Doctrines of the Bible Module 2B - God’s Continuing Work: Providence: Creation Lesson 2 & 3

Lessons 2 & 3 God’s Continuing Work: Providence

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”   (Rom 8:28)

Providence refers to the continuing work of God in preserving his creation(preservation) and in guiding it to fulfil his plans and purposes(government).

A. Providence as Preservation

Preservation is the work of God in maintaining the existence of his creation. God protects his creation from destruction and provides for the needs of his creation.

(Col 1:17) Paul affirms that Christ holds all things together
(Heb 1:3) The writer to the Hebrews speaks of the Son “sustaining all things by his powerful word”.
(Dan 3:26-27) Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were condemned to be burned in the fiery furnace because they had refused to worship the golden image that had been set up. Yet they came out of the furnace unharmed.
(Mat 6:25-34) The disciples were concerned about necessities of life such as food and clothing. Jesus assures them that the Father will take care of their needs just as He takes care of the plants and animals in his creation. God provides for the needs of his creation.
(John 10:27-30) Jesus affirms that believers will be preserved in their faith and that no one can snatch them out of his hand and the Father’s hand.
(Rom 8:35-39) Paul emphasizes that neither physical nor spiritual dangers need to be feared because all of these circumstances will not be able to separate us from his love. God will always be with us providing for us and protecting us.
(Mat 24:15-31) Jesus spoke of great tribulation that was to come upon the elect, but would not overcome them. As believers we will not be spared from danger or trial, but we will indeed be preserved within it. There is no promise that we will not be persecuted or suffer. The promise is that they will not prevail over us.
(Phil 4:19) Paul wrote that God would supply all of our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
(Ps 104: 5-30) This hymn of praise focuses upon God’s preserving work throughout nature. God is at work through nature to provide for the needs of his creatures.

One outstanding example of providence as preservation is the preservation of Israel as a nation from God delivering them from Egyptian oppression, providing for them in the desert wilderness, taking them to the promised land and being faithful to them in spite of their rebellion and disobedience.

B. Providence as Government

Government refers to the work of God in guiding the creation so that it fulfils his plan for it. God controls and directs nature, the animal creation and humans in order to fulfil his plans.

1. Nature (Ps 135:5-7) He has control over nature. He sends rain and wind according to his wishes
(Mat 5:45) God causes the sun to shine on both the righteous and the unrighteous and the rain to fall on them
(1 Kings 17:1) Through Elijah, God pronounces a drought over the nation of Israel because of its idolatry.
(Mark 4:39) Jesus’ power over nature was demonstrated by his calming of the storm

2. Animal creation (Ps 104:21-29) The beasts depend on God for their provisions
(1 Kings 17:4-6) God tells Elijah that he will provide for him during the coming drought. He commands the ravens to bring food to Elijah every day.

3. Human history (Is 10:5-12) The Lord uses Assyria to accomplish his purposes with Israel, and then in turn brings destruction on Assyria as well.
(Acts 17:26) God planned the exact times when nations should emerge and decline. He also planned the specific area to be occupied by each nation.

4. Individuals (1 Sam 2:6-8) Hannah declares that life and death, prosperity and adversity, are determined by the sovereign power of God.
(Gal 1:15-16) Paul asserts that even before he was born God had set him apart for his task.
(1 Cor 4:6-7) Paul urges his readers to be humble since everything they have and are has been received from God.
(Ps 31:14-15) David continued to trust in God in difficult times believing that God is totally in control to deliver him.
(Ezra 7:27) When Ezra was refurbishing the temple, King Artaxerxes of Persia provided resources out of his nation’s funds. Ezra comments that this free human decision of the king was put into his heart by God. This shows that even the free actions of humans are also within God’s sovereign control.
(Acts 2:23) Peter attributes the crucifixion of Jesus to both God and man. This shows that even the sinful actions of man are part of God’s providential working.

C. The relationship between God’s governing activity and sin

The Bible makes it quite clear that God is not the cause of sin (James 1:14, 1 John 2:16). However, there are several ways in which God can and does relate to sin.

He can:
(1) prevent sin
David prayed that God would keep him from sin(Ps 19:13).
(2) permit sin
God gave people up to sinful desires and actions (Rom 1:24, 26, 28). Note that it is people who wilfully decide to sin.
(3) direct sin
The story of Joseph illustrates how the evil act of his brothers in selling Joseph as a slave was worked out by God to accomplish good (Gen 50:20).
(4) limit sin

In the case of Job, God permitted Satan to act but limited what he could do (Job 1:12).

Conclusion

The doctrine of providence gives the believer the assurance that he or she is in the hands of a good, wise and powerful God who will accomplish his purposes in the world.

Be not dismayed whatever betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you

Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you;

All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you;

No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;

Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you;

God will take care of you, through every day, over all the way;
He will take care of you, God will take care of you.

Review questions

1. Explain how a proper understanding of the doctrine of providence should lead a Christian to a more active prayer life.
2. How does the doctrine of providence relate to the way you think about your future? 
3. Is it proper for a Christian to believe in feng shui?
4. Is there such a thing as coincidence in life?
5. Can you name two good things that have happened to you this year ? Have you thanked God for them?