(Topical) Which is Better - A Miracle or Providence
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· 10 viewsWhich is better? We often plea for miracles, but miracles are quite rare. If we are praying for miracles we might think God doesn't care for us, but that would be far from the Truth. Instead our Bibles teach us that God is not working by Miracles alone, but also through everyday, common providence. Phil 4:19-20 promises us that God is providentially ruling in the lives of his believers.
Notes
Transcript
Which would you rather have? A Miracle or God’s Providential hand.
A Miracle
or
God’s Providential hand
What is a miracle?
What is a miracle?
Definition:
Definition: A miracle is a special act of God that interrupts the natural course of events. (Baker Apologetics)
Definition: A miracle is a special act of God that interrupts the natural course of events. (Baker Apologetics)
Scriptures use (BEB)
Signs and wonders
Vocabulary include
Power
Work
OT: The plagues are particularly interesting because each one is directed at one of the gods of Egypt and reveals Yahweh as the only potentate. The basic theme is found in and is repeated throughout (cf. 7:17; 8:6, 18; 9:14, 16, 29; 12:12): “The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh when I stretch forth my hand upon Egypt.” (BEB)
Danger of misusing the Word: How do we know that is God?
NT: Jesus stressed the connection between his miraculous ministry, especially casting out of demons (exorcism), and the coming of the kingdom of God. (BEB)
31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Sometimes we think this is a normal event, but in reality -
Miracles are rare events:
Miracles are rare events:
“A miracle is by definition an exception. How can the discovery of a rule tell you whether, granted a sufficient cause, the rule could be suspended?” (Miracles, 47) In the epilogue to that book, he adds, You are probably quite right in thinking that you will never see a miracle done. . . . God does not shake miracles into Nature at random as if from a pepper-caster. They come on great occasions; they are found at the great ganglions of history—not of political or social history, but of that spiritual history which cannot be fully known by men. If your own life does not happen to be near one of those great ganglions, how should you expect to see one? . . . Miracles and martyrdoms tend to bunch about the same areas of history—areas we naturally have no wish to frequent. (Lewis, Miracles, 173–74)
You are probably quite right in thinking that you will never see a miracle done. . . . God does not shake miracles into Nature at random as if from a pepper-caster. They come on great occasions; they are found at the great ganglions of history—not of political or social history, but of that spiritual history which cannot be fully known by men. If your own life does not happen to be near one of those great ganglions, how should you expect to see one? . . . Miracles and martyrdoms tend to bunch about the same areas of history—areas we naturally have no wish to frequent. (Lewis, Miracles, 173–74)
Danger of misusing the Word: How do we know that a miracle is the work of God, or mere coincidence or chance?
Danger of misusing the Word: How do we know that a miracle is the work of God, or mere coincidence or chance?
Dating
Healing by natural means, called a miracle.
Financial or
It cheapens the value and wonder of true Biblical miracles,
and Robs us from a Biblical view of Providence.
What is providence?
What is providence?
Definition:
Definition:
Providence is not
Fate
Luck
Serendipity (looking back, and taking credit)
Natural Selection
Know how and applied science.
Prog
Providence is basically God’s provision for the needs of men on time. (BEB)
Just as Amazing as miracle. (, , )
Just as Amazing as miracle. (, , )
3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Common, Everyday, and Promised. ()
Common, Everyday, and Promised. ()
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
APPLICATION:
APPLICATION:
- Don’t hope for a miracle -
- Don’t hope for a miracle -
We should trust God to care for us -
whether he chooses to use a miracle or providence.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
- Be Confident that God is good, powerful, and loving.
- Be Confident that God is good, powerful, and loving.
God is good to us (even in evil and suffering).
God is more powerful then my struggle.
God cares for me and my struggle. (love, compassion)
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.