Providence & Miracles

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2001055

Subject: miracles; providence

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

 

Introduction:

A.     Providence only mentioned – once – Acts 24:2 – in reference to Felix. 

1.    Term means “forethought.”

2.    This team used in an effort to “butter up” or brag on Felix in regard to his relationship w/the Jews.

B.    God uses his foresight/knowledge to take care of those who serve Him.

1.    Note 1 Peter 5:7 – God cares for us.

2.    Note the general idea in story of Good Samaritan – Lk. 10:34-35.

3.    If we didn’t learn anything else from this AM’s lesson – I hope we know that God is alive; He is busy; He is working toward the fulfillment of His plans.

C.    Tonight’s lesson – talk of providence & miracles.  Is there a difference?

1.    many today – believe that miracles happening today.

2.    Are they?

3.    We’ll take a look at the character of NT miracles and then contrast that to God’s providence.

 

I.  Divine Providence

A.     A miracle is an act of God superseding or suspending a natural law.

1.    a miracle was a visible sign that showed all men that superhuman power was at work.

B.    Miracles occurred instantaneously – Mt. 8:3; 9:27-30.

1.    Miracles/healings were open for public scrutiny – Mt. 12:9-13 – in the synagogue.

2.    These miracles were acknowledged even by the enemies of Christ – Acts 2:22; 4:16

C.    Homer Hailey has said “You cannot explain a miracle, and an explained miracle is nonsense.”

D.    Miracles are always obvious – Acts 3:1-10

1.    commanded to get up (3:6) – walk

2.    obvious that something special happened – 3:8

3.    All saw it – was w/o question – 3:9-10

E.    Miracles have ceased.

1.    1 Cor. 13:8-10

a)    but…that which is perfect has come….

b)    This is the word of God.

2.    Js. 1:25 – wd. of God = perfect.  It is the complete will of God for mankind.

3.    Bible miracles are no longer evident b/c they are no longer needed.

II.  What was the purpose of miracles?

A.     To make believers of unbelievers.

1.    See Jhn. 11:45 – they produced faith.

2.    2 Kings 5:1-15 – when did Naaman believe?

B.    They were to confirm the word.

1.    Mk. 16:20 – went out & preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.

2.    Jhn. 20:30 – these given that people would believe…

3.    miracles helped reveal God’s word & they helped confirm what was being taught was, in fact, from God.

 

III.  How Providence Differs from Miracles

A.     It means are brought about by established laws of God.

1.    Nothing supernatural about it.

2.    providence usually happens through ordinary channels.

B.    Providence is not difficult to explain – yet we do not know the forces that brought it about.

1.    rather than being directly and instantaneously seen, providence is best seen in hindsight.

a)    look back on your life – can you see & know that God has been at work?

b)    Providence may have led to marriage/life decisions/etc.

2.    We rarely see God’s providence while it is happening to us.

a)    means that we must be content, patient, and exercise trust in God.

b)    Psa. 16:8; 139:10

 

Conclusion:

A.     God will provide for us.  Today it is by His providence; not miracles.

1.    Psa. 23:1 – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

2.    Psa. 37:5 – commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him and He will do it.

3.    Heb. 13:5

B.    Let us thank Him for guiding us through this life.

1.    Have you given the care of your soul to Him?

2.    If not, why not?

C. I N V I T A T I O N