A Study of the Doctrine of Providence Pt 4 What Is Providence?

The doctrine of Providence is that all things are sustained, directed and controlled by God. — Leonard Woods

The Word “Providence” in the Bible

Acts 24:2 KJV 1900

2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

Acts 24:2–3 ESV

2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

πρόνοια- thoughtful planning to meet a need, forethought, foresight, providence

It is used one other time in the NT-

Romans 13:14 ESV

14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Positive Illustrations of “Providence”

3x’s the NT uses the verb form of providence.

Romans 12:17 ESV

17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

What is our word? What is the meaning in the context? take every precaution to be open and aboveboard in our dealings.

2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV

21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.

Paul is practicing Rom. 12:17 in his handling of the financial gift for the Jerusalem saints.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV

8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Here our words dictates the duty of caring and providing for the needs of the family.

Jehovah-Jireh: Banner of Providence

Genesis 22:14 ESV

14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

Or Jehovah-jireh (יְהוָ֣ה׀ יִרְאֶ֑ה)

So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will see to it” and “in the mount of the Lord it will be seen to.”

What Does the Bible Say?

Let’s look at some narrative statements that demonstrate God’s providence.

What kinds of situations does the Bible explicitly attribute God’s providential intervention in these passages?

Preemptive disease (Gen. 12:17)

Restraint from sinning (Gen. 20:6)

Barrenness and pregnancy (Gen. 20:17-18)

Conception (Gen. 25:21)

Suffering as the victim of the sinful acts of others in order to be used to effect a greater good (Gen. 45:4-8)

Unusually deep sleep (I Sam. 26:12)

Auditory hallucinations and a complete misapprehension of reality (2 Kings 7:6)

Appointment of even secular governmental leaders (Dan. 2:21; 4:17, 32)

Weather, animal behavior, and plant development (Jonah 1:4, 17; 2:10; 4:6-8)

Defining Providence

Simply stated, providence is the word that describes the biblical doctrine of God’s active involvement and intervention, directly or indirectly, in human affairs.

Providence denotes the “preservation, care and government which God exercises over all things that He has created, in order that they may accomplish the ends for which they were created.” — Wilbur Tillett

Providence is “the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill, He upholds His creatures in ordered existence, guides and governs all events, circumstances, and free acts of angels and men, and directs everything to its appointed goal, for His own glory.”

The Twofold Concept of Providence

Preserving providence- God continuously preserves and maintains the existence of every part of His creation, from the smallest to the greatest, according to His sovereign pleasure.

Governing providence- God graciously guides and governs all events, indulging the free acts of men and their external circumstances, and directs all things to their appointed ends for His glory.

Providence or Miracle?

What is the difference?

Miracle- a supernatural act in which God intervenes in the natural course of human experience, by exercising His authority over creation for the purpose of self-revelation.

Miracle- splitting the Red Sea

Providence- a king not being able to sleep at night

A miracle is overt providence. Providence might be described as God’s covert activity in orchestrating the affairs of men and the events of history.

Providence of Coincidence?

Does providence leave any possibility for coincidence?

The doctrine of the providence of God leaves no room for fate, blind or otherwise. God is not blind; neither is He capricious. For Him there are no accidents.

If chance exists, God cannot exist. If one molecule flies wild by chance, then God is not sovereign. If God is not sovereign, then God is not God. God and chance simply cannot exist. — R.C. Sproul

Some practical questions:

How often do you refer to luck or chance in casual conversation?

Are phrases like “Good Luck” or “If anything can go wrong, it will” as innocent as they seem?

Do you think habits of speech condition the way you or those around you view and interpret life?

If God’s providence is over every aspect of our lives, how should that effect our attitude toward whatever we may experience?