How Does the Sovereignty of God Work in Relationship to the Sin of the Believer?

Dr. Couch, how does the sovereignty of God work in relationship to the sin of the believer?

ANSWER:  Wow! That's a tough question, though we know that God is 100% sovereign and we humans are 100% responsible! Arthur Pink in his book on The Life of David, I believe has it right. He says:

But now the question arises, Why did God permit David to fall so low and sin so   terribly? The first answer must be, To display His high and awe-inspiring sovereignty. Here we approach ground which is indeed difficult for us to tread even with unshodden feet. Nevertheless it cannot be gainsaid that there is a marvelous and sovereign display of the Lord's grace toward His people in this particular respect, both before their calling and after. Some of the elect are permitted to sin most grievously in their uncovered state, while others of them, even in their unregenerate days, are wondrously preserved. Again, some of the elect after their conversion have been divinely allowed to awfully fall into the most horrible impieties, while others of them are so preserved as never to sin willfully against their consciences from the first conviction to the very close of their lives.

This also reminds us of Psalm 37:23-24. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

   Many reading this need encouraging today. I hope this helps.

   Thanks for asking.
   Dr. Mal Couch