The Providence of God

Introduction:
Although the word “providence” never appears in Scripture, the subject is taught throughout the Bible. It comes from a Latin term meaning “to take thought for” or “foresee.” Providence can be defined as the preservation, care, and governance which God exercises over all creation to accomplish His divine purpose. The Providence of God includes both a general providence over the universe and a special providence on behalf of His children. This latter form is seen most clearly in the privilege of prayer, available only to those in Christ. Providence stands opposed to deism, which denies God’s involvement, and to the idea of fate or chance, which denies His purpose.

God’s Providence in Operation
God never acts providentially in ways that contradict His nature or His word. Since He does not tempt anyone to do evil (James 1:13–14), His providence cannot lead people into wrongdoing. Likewise, because His word reveals the way of salvation, His providence does not provide another way. Providence also respects human freedom. God does not force people to do good or evil (John 5:39–40), yet He works through human decisions to fulfill His purposes. Pharaoh’s hardened heart in Exodus 8 and 9 demonstrates how God can use man’s stubbornness to achieve His plan. Providence must also be distinguished from miracles. A miracle is God’s direct intervention above natural law, while providence uses natural means to accomplish His will. When Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8, that was miraculous; when Elijah prayed for rain and God sent clouds, that was providence. God works behind the scenes in providence—quietly but powerfully. His hand may not always be visible, but His purpose never fails (Esther 4:14; Philemon 15–16).

General Providence
God’s general providence extends to the entire universe. Christ “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Colossians 1:17 teaches that in Him all things consist—He is the sustaining power of the universe. Scientists search for a unifying force in nature, but Scripture reveals that it is Christ Himself. God governs the changing seasons, the movement of the sun and stars, and the sending of rain (Acts 14:17). He feeds the animals and provides for His creation (Psalm 147; Matthew 6:26). He also rules over the nations (Daniel 2:21; 4:17), raising and removing rulers according to His will.

Special Providence
God exercises special providence toward His people. Christians are never alone, for God has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Because of this assurance, we do not live in constant fear. “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man shall do to me” (Hebrews 13:6). God cares for His children in ways He does not for others (Psalm 34:15–17). His providence ensures that temptations will never be beyond our ability to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). And His divine promise in Romans 8:28 brings great comfort: “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

The Providence of God Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

• Define providence: from the Latin meaning “to foresee” or “take thought for.”

• Explain that although the term doesn’t appear in Scripture, the principle is taught throughout.

• Note two aspects: general providence (God’s care over all creation) and special providence (His care for His people).

• Contrast providence with deism, fate, and chance.

II. How God’s Providence Operates

1. Consistent with His Nature and Word

   • God never acts providentially in ways contrary to His holiness or truth (James 1:13–14).

   • His providence will not provide another path to salvation outside His revealed will.

    

2. Never Removes Human Freedom

   • God works through human choices without violating free will (John 5:39–40).

   • Pharaoh’s example in Exodus 8–9 shows how God uses decisions to fulfill His purpose.

    

3. Distinct from the Miraculous

   • Miracles operate above natural law; providence works through natural means.

   • Jesus calmed the storm miraculously (Matthew 8).

   • Elijah’s prayer for rain was answered providentially through clouds (1 Kings 18).

    

4. Often Works Behind the Scenes

   • God’s providence is unseen yet powerful (Esther 4:14; Philemon 15–16).

   • His guidance should be humbly acknowledged, never presumptuously claimed.

    

III. God’s General Providence

1. Sustaining the Universe

   • Christ upholds all things by His power (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17).

   • He is the unifying force in all creation.

2. Controlling Nature

   • God governs seasons, stars, and rain (Acts 14:17).

3. Caring for Creation

   • He feeds the animals and clothes the earth (Psalm 147; Matthew 6:26).

4. Ruling Over Nations

   • God appoints and removes rulers to fulfill His purposes (Daniel 2:21; 4:17).

    

IV. God’s Special Providence

1. Special Care for His People

   • God promises His presence: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

2. Deliverance from Fear

   • The Lord is our helper; we need not fear man (Hebrews 13:6).

3. Protection and Guidance

   • God hears the prayers of the righteous (Psalm 34:15–17).

4. Help in Temptation

   • He ensures no temptation is beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

5. Assurance of His Purpose

   • All things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

    

V. Conclusion and Invitation

• The doctrine of God’s providence strengthens faith and gives courage.

• Believers can face trials confidently, knowing God is working for their good.

• Those outside of Christ are invited to come to Him, repent, and obey the gospel to receive His care and guidance.

Call to Action:
Understanding the providence of God should fill every believer with courage and hope. We can face the uncertainties of life with peace, knowing that God is always working for our good. Let us trust His wisdom, depend upon His care, and seek first His kingdom in every circumstance.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s providence reveals His active care in both natural and spiritual matters (Hebrews 1:3).

• Providence never violates God’s word or man’s free will (James 1:13–14; John 5:39–40).

• God sustains creation through His general providence (Acts 14:17).

• He provides special care and guidance for His children (Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

• Confidence in God’s providence produces peace, faith, and perseverance.

Scripture Reference List:

• James 1:13–14: God never tempts anyone to do evil.

• John 5:39–40: Man has free will and must choose to come to Christ.

• Exodus 8:15; 9:1: Pharaoh’s example of hardened resistance used by God’s purpose.

• Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17: Christ sustains and holds all things together.

• Acts 14:17: God’s providence shown through nature and seasons.

• Psalm 34:15–17: The Lord watches over the righteous.

• 1 Corinthians 10:13: God limits temptation for His people.

• Romans 8:28: God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

• Hebrews 13:5–6: God’s presence removes fear and strengthens faith.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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