127 – THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD EXAMINED

SEMESTER 2

127 – THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD EXAMINED

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: THEOLOGY II LESSON # 27
THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD EXAMINED

Read Dan. 4:34-37.

INTRODUCTION:

1. The very principle of sanity is to see that God is governing the world. (Dan. 4:34-35)
2. When I say providence examined, I, in no wise, intend to suggest that I can afford an understanding of divine detail. (Rom. 11:33)
3. I am, rather, endeavoring to set forth the basic principles of divine government.

I. TWO ALTERNATIVES THAT ARE FORCED UPON US

1. These, as previously stated, are if God is not in control: (a) God does not want to be, (b) He is not able.
2. If He does not wish to control His creation, He has lost interest in it, it is an abandoned project.

i. Calvary absolutely forbids us to conclude this.

3. If God is not able, then He made a mistake somewhere along the way, i.e., in creating that which could and would destroy His eternal position.
4. While unbelief and stupidity insists “God is trying,” Christian spirit rests in “He is able.” (Dan. 3:17)
5. Let us never put God in the straits of Darius (Dan. 6:14-15), but, rather, voice Daniel’s faith (Dan. 6:20-22), John the Baptist’s (Mat. 3:9), Paul’s (Acts 20:32), James’ (James 4:12), and Jude’s (Jude 24-25).
6. If God is to any degree unable, let us forever cease to torment Him with prayer.

II. HOW IS GOD’S PROVIDENCE WORKING?

1. He is deliberately giving Satan opportunity to reveal himself, and to show what his will is, i.e., to usurp God’s place of dominion. (Isa. 14:13)
2. God allowing man to reveal himself, and to show what he would do if he could, i.e., to usurp God’s place and direct his own life.
3. Thus, we see the very spirit of Satan, of man, and of sin, is to compete against God for sovereignty.

III: What is wrong with eating the fruit, striking the rock, touching the ark, sparing Agag? (I Sam. 15:22)

III. PROVIDENCE IS PREVENTIVE

1. One may, at first, think the world could be no worse. This is far from true. (Gen. 20:6)

III: You can remember many times when through circum­stances, or conscience, God has prevented you.

2. If God’s restraining grace were lifted, this world would immedi­ately burst at the seams.

IV. PROVIDENCE IS PERMISSIVE

1. God permits sinful men to manifest their hearts. (II Chro. 32:31, Ps. 81:12-13, Acts 14:16, Rom. 1:24-28)

III: When we are slandered: Is it by God’s permission, or Satan’s evil design of slander?

V. PROVIDENCE IS DIRECTIVE

i.e., God directs man’s sinful acts to accomplish good results.

1. When God permits the evil in human hearts to come out, He controls the direction of flow. (Gen. 45:8, Gen. 50:20, Acts 2:23)

VI. PROVIDENCE IS DETERMINATIVE

i.e., God puts boundaries around it, as to extent.

1. Remember how God limited Satan’s attack upon Job. (Job 1:12 and Job 2:6)
2. This principle is seen in the bones of Christ not being broken.

III: This is the very principle stated in I Cor. 10:13.

VII. THE DIVINE OBJECT OF PROVIDENCE

i.e., For whose benefit is this world being run?

1. Not for Satan. However, an outward view might indicate that he is the great benefactor.

III: On a hog farm, it might appear that everyone lives for the hogs.

2. Not for the good of the human race, as such. If so, the project, as a whole, is a failure.

i. Beware of your own heart, if this offends you.

3. It is, in fact, being governed for the very highest good. And what is this?
4. It is the glory of God. How do I arrive at such a conclusion?

i. By scripturally examining the duty of man. (I Cor. 10:31, Col. 3:23, I Cor. 6:20, Mat. 6:9)
ii. The Scriptures clearly declare that this is God’s divine objective in providence. (Rev. 4:11, Rom. 11:36)

a) God, alone, can righteously act for His own glory.
b) The salvation of man is primarily for God’s glory. (Eph. 1:5, Eph. 1:11, Eph. 2:7)

CONCLUSION: May God deliver us from any dissatisfaction with divine providence.