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

The providence of GodThe providence of GodThe providence of GodThe providence of God

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


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

Consider the awesome knowledge and Consider the awesome knowledge and power of our eternal God.power of our eternal God. (Psa 139:1-8) (Psa 139:1-8)


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


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


God knows the future!God knows the future! (Isa 46:9-10) (Isa 46:9-10)


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


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


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


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


How does man see?How does man see?


How does man see?How does man see? Because of our limits we can only see Because of our limits we can only see

things “under the sun.” things “under the sun.”


How does man see?How does man see? Because of our limits we can only see Because of our limits we can only see

things “under the sun.”things “under the sun.” What seems as a very long time to us is What seems as a very long time to us is

nothing to God.nothing to God. (2 Pt 3:8-9) (2 Pt 3:8-9)


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


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


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

Be careful what you judge by sight!Be careful what you judge by sight! (2 Cor 6:4-10)(2 Cor 6:4-10)


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


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


DiscussionDiscussion: How should we view adversity : How should we view adversity in our lives?in our lives?


DiscussionDiscussion: How should we view adversity : How should we view adversity in our lives?in our lives?

1. How can something bad be made to work 1. How can something bad be made to work for good by the Lord? for good by the Lord? (Rom 8:28)(Rom 8:28)


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


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


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

3. What is wrong when we conclude that 3. What is wrong when we conclude that the sufferings of a person must be because the sufferings of a person must be because they are not right with God?they are not right with God?

Joseph could see the providence of GodJoseph could see the providence of GodJoseph could see the providence of GodJoseph could see the providence of God

What do we mean by the “providence of What do we mean by the “providence of God?”God?”



Providence is not:Providence is not:



Providence is not:Providence is not: A Miracle - “a deed which is impossible to A Miracle - “a deed which is impossible to

forces ordinarily in that order. God’s forces ordinarily in that order. God’s miracles are for a purpose. One need not miracles are for a purpose. One need not guess if a miracle has occurred. guess if a miracle has occurred. (Mark 16:17-20)(Mark 16:17-20)


What do we mean by the “providence of God?”What do we mean by the “providence of God?” Providence is not:Providence is not: A Miracle - “a deed which is impossible to A Miracle - “a deed which is impossible to

forces ordinarily in that order. God’s miracles forces ordinarily in that order. God’s miracles are for a purpose. One need not guess if a are for a purpose. One need not guess if a miracle has occurred. miracle has occurred. (Mark 16:17-20)(Mark 16:17-20)

The actions of men alone.The actions of men alone.


Consider the English word and its origin:Consider the English word and its origin:


Consider the English word and its origin: Consider the English word and its origin: Latin - “providentia” from “providere” - to Latin - “providentia” from “providere” - to

provide. Etymologically: “pro” - before; provide. Etymologically: “pro” - before; “videre” - to see.“videre” - to see.




The word means then “to see before”. It The word means then “to see before”. It expresses forethought and foresight.expresses forethought and foresight.




The word means then “to see before”. It The word means then “to see before”. It expresses forethought and foresight.expresses forethought and foresight.

In the King James version the word is found In the King James version the word is found in Acts 24:2.in Acts 24:2.


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


There are two Greek words that express the There are two Greek words that express the concept of providence.concept of providence.


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


Romans 12:17 (NKJV)Romans 12:17 (NKJV) Repay no one evil Repay no one evil for evil. for evil. Have regard forHave regard for good things in the good things in the sight of all men. sight of all men.


2 Corinthians 8:21 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 8:21 (NKJV) providingproviding honorable things, not only in the sight of the honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.Lord, but also in the sight of men.


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


The noun pronoia - translated “forethought, The noun pronoia - translated “forethought, care, provision for something.” care, provision for something.” (Acts 24:2; Rom 13:14)(Acts 24:2; Rom 13:14)


Acts 24:2 (NKJV)Acts 24:2 (NKJV) 2And when he was 2And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your to this nation by your foresightforesight, ,


Romans 13:14 (NKJV)Romans 13:14 (NKJV) But put on the But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision provision for the flesh, to for the flesh, to fulfill itsfulfill its lusts. lusts.


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


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


After becoming a slave God took care of After becoming a slave God took care of him. him. (Gen 39:2-4)(Gen 39:2-4)


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


How important is our position in life? What How important is our position in life? What really does matter?really does matter?



Even a pagan could see the providence of Even a pagan could see the providence of God!God!



Even a pagan could see the providence of Even a pagan could see the providence of God!God!

After being thrown into prison God took After being thrown into prison God took care of him. care of him. (Gen 39:21-23)(Gen 39:21-23)


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


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


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

Another pagan could see the providence of Another pagan could see the providence of God!God!


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


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


This occurred however after what appeared This occurred however after what appeared to be terrible setbacks.to be terrible setbacks. (Gen 40:23-41:1) (Gen 40:23-41:1)


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


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


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


Genesis 45:5-7 (NKJV)Genesis 45:5-7 (NKJV) But now, do not But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for because you sold me here; for God sent me before God sent me before you to preserve lifeyou to preserve life. 6 For these two years the . 6 For these two years the famine famine has beenhas been in the land, and in the land, and there arethere are still still five years in which five years in which there will bethere will be neither plowing neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to

save your lives by a great deliverance.save your lives by a great deliverance.


Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) But as for you, you But as for you, you meant evil against me; meant evil against me; butbut God meant it for God meant it for goodgood, in order to bring it about as , in order to bring it about as it isit is this this day, to save many people alive. day, to save many people alive.


Psalm 105:17 (NKJV)Psalm 105:17 (NKJV) He sent a manHe sent a man before them—before them— Joseph—Joseph—whowho was sold as a was sold as a slave. slave.


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


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


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


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


Philemon 1:15 (NKJV)Philemon 1:15 (NKJV) 15For perhaps he 15For perhaps he departed for a while for this departed for a while for this purpose,purpose, that that you might receive him forever,you might receive him forever,


Discussion:Discussion: Does the providence of God Does the providence of God work today?work today?



1. Who has the promises of God’s 1. Who has the promises of God’s providence?providence?




2. How can I know that God has provided?2. How can I know that God has provided?




2. How can I know that God has provided?2. How can I know that God has provided? 3. What attitudes can hinder us from seeing 3. What attitudes can hinder us from seeing

the provisions of God?the provisions of God?


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

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