¹⁴… the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵… who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. (1 Timothy 6:14–16)

Doxologies, words of praise for God, are abundant in Scripture. The Bible is not just a theological textbook intended for ivory towers and academic dissection. True, it can be studied in great detail, and the making of commentaries expounding its meaning proliferate without end. It seems like in every generation Christian scholars feel compelled to add to the already overwhelming plethora of books on seminary and Bible school shelves, not to mention the personal libraries of students of the Word around the world.

But the study of God’s Word should always lead us to doxology, the praise of God. No more clearly is this seen than in Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding order in the church. While great debates occur about church polity, Paul, who wrote the original inspired texts that we wrestle with concerning these things, can’t contain his gleeful heart. In fact, it comes in the middle of his solemn charge to Timothy, “I charge you in the presence of God … that you keep the commandment without stain …” (1 Tim 6:13). He urges the young disciple to keep this instruction with the view of Christ’s return – and the thought of Christ’s return sets off Paul’s praise!

What has triggered Paul’s exclamation? The absolute sovereignty of Christ. While that term has a broad field of meaning, the focus seems to be on His authority, for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Whatever those concepts mean, Jesus excels to the max in both. There are earthly kings and lords, those in authority over us by right of political ascension or some other earthly, cultural or worldly means. Jesus Himself recognized human authority when He said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Matt 22:21). He is the King par excellence (that is, the perfect example and in a class by Himself). And He is the Lord, par excellence. And He is King and Lord in authority over all kings and lords.

The winds obey Him (Matt 8:27). The demons bow before Him (Mark 5:4-7, 6:7, Luke 4:36). Jesus has the authority to judge all people (John 5:27). He has the authority to take His own life and to rise again from the dead (John 19:10-11, 10:18). He has authority to give eternal life (John 17:2). Yes, Jesus is sovereign as King of kings and Lord of Lords. Nothing is beyond His authority and all authorities here are accountable to Him (Rom 13:1-4). He is in control!

Lord, I declare with Moses,“For the Lord [our] God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God…” (Deut 10:17).