1. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

2. Views About How God Works
Some deny God’s Existence
Some believe He does not work at all (Deism)
Some believe He works miraculously

3. Views About How God Works
Some believe God totally controls everything
Some say God only responds today to spiritual matters
Some believe in providence!

4. What is providence?
“The foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.” (Random House)

5. What is providence?
Providence is God working THROUGH natural means (as opposed to miraculous)
Cf. Acts 24:2

6. God knows what the future holds He is ALSO in control!
What is providence?
God knows what the future holds
He is ALSO in control!
His work was more often providential, rather than miraculous

7. Examples of Providence
Joseph – Gen 50:20
Esther – Esther 4:14
Philemon – Philemon 15

8. 1 Cor. 10:13 Help with temptation James 1:5 Wisdom, ask of God
Does God Work Today?
1 Cor. 10:13 Help with temptation
James 1:5 Wisdom, ask of God
Matt. 6:25-33 He knows what you need

9. 2 Cor. 9:8-11 Abundance for every good work
Does God Work Today?
2 Cor. 9:8-11 Abundance for every good work
2 Peter 2:9 He knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation!

10. About Providence!
Not everything is God’s providential work. Natural laws exist, consequences, etc.
It is HIS will Rom. 8:28

11. We have no right to expect personal favoritism
About Providence!
It is STILL His power!
We have no right to expect personal favoritism
His laws still apply cf. Matt. 5:45

12. We don’t know when it is providence! (at least at the moment)
About Providence!
We don’t know when it is providence! (at least at the moment)
Regardless, give Him the glory! 1 Thess. 5:18, 1 Pet. 4:11

13. 1 Cor. 13:8-12 - They would cease
What about miracles?
They have ceased!
1 Cor. 13: They would cease
Consider their purpose – Mark 16:20, Matt. 9:1-4

14. We have completed word – Jude 3, 2 Pet. 1:3, etc.
What about miracles?
We have completed word – Jude 3, 2 Pet. 1:3, etc.
Also, we don’t see REAL miracles today!

15. Is God’s Work limited to spiritual works?
Does God do nothing in our lives?
He does NOT micromanage our lives, that doesn’t mean He does nothing for us.
IF He does nothing today, many passages (as already mentioned) are invalid!

16. Is God’s Work limited to spiritual works?
Furthermore, God is greater than Satan! 1 John 4:4, John 10:27-30, etc.
Satan has power in this world (2 Cor. 2:1, 1 John 5:19, 1 Pet. 5:8) , but God can overcome him

17. We may not know how or when God works today, but let us NOT deny Him that power. Our prayers ARE heard! 1 John 5:14-15