Theology Shaping Worship: God Is Sovereign

By Savannah Cone

[Editor’s Note: This is the next article in a series for our blog called “Theology Shaping Worship”, which has previously been featured in our weekly Monday Motivation emails.]

Theological attributes of God manifest through our daily, personal, and corporate worship. Theology Shaping Worship explores key doctrines and how they affect our worship.

---

Doctrine: God is sovereign

“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules overall.” (Psalm 103:19). God us ruler.

Philosophy #1 (system of thought): Worship is an action of voluntary choice, not an action of obligation

Worship is something a child of the King has the desire and craving to do because of this all-ruling God whose kingdom cannot be shaken. “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).

For both the leader and worshiper: When was the last time you experienced a craving to worship the Lord? 

Consider the difference between voluntary choice and obligation. Write two words for each option to describing a feeling or emotion associated with them.

Voluntary Choice

1.

2.

Obligation

1.

2.

Voluntary choice is often something we are willing or excited to do, whereas obligation is something we dread or feel pressured to do. So how can we change our mindset to be voluntary vs. obligatory?

Application #1 (How does this look practically?): Worship should be given joyfully to God through song

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! . . . make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!” (Psalm 98:4-6). The psalmist encourages worship to be expressed joyfully in response to the Almighty God’s supremacy as King of the earth. Therefore, congregational worship should reflect this idea by proclaiming joyfully the gracious and wonderful Savior.

Let us sing joyful praises to our God as an act of worship to the King!

This voluntary joyful worship prepares our hearts and minds for the other elements in a corporate worship setting. When our mindset is focused solely on God, we are reminded how we can trust in His sovereignty.

---

Philosophy #2 (system of thought): Worship should rest in His sovereignty

When worshippers gather, it is crucial to remember whose hand it is in which we rest. We can trust in God’s sovereignty over our church and over our ministries. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

For the leader: In what ways is your congregation struggling to trust in God’s sovereignty? 

For the worshiper: In what ways are you struggling to trust in God’s sovereignty? 

Application #2 (How does this look practically?):Trust in God to provide financially

For the congregation, the offertory time in a worship service is an opportunity to act in faith with an offering to God. It is important to remember during this time of the service to trust God with our won finances and with our church’s finances. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:30-33). The principle found in this passage is to rely on God to provide. As we worship, let us trust in His sovereignty.

---