Memory Verse

Time Tested Truth2

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Find That Nation!!!

Time Tested Truth3

4

2 3 6

1

5

A. Hittite

B. Girgash

C. Perizz

God’s Providence

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Deuteronomy Chapter 7

1"When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than yourselves, 2and when the LORD your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction.….23But the LORD your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed. 24And he will give their kings into your hand, and you shall make their name perish from under heaven.

God’s Providence

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What Happened?

• God said so

• Man did it

God’s Providence

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God’s Providence

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1 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 1

• 1 foundation• 2 questions• 2 giants

• 3 applications

• 1 story

God’s Providence

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One Foundation for Two Questions

• What is the extent of God’s control of creation?

• If God controls all things, how can our actions have any real meaning?

God’s Providence

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Because of providence (God’s continual involvement with all created things):

1. God keeps things existing in the properties in which they were created;

2. God cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do;

3. God directs all things to fulfill his purposes.

God’s Providence

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God keeps things existing in the properties in which they were created.

God cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do.

God directs all things to fulfill his purposes.

Preservation -

Concurrence -

Government -

God’s Providence

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Preservation

• Hebrews 1:3 - “... He (Jesus) upholds the universe by the word of his power.”

• Colossians 1:16-17 - “...For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

God’s Providence

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Why Science Works

• Molecules obey God

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Concurrence – There are no coincidences

• Ephesians 1:11 - “according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

• Psalm 148: 7-8 - “Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!”

God’s Providence

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God’s Providence

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Proverbs 20:24 - A Man’s steps are from the Lord.

“God’s providential work of concurrence extends to all aspects of our lives. Our words, our steps, our movements, our hearts, and our abilities are from the Lord.”

God’s Providence

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What is the extent of God’s control over creation?

• It is complete.

• “God cooperates with living things in every action.”

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• How can God have his way without taking away my choice?

• If God has his way, how is that cooperating?

• Manipulation masquerading as cooperation?

God’s Providence

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Tension

• Some can be resolved

• Some must be managed

God’s Providence

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On one hand … on the other hand …

• The Bible talks of God’s involvement in his creation.

• The Bible shows people making decisions and living with the consequences

God’s Providence

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The Story of Joseph

• Joseph annoyed his brothers• The brothers sell him to a slave trader• Slave traders buy another human being

• Genesis 50:20 - As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

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• Preservation – God holds it together

• Concurrence – No such thing as a coincidence

• Government - God directs things to accomplish his purposes

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This tension can not be explained away.

• God is in control

• Man is responsible

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Why is this even an issue????

• The Fall

God’s Providence

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What Happened In the Garden of Eden?

• The loss of true humanity.

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How did evil originate?

• It apparently existed in the Garden, given that the serpent was evil.

• God could not create evil.

• God uses evil.

God’s Providence

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God ordained the greatest injustice in history.

God’s Providence

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The Problem of Evil

• God uses everything, including evil• God never does evil• God can not be blamed for evil

• We are not puppets – our actions matter• We should never do evil• God can and does judge us for doing evil

• We must humble ourselves before God

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Everything is broken.

God’s Providence

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What does Arminius say?

• In order to preserve human freedom, God cannot cause or plan our voluntary choices.

• God responds, but still achieves his ultimate purposes.

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Four Arminian Arguments

• The “Calvinistic” verses are exceptions to the general rule.

• Calvinism makes God responsible for sin.

• Choices caused by God cannot be real choices.

• Arminianism makes Christians live responsible lives; Calvinism encourages fatalism.

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How I see it

God’s Providence

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3 Applications

• You become more of a child.

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3 Applications

• You become more like a child

• You gain a new understanding of God’s goodness

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• You become more like a child

• You gain a new understanding of God’s goodness

• You become fully human

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Next Week: Grudem Bible Doctrine, Chapter 9

PrayerTeaching: Dr. Terry Thomas

Closing Comments and Prayer