Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

The Providence Of God
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus talked of God’s care...
a. For the birds of the air and the lilies of the field - Mt 6:26-29
b. For those who seek first the kingdom of God - Mt 6:30-33
2. Jesus was talking about the providential care of God...
a. That demonstrates His love for His creatures
b. In ways that are not necessarily miraculous or supernatural
[The providence of God and its working in our lives can be easily misunderstood. Perhaps these
thoughts might help...]
I. THE DEFINITION OF PROVIDENCE
A. THE WORD...
1. The word “provide” (from Latin providere) means etymologically “to foresee” - ISBE
2. The corresponding Greek word, pronoia, means “forethought” - ibid.
3. The Greek word is actually found only twice in the Scriptures
a. Translated “foresight” (providence, KJV), and applied to Felix - Ac 24:2
b. Translated “provision” in Ro 13:14
B. THE CONCEPT...
1. Forethought and foresight imply a future end, a goal and a definite purpose and plan for
attaining that end - ISBE
2. The word “providence” has come to be used...to signify that preparation, care, and
supervision which are necessary to secure a desired future result - ibid.
3. Literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God’s preserving and governing all
things by means of second causes - Easton
4. While miraculous acts of God can be described as providential, the concept of providence
is generally used to describe His care through natural means
[In describing the providence of God, it is common to speak of it in two senses...]
II. THE DESCRIPTION OF PROVIDENCE
A. GENERAL PROVIDENCE...
1. The widespread care and supervision which God exercises over His created universe is
commonly designated as His general providence which embraces alike the evil and the good
- ISBE
2. God’s general providence extends to:
a. The natural world - Psa 104:14; 135:5-7; Ac 14:17
b. The animal world - Psa 104:21-29; Mt 6:26; 10:29
c. The affairs of men in general - Job 12:23; Dan 2:21; Mt 5:45
B. SPECIAL PROVIDENCE...
Topical Sermons 290