God is Alive in the World

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2001054

Subject: Miracles; faith; providence

Preached Originally: 09/23/01 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.     There = many ideas as to how much God is involved in the world.

1.     Is He working now – even as we speak?

2.     If He is, why does He allow certain evil acts & evil men to live & prosper?

a)     perhaps this question been asked over & over since 11 Sept.

b)    Today’s lesson will help us be better prepared to answer these questions.

B.     Some have faithless views concerning God.

1.     I don’t see how God could work today…

2.     All things are a result of random choice processes.

C.     Others have the idea that …

1.     God sits back, passively observing, but never intervening.

2.     Or,….like a clock maker to the clock – God winds it up & leaves it alone.

D.    Others take the view of God’s providence too far:

1.     Everything is providence.

2.     Everything that happens that is good – is God’s reward for the righteous.

3.     Or,…His providence is easily seen & identifiable.  “God opened that parking space for me.”

E.     Well, what do you think?

1.     We can know of His providential care for us.  God is looking out for our physical & spiritual welfare.

2.     But…this is not miraculous in today’s time.

3.     God is working, He maintains all things & brings about the fulfillment of His eternal purpose. 

a)     may not be easily seen at the present. 

b)    Clearly seen when looking back.

4.     I believe there is biblical evidence to prove that God continues even today to rule in the affairs of men.

a)     Timothy Dooley: God is not a hermit residing way off out yonder.  The Bible clearly teaches that God in His providence is near & at hand, and can be expected to help us.

 

I.  What exactly is divine providence?

A.     Word “providence” only found once in entire Bible.

1.     Acts 24:2 – talking of Felix.  Wd. Literally means “forethought.” 

a)    used to describe the work/influence of the Roman official – governor of Judea.

2.     When speaking of God….providence concerns itself w/the preservation, care, and government which God exercises over everything He has created – in order that He may accomplish the purpose for which they were created.

3.     American Heritage dictionary: the foreseeing & guardianship of God over His creatures – a manifestation of His divine care or direction.

4.     His power never ceases to be exerted over all His works.

a)    DP = the opposite of “chance,” “fortune,” or “luck.”

b)   It continues creation.

c)    It is universal & nothing is too minute for it’s regard.

 

II.  The Scriptures testify to Divine Providence.

A.     Psa. 147:7-9 – covers heavens w/clouds – provides rain for the earth.

1.     Mt. 5:45 – Jesus says the same.  See also Paul’s statement: Acts 14:16-17.

B.     God knows when each sparrow falls.  Knows the # of hairs on our head.  Lk. 12:6-7.

C.     Bible says that God rules in kingdoms of men:

1.     Dan 4:25; Rev. 1:5 – ruler of the kings of the earth.

2.     Rom. 13:1, 4, 6

3.     God rules in the nations & plays a role in their rise/fall.

4.     But,…one wonders as to why He allows:

a)    ungodly, unprincipled; evil men to rule.

b)   Can’t explain – but know that He uses those in power to accomplish His aims & His purpose. 

c)    Remember…all things will work together for His glory!

D.    God’s providence clearly seen in story of Joseph.  Sold into slavery; imprisoned; to # 2 in command in Egypt – Acts 7:9-10.

E.     Clearly seen in His bringing about promises of salvation through Christ. 1 Pet. 1:19-20 – He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you.

F.     Bible says the eyes of God are on the righteous.

1.     A comfort.  Good to know – especially in uncertain times – like we face now.

2.     1 Peter 3:10-12; Heb. 13:5-6

3.     Friends, brethren….Our God, He is alive!

 

III.  How?  What Has God Promised to Provide?

A.     Mt. 7:7-11 – He will answer our prayers.

1.     Js. 1:6 – ask w/o doubting.  1 Jhn. 5:14-15 – ask in confidence….

B.     Provides hidden things that we don’t ask for or know we need.

1.     Eph. 3:20 – do beyond all we ask or think.

2.     Look back at your life.  How many can testify to God working in their life?

C.     Provides us w/material things.  Mt. 6:25-34

1.     Should not be our primary goal in life.  Col. 3:2; Mt. 16:26

2.     Keep in mind:  blessings/prosperity don’t always mean an endorsement by God – Mt. 5:45

D.    Phil. 4:19 – will supply our needs.

E.     Will equip us spiritually.

1.     1 Cor. 10:13 – will provide escape from temptation.

2.     Will chasten/discipline us when necessary – Heb. 12:6-11.  ESP. 11.

3.     will give us all we need to do for every good work.

F.     He will provide us w/His love & care in hard times.

1.     1 Peter 5:6-7 – casting ALL your anxiety….He cares for you.

2.     God will direct our paths – Prov. 3:5-6

 

Conclusion:

A.     We can’t know when God performs providence.

1.     Deut. 29:29 – secret things belong to God.

2.     Eccl. 8:16-9:1; 11:5

B.     This is why we walk by faith & not by sight – 2 Cor. 5:7

C.     This why Christian has hope.  This why Christian keeps his head high w/optimism – even in times of trouble/uncertainty.

1.     God is in control & will take care of those who serve Him

2.     Are you serving Him?

D.    Can you cast your care upon Him?  Do you have that privilege?

1.     Obey gospel today!

2.     B/c His child.

E.  I N V I T A T I O N