Many consider the doctrine of God's sovereignty as an enemy that must be appeased. The doctrine of God's sovereignty should be treated as the Christian's best friend, instead of an enemy which must be appeased.
Roman 8:28 has always been a friend of mine. And since understanding it in the light of God's sovereignty, it is now my best friend.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]
I get great comfort in knowing that God is working events in my life for good. If a severe tragedy ever happened to me in my life, I would take comfort that I was in God's plan and that things were going to be alright. But if I believed the tragedy was only the result of God's "permissive will", I would be angry at God and asking Him "why He allowed such a thing to happen?"
Our goal in witnessing is not to have a sinner repeat some prayer. From the abundance of false professions we see around us, maybe we need to reevaluate our gospel. Our goal should be to lead a person to pray like that publican.
God be merciful to me a sinner. [Luke 18:13]
And leave the rest to God.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [1 Cor 3:6]
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [Phil 1:6]
If God were not actively ordering your life, you would have no guarantee of being triumphant in the battles of life.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. [Psalm 37:23-24]
God is a sovereign ruler of the universe. He is the One who is at work, and He alone has the right to take the initiative to begin a work. He does not ask us to dream our dreams for Him and then ask Him to bless our plans. [Experiencing God, Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King, Broadman & Holman Publishers, pg 35]
No man knows what God has decreed in His secret counsel. God decreeing something is no hindrance to any command He gives. Our problem is not to determine what God has decreed, and then do. Our problem is to do whatsoever God has commanded in His word. We will be judged according to His word, and not according to His decrees.
Joseph provides a model for us in avoiding sin. He first prepared his mind for action.
how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? [Gen 39:9]
Joseph was not considering the sin, Joseph was considering what a great offense the sin would be to God. The temptation to sin must be treated as an assassination attempt on one's life. The assassin [sin] must be cut off.
And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. [Gen 39:12]
Joseph knew the assassin [sin] could not be reasoned with, and he fled to save his life.
Charles H. Spurgeon taught that God was sovereign and man accountable. Some told Spurgeon this doctrine is not to be preached.
"No," says one, "it is not to be preached." But it is to be preached. Every word of God is given by inspiration, and it is profitable for some good end. Does not the Bible say so? Let me tell you, the reason why many of our churches are declining is just because this doctrine has not been preached. [Sovereign Grace and Man's Responsibility, Charles Spurgeon, The New Park Street Pulpit Vol 4,Baker, pg 340]