 

 

b.  God has put Satan and the enemies of God’s children on a leash!  The most protected place is not always the easiest one.  The most protected place is in the midst of the fire in the will of God.

 

5.  God’s Sea Is A Purposed Place – His Plan! 

 

a.  His purpose is to deliver the children of God!  God does not propose that we be destroyed, and He will show up on time to deliver.  When we get to the end of life and look back, we will see the hand of God in our lives. 

 

b.  His purpose is to destroy the enemies of God!  As God destroyed Israel; as God destroyed Haman; God will destroy those who oppose Him and refuse to get right.  Egypt could have been spared if, at any time, they had turned around, but God hardened their hearts, and they continued until they perished. 

 

c.  His purpose is to purify the saint and bring praise and glory to God!  In the sea, God is still God!  Just let God be God, trust Him with all you have, and He will be glorified.

Theology: The Doctrine of God - Part 3

Temple Baptist Church - 3-2-2025

Genesis 1:1

II. The Attributes of God

 

“The Sovereignty of God”

 

Introduction: Now that we have the first four words of the Bible, “In the beginning God,” memorized I will add more words to introduce us to the Sovereignty of God: “In the beginning God created” In the days of creation, we find that God created “the heaven and the earth” and “all that in them is,” as His creation is a perfect and final.

 

Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

 

Created – אֵת 'êth aytha - beacon or monument, to appear!

 

There is a Latin term often used to define creation: Ex nihilo – "Ex nihilo" is a Latin term that means "out of nothing-from nothing-with nothing." It refers to the concept of creation or generation from absolute nothingness or without preexisting materials or conditions.

 

In God’s creative acts, we find the Absolute Sovereignty of God as creation is all of God!

 

A. The words “sovereign” and “sovereignty,” like the words “Trinity” and “Rapture” are not found in the Bible but the principle is found there. With the first mention of the word sovereignty in relationship with God, the heart and soul of man is compelled to worship the one and only true Sovereign of the Universe.

 

1. Sovereignty elevates the God of the Universe far above the highest of His creation. He is infinitely the Most High: Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. The word “Sovereignty” declares that God is absolute in His authority over His creation and absolute in His independence from His creation as He needs nothing from anyone or anything and is subject to none and influenced by none.

 

2. The Sovereignty of God is absolute in His independence of any or all things. The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, and no one can hinder Him, and no one can stop Him.

 

Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, (10) Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

 

Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, “What doest thou?”

 

B. Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in name. Divine Sovereignty means that God is on the Throne of the universe, directing all things and working all things "after the counsel of His own will."

 

Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

 

1. There is more in that name than humanity can grasp. “I AM” is a tetragram: a word of four letters. It can be translated as JEHOVAH but is also translated as YAHWEH so as to be pronounced, but the tetragram is YHWY which cannot be pronounced because it has no vowels. It is a sacred, holy name and became so sacred and holy that the Israelites would not say His name for fear of using it in vain. I AM means the eternal, self-existing One. He is the Elohyim who always has been, created it all, and will live forever.

 

Psalms 135:13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

 

Ephesians 1:10-11 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (11) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

 

2. In C.H. Spurgeon’s sermon on Matthew 20:15 said, “There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all.”

 

Psalms 135:5-6 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. (6) Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

 

Job 23:10, 13-14 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold ... But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. (14) For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

 

3. God is unrivaled in majesty, unlimited in power, and unaffected by anything outside of Himself.

 

Psalms 115:1-3 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. (2) Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? (3) But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

 

Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

 

Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

 

C. Areas of God’s Sovereignty.

 

1. God is sovereign over Creation. Everything in heaven and earth bow to the sovereign will of God.

 

Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

God spoke and it was done. All nature, the universe, and God’s created creatures, are obedient to His commands. Natural in the Bible means that all things created follow God’s nature.

 

2. God is sovereign over Authorities. Governments were created by God and are subject to His sovereign will. God can raise nations up and take nations down at His will. God can raise up men and take them down in His will.

 

a) God controls Governments. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

 

b) God controls the decisions of Government. Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

 

c. God controls the actions of Governors. Acts 12:21-23 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. (22) And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. (23) And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

 

3. God is sovereign over Salvation. He controls both them and their circumstances from birth to eternity. Here lies an area of great confusion because of biblical ignorance.

 

a) In God’s control over sinners, He—in His infinite wisdom, gives man the volition of choice. This is not adverse to God’s Absolute Sovereignty; it proves God’s Sovereignty, both in heaven and earth. There will be no sinners who come to Christ who do not love Him, nor will there be anyone in heaven who does not love Him!

 

b) In the First Mention Principle, God establishes man’s ability and responsibility to choose. God gave Cain a second chance and declared sin to be the reason for his rejection, not election or predestination. Cain could have been saved had he made the right choice in salvation.

 

Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

 

c) In the Last Mention Principle, God establishes forever the will of man to choose in the matter of salvation.

 

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

John 5:38-40 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. (39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

 

d) Jesus indicted the Pharisees in these verses for not making the right choice in salvation. Had they come to Christ, they would have been saved but, once again, sin “lieth at the door!”

 

John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

 

e) Jesus indicted Israel for their rejection of the Messiah and His great salvation. The problem was sin as the “elect” nation rejected the “elect” Messiah because of sinful decisions.

 

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

 

f) Jesus indicted the Sinner who would not come unto Him.

 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

D. Because God is sovereign:

 

1. God Requires No Counsel - Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

 

Isaiah 40:13-14 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

 

God needs no engineer to help Him! No one sat down with the Creator and helped Him to “map out” His creation! In the multitude of counselors applies to us who need them. God did not need them!

 

2. God Seeks No Advice - 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

God needed no boss to watch Him! No one “looked over His shoulder” during creation to let Him know what he did wrong and needed to be changed.

 

3. God Lacks No Wisdom - James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

God did not need YouTube, nore did He need AI though boyh are valuable resources to us humans when planning to do something that we have never done before. God did not learn from His mistakes because He made no mistakes.

 

4. God Asks No Permission – Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

 

God needed no builder’s permit! God needed no permission as there was none over Him because there was none with Him!

 

5. God Answers To No Man - Romans 9:20 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?

 

God was not subject to any external Authority!

 

Conclusion: God’s Supremacy and Sovereignty were and are Absolute! He is the Potentate of the Universe who owns everything from eternity to creation to eternity! God is Sovereign!