GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY IN HUMAN CHOICES

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN HUMAN CHOICES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 9:15-24, 1 Samuel 8:4-22

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 19:21, Romans 9:15–18, Daniel 4:35, Isaiah 46:10, Genesis 50:20

INTRODUCTION:
The tension between divine sovereignty and human choice is one of the most profound themes in Scripture. While human beings are given the ability to choose, it is God who remains supreme over all outcomes. This balance is seen clearly in the story of Israel’s demand for a king in 1 Samuel. The people wanted to be like other nations, rejecting God’s rule, yet God in His sovereignty allowed it—and even orchestrated it to fulfil His ultimate purpose.

God does not abandon His throne because of human decisions. Instead, He weaves even rebellious choices into the tapestry of His divine will. The selection of Saul as king was not a surprise to God. In fact, before the people ever approached Samuel with their demand, God had already prepared a man from the tribe of Benjamin. This shows that God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty operate even in the midst of flawed human desires.

This teaching will explore how God rules over human affairs without violating human freedom, how He turns choices into channels of purpose, and how His plans always prevail—no matter what men decide.

1. GOD ALLOWS HUMAN CHOICES WITHOUT LOSING CONTROL
God is not threatened by human will. He can permit choices without surrendering His sovereignty.

a) Israel Demanded a King to Be Like Other Nations (1 Samuel 8:5)
This was a rejection of divine rule. Yet God allowed their request.

b) God Told Samuel, “They Have Not Rejected You, But Me” (1 Samuel 8:7)
God rightly interpreted their choice as spiritual rebellion, not political reform.

c) Samuel Warned Them of the Consequences, but They Insisted (1 Samuel 8:19-20)
People often choose based on sight and emotion, but God still governs the outcome.

d) God Instructed Samuel to Anoint a King Anyway (1 Samuel 8:22)
Even when the request was wrong in motive, God still used it to fulfil prophecy.

Biblical Example: God allowed Pharaoh’s stubbornness, but still used it to display His power (Exodus 9:16).

2. GOD OVERRULES OUR CHOICES TO FULFIL HIS PURPOSE
Even when people act in self-interest or rebellion, God's will is never defeated.

a) Saul Was Already Appointed by God Before Israel's Demand (1 Samuel 9:15-16)
God's plan accounted for their rebellion—He had already chosen Saul.

b) God Used Samuel to Identify and Anoint Saul (1 Samuel 10:1)
The spiritual leader still had a role in recognising God's move.

c) Saul’s Selection Was Both a Response to the People and a Test for the Nation
God gave them the king they wanted to show them the consequences of self-rule.

d) God's plan for David—the man after His heart—was already in process
Saul was part of the journey to David’s throne, not the final solution.

Biblical Example: Judas chose to betray Jesus, but his act fulfilled prophecy (John 13:18; Acts 1:16).

3. GOD USES EVEN FLAWED LEADERS TO ACHIEVE HIS DIVINE AGENDA
A bad decision by man does not abort the good plan of God.

a) Saul United the Nation Militarily (1 Samuel 11:11-15)
Though imperfect, Saul was used to defeat enemies and bring temporary stability.

b) Saul’s Rise Paved the Way for David’s Rise (1 Samuel 18:6-9)
David’s training, tests, and victories all came under Saul’s reign.

c) God Allowed Saul's Fall to Teach Israel Obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Even Saul’s failure became a lesson in leadership and divine authority.

d) The Throne Was Prepared for David Through Saul’s Misrule
God's choice always outlives man’s mistake.

Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar’s pride was used to reveal God's sovereignty to the nations (Daniel 4:17, 35).

4. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IS SEEN IN THE END, NOT ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT
What looks like human control today often reveals divine control tomorrow.

a) Israel Regretted Choosing a King After Experiencing Saul (1 Samuel 12:19)
The results of their decision humbled them.

b) Samuel Affirmed That God Would Still Bless Them if They Obeyed (1 Samuel 12:20-25)
Even when choices are wrong, repentance can bring restoration.

c) God Transitioned the Nation to David, His True Choice (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
God’s plan prevailed. His king came to the throne in His own time.

d) Saul’s Reign Was a Detour, Not a Denial, of God's Original Intent
The hand of God moves even in the mistakes of men.

Biblical Example: Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, but God used it to save a nation (Genesis 50:20).

5. GOD DESIRES OBEDIENCE OVER HUMAN STRATEGY
Though God permits choice, His greatest desire is for trust and submission.

a) God Was Not Pleased With Israel's Demand, but He Was Patient (1 Samuel 8:7-9)
He didn’t destroy them—He instructed them.

b) God's Word to Saul Was Clear: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
Leadership without submission to God is destined to fail.

c) David Waited for God's Timing and Trusted His Sovereignty (1 Samuel 24:6, 26:10)
Unlike Saul, David respected divine processes over personal ambition.

d) God's sovereignty doesn't excuse disobedience—it should inspire reverence
Knowing God is in control should lead us to trust and obey Him, not manipulate outcomes.

Biblical Example: Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

CONCLUSION:
God’s sovereignty in human choices reminds us that He is in control even when we are confused. He allows us to choose, but He never loses control of the outcome. In the story of Saul, we see that even when Israel acted out of rebellion, God’s purposes still advanced. In Samuel, we see a leader who listened to God’s voice. In David, we see a man after God’s heart who aligned his choices with God’s will.

We must never assume our decisions are more powerful than God’s plan. Even when we fall short, God can redeem, redirect, and restore. His sovereignty rules over all. Therefore, our greatest response should not be manipulation or fear—but faith, obedience, and reverence for the One who rules the affairs of men.