The providence of God n We always need to remember that we cannot see as God does concerning the events of this life.

The providence of God n We always need to remember that we cannot see as God does concerning the events of this life. n Consider the awesome knowledge and power of our eternal God. (Psa 139:1-8)

The providence of God n Psalm 139:1-8 (NKJV) O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

The providence of God n 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

The providence of God n God knows the future! (Isa 46:9-10)

The providence of God n Isaiah 46:9-10 (NKJV) Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’

The providence of God n God’s awesome power will be used to protect His people. (Psa 121:7-8; 2 Tim 4:18)

The providence of God n Psalm 121:7-8 (NKJV) The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.

The providence of God n 2 Timothy 4:18 (NKJV) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

The providence of God n How does man see?

The providence of God n How does man see? n Because of our limits we can only see things “under the sun.”

The providence of God n How does man see? n Because of our limits we can only see things “under the sun.” n What seems as a very long time to us is nothing to God. (2 Pt 3:8-9)

The providence of God n 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV) But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The providence of God n Above all we cannot know the purposes and plans of God. What we view as a tragedy may be a victory!

The providence of God n Above all we cannot know the purposes and plans of God. What we view as a tragedy may be a victory! n Be careful what you judge by sight! (2 Cor 6:4-10)

The providence of God n 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (NKJV) But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

The providence of God n 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

The providence of God n Discussion: How should we view adversity in our lives?

The providence of God n Discussion: How should we view adversity in our lives? n 1. How can something bad be made to work for good by the Lord? (Rom 8:28)

The providence of God n Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The providence of God n 2. Why do we need to be reminded of the promises of God during difficult times?

The providence of God n 2. Why do we need to be reminded of the promises of God during difficult times? n 3. What is wrong when we conclude that the sufferings of a person must be because they are not right with God?

Joseph could see the providence of God n What do we mean by the “providence of God?”

Joseph could see the providence of God n What do we mean by the “providence of God?” n Providence is not:

Joseph could see the providence of God n What do we mean by the “providence of God?” n Providence is not: n A Miracle - “a deed which is impossible to forces ordinarily in that order. God’s miracles are for a purpose. One need not guess if a miracle has occurred. (Mark 16:17-20)

Joseph could see the providence of God n What do we mean by the “providence of God?” n Providence is not: n A Miracle - “a deed which is impossible to forces ordinarily in that order. God’s miracles are for a purpose. One need not guess if a miracle has occurred. (Mark 16:17-20) n The actions of men alone.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Consider the English word and its origin:

Joseph could see the providence of God n Consider the English word and its origin: n Latin - “providentia” from “providere” - to provide. Etymologically: “pro” - before; “videre” - to see.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Consider the English word and its origin: n Latin - “providentia” from “providere” - to provide. Etymologically: “pro” - before; “videre” - to see. n The word means then “to see before”. It expresses forethought and foresight.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Consider the English word and its origin: n Latin - “providentia” from “providere” - to provide. Etymologically: “pro” - before; “videre” - to see. n The word means then “to see before”. It expresses forethought and foresight. n In the King James version the word is found in Acts 24:2.

Joseph could see the providence of God n (Acts 24:2 KJV) And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

Joseph could see the providence of God n There are two Greek words that express the concept of providence.

Joseph could see the providence of God n The verb Pronoeo - Used three times and is translated “have regard for” and “take thought”. (Rom 12:17; 2 Cor 8:21; 1 Tim 5:8)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Romans 12:17 (NKJV) Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Joseph could see the providence of God n 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NKJV) providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Joseph could see the providence of God n 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Joseph could see the providence of God n The noun pronoia - translated “forethought, care, provision for something.” (Acts 24:2; Rom 13:14)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Acts 24:2 (NKJV) 2And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight,

Joseph could see the providence of God n Romans 13:14 (NKJV) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Joseph could see the providence of God n When applied to God providence means: “His foresight and forethought in creating the universe whereby He would be in control and could carry out his purpose to its ultimate consummation.”

Joseph could see the providence of God n Consider the fact of God’s providence in Joseph’s life.

Joseph could see the providence of God n After becoming a slave God took care of him. (Gen 39:2-4)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Genesis 39:2-4 (NKJV) The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.

Joseph could see the providence of God n How important is our position in life? What really does matter?

Joseph could see the providence of God n How important is our position in life? What really does matter? n Even a pagan could see the providence of God!

Joseph could see the providence of God n How important is our position in life? What really does matter? n Even a pagan could see the providence of God! n After being thrown into prison God took care of him. (Gen 39:21-23)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Genesis 39:21-23 (NKJV) But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. 23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

Joseph could see the providence of God n What appeared to be a setback was only a change of position. Did any of this change his relationship with God for the bad?

Joseph could see the providence of God n What appeared to be a setback was only a change of position. Did any of this change his relationship with God for the bad? n Another pagan could see the providence of God!

Joseph could see the providence of God n There was also a miraculous element in the raising up of Joseph when he interpreted the kings dream. (Gen 41:38)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Genesis 41:38 (NKJV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

Joseph could see the providence of God n This occurred however after what appeared to be terrible setbacks. (Gen 40:23-41:1)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Genesis 40:23-41:1 (NKJV) Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. 1 Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Even without the miraculous element we can see the providence of God working. Why did the butler remember?

Joseph could see the providence of God n Joseph recognized his whole experience to be the working of God. (Gen 45:5-7; 50:20; Psa 105:17)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Genesis 45:5-7 (NKJV) But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Psalm 105:17 (NKJV) He sent a man before them—Joseph—who was sold as a slave.

Joseph could see the providence of God n We too have the promise that God is “with us.” (Matt 28:19-20; Heb 13:5-6)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Joseph could see the providence of God n Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Joseph could see the providence of God n We need to be humble and not arrogant. There is always a question about the specifics of God’s providence. (Philemon 1:15)

Joseph could see the providence of God n Philemon 1:15 (NKJV) 15For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,

Joseph could see the providence of God n Discussion: Does the providence of God work today?

Joseph could see the providence of God n Discussion: Does the providence of God work today? n 1. Who has the promises of God’s providence?

Joseph could see the providence of God n Discussion: Does the providence of God work today? n 1. Who has the promises of God’s providence? n 2. How can I know that God has provided?

Joseph could see the providence of God n Discussion: Does the providence of God work today? n 1. Who has the promises of God’s providence? n 2. How can I know that God has provided? n 3. What attitudes can hinder us from seeing the provisions of God?

Joseph could see the providence of God n 4. What are some common mistakes people make when considering the providence of God? (Ex. Job)