The Provision of God

Intro

Every good thing the wicked man enjoys is a call to repentance and a testimony of God’s kindness.” — John Calvin

Scripture: Acts 7:9-16

Provision of Presence

Joseph was in the land promised to Abraham and his descendants and things seemed to be going well, but what happens, family tension leads to Joseph being sold into slavery leading to him being taken out of the land of promise

Now was the provision of God’s presence connected to a place?

No, his presence is with us regardless of rather we are in the mire of life or the palaces of life

Just like for Israel the land has no special connection to the presence of God, neither does this building

God’s presence is not connected to symbols or places, but rather His presence is connected to His people

Not to say places are not special but they do not save you

Just because someone is a Jew does not mean, they get a free pass into heaven

Just because you are in this church this morning does not mean you are getting into heaven

THere is comfort in knowing God’s presence is not just limited to location, but is with me where ever I go

Also it is challenging, because witnessing and discipleship then is not just limited to here, but goes on everywhere

What gets you into heaven is that relationship with the Lord

🅰️ A – Admit your sin and your need for salvation

Before anyone can come to Christ, they must first recognize the reality of sin and their need for a Savior.

Scriptures:

Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Explanation: Admitting means humbling yourself before God — acknowledging that you have rebelled against His law, that you cannot save yourself, and that you deserve His judgment. True repentance begins with conviction of sin.

“Until sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” — Thomas Watson

🅱️ B – Believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation

Saving faith is not just intellectual belief; it is trusting in the finished work of Jesus — His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection.

Scriptures:

John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9 — “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Explanation: Believing means placing your full confidence in Christ — not in religion, good deeds, or personal morality. It’s trusting that His blood alone satisfies God’s wrath and cleanses you from all sin.

“Faith is the empty hand that receives the gift of God.”

🅲 C – Confess Christ openly and commit to follow Him

True faith results in public confession and a changed life. Confession means not being ashamed to declare that Jesus is Lord — both with your mouth and your lifestyle.

Scriptures:

Romans 10:10 — “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Luke 9:23 — “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Explanation: Confession and commitment mean surrendering your life to Christ’s lordship — turning from sin, following Him in obedience, and living as His disciple.

“Salvation is free, but it costs you everything — your self-rule.”

I like to add D, Dedicate your life to him

Provision of Favor (Grace with People)

God can steer the heart of the good and the wicked to accomplish his purposes.

Joseph’s brothers had bad intentions but God used those intentions to line things up to deliver them years down the road

Pharaoh did not even believe in God, and if he did may had bad feelings towards him, but God steered his heart to show favor to Joseph

God leads your path to cross different people, and

he knows how some crossings are not going to end so well

But even in those encounters know as a child of God there is somehow God is going to use that encounter

Also know God many times moves through some unexpected people

Provision in Our Unfaithfulness

In the story of Joseph who did God provide for? His faithful or unfaithful servant?

Both, Joseph was cared for, but also his brothers were cared for

God’s character is not dependent on us, his faithfulness is not dependent on us

We all can think of seasons of our life’s where we were not the most faithful, but we can see where God’s grace was evident all throughout those seasons

Matthew 5:45 ESV

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Forms of Common Grace

Three main expressions of God’s common grace to the unbeliever:

Providential Blessings — The preservation of life, health, families, governments, beauty, and daily joy.

Even atheists enjoy laughter, food, art, and friendship because God sustains creation.

Moral Restraint — God restrains the full expression of human wickedness through conscience, civil law, and the Spirit’s influence.

Without this grace, the world would be as corrupt as in the days of Noah (Gen. 6:5).

Intellectual and Cultural Gifts — God gives talents, knowledge, and creativity even to unbelievers for the benefit of mankind.

Every scientific advancement, artistic work, or moral insight that benefits society comes ultimately from His generous hand. (James 1:17)

Purpose of Common Grace

God’s common grace has several divine purposes:

To Display His Goodness and Glory — Even those who reject Him cannot escape the evidence of His kindness (Romans 1:19–20).

To Restrain Evil and Preserve the World — So that the gospel can go forth and the elect can be gathered in (2 Peter 3:9).

Revelation paints a picture for us on what happens when the common grace is removed

To Leave the Reprobate Without Excuse — God’s kindness reveals His mercy, but when rejected, it intensifies guilt (Romans 1:21).

Outro

Application Points

Trust His Presence, Not Your Position

God’s presence is not bound to your situation. He is as present in your prison as He is in your palace.

Psalm 139:7–10; Hebrews 13:5–6

Recognize His Providence in People

God steers even the hearts of unbelievers to accomplish His good purposes.

Look for divine appointments, even in difficult encounters.

Proverbs 21:1; Genesis 50:20

Marvel at His Common Grace

Every breath, sunrise, and act of kindness is evidence of His goodness — even toward those who reject Him.

Let His kindness lead you (and others) to repentance.

Romans 2:4; Matthew 5:45

Respond to His Saving Grace

God’s common grace calls you to receive His saving grace through Jesus Christ.

Admit your sin.

Believe in Christ alone.

Confess Him openly.

Dedicate your life to Him fully.

Romans 10:9–10; John 3:16

Live as an Instrument of Grace

Carry His presence wherever you go.

Be a witness that points others to the God who is near.

Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8

Closing Challenge / Invitation

“You can’t outrun the presence of God, but you can reject His grace. Don’t settle for merely knowing about His common grace — receive His saving grace today. The same God who was with Joseph in Egypt is here with you now.”