God’s
Work in Our World
Introduction:
There are many ideas as to how much God is involved in the world. Is He
working now – even as we speak? If He is, why does He allow certain evil
acts & evil men to live & prosper? We can know of His providential care for
us. God is looking out for our
physical & spiritual welfare. God is working,
He maintains all things & brings about the fulfillment of His eternal
purpose. God wants us to know that He is always working…at
work around us. He has always been doing His work and wants us to get on board
with Him.
I. What exactly is divine providence?
A.
Word
“providence” only found once in entire Bible.
1.
Acts 24:2 – talking of Felix. Word literally means
“forethought.”
2.
When
speaking of God….providence concerns itself w/the preservation, care, and
government which God exercises over everything He has created.
3.
His power
never ceases to be exerted over all His works.
II. God has always worked around His people.
A.
Bible says
that God rules in kingdoms of men:
1.
Dan 4:25;
Rev. 1:5 – ruler of the kings of the earth. Rom. 13:1, 4, 6
2.
God rules in
the nations & plays a role in their rise/fall.
B.
Every nation
of people is cared about by God.
1.
Gen. 15:16
– God was working still for the Amorites.
2.
Amos 1-2
– God involved with the nations surrounding His people inside the Promised
Land. See also Amos 9:7
3.
Jonah 4:9-11
– Nineveh; Habakkuk – Babylonians to punish Judah.
C.
Acts 18:10
– There were people in Corinth that God had His eye on.
D.
Just as God
worked among the nations during Bible times, so He does today.
III. What is God’s Ultimate Purpose?
A.
God is
working today to bring all men to Himself.
1.
John
3:16-17; Romans 5:8-10; 2 Peter 3:9-11.
B.
2 Cor.
5:18-20 – God was working in Christ.
1.
5:19 –
God’s desire to reconcile men to himself.
C.
God is
working and very actively involved in the furtherance of His spiritual
objectives. We are tools that fit somewhere inside that plan.
IV. How God’s Providence plays a role in the Life of Christians
today?
A.
Mt. 7:7-11
– He will answer our prayers.
B.
Provides
hidden things that we don’t ask for or know we need.
C.
Provides us
w/material things. Mt. 6:25-34
D.
Phil. 4:19
– will supply our needs.
E.
Will equip
us spiritually.
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
1.
Are you
serving Him?