Sermon Tone Analysis

God is active by nature

He actively works out his purposes

See also Nu 23:19; Ps 115:3; Pr 16:4; Is 43:13

His names reflect his activity and involvement in his people’s lives

Ge 22:14 “The Lord Will Provide”; Ex 15:26 “The Lord, who heals you”; Ex 17:15 “The Lord is my Banner”: this title emphasises that God is like a warrior who champions his people’s cause; Ps 95:6 “The Lord our Maker”: the Hebrew word used does not refer to original creation but to the way in which God is fashioning a people for himself.

His word is active

Is 55:10–11 The Hebrew for “word” can also be translated “deed” or “action”.

God’s word is not merely a communication of abstract truth but a powerful force active in the world.

See also Ge 1:3; Eze 37:4; Eze 37:7

God is active in the creation

In making the universe

See also Ge 1:1; Ge 1:31; Ge 2:2; Ge 5:1–2; Ps 102:25; Am 4:13; Ac 17:24; Re 4:11

In sustaining the created order

See also Ps 104:10–17; Ps 107:33–35; Mt 6:28–30; Ac 14:17; Eph 1:11; Col 1:16–17

In bringing about changes in the weather

Job 37:10; Job 38:22–30; Job 38:34–35; Ps 107:25; Ps 147:8; Mt 5:45; Ac 14:17

In the stars and other heavenly bodies

Job 38:31–33; Ps 104:19; Ps 147:4; Is 40:26; Jas 1:17

In the animal creation

Job 39:1–30; Job 40:15–24; Job 41:1–11; Ps 104:20–27; Ps 147:9; Mt 10:29

God is active in Israel’s history

In the calling and creation of Israel as a people

See also Ge 12:1–3; Ex 19:3–6; Dt 4:32–34; Is 51:2; Eze 16:6–7; Ho 11:1–4; Mal 2:10

In saving and delivering his people

Ps 106:2 This verse introduces a psalm which recounts the history of God’s dealings with his people.

See also Ex 33:16–17; 2 Sa 7:7–11; 1 Ki 18:36–38; Ps 28:8–9; Ps 107:2–3

In judgment

Nu 25:3–4; 1 Sa 2:25; 1 Sa 12:16–18; 2 Sa 21:1

In bringing victory in battle

Ex 14:27–28; Ex 17:8–16; Nu 21:1–3; Jos 6:2; Jos 10:30; Jdg 7:9; Jdg 7:22; 1 Sa 17:47; 2 Ch 20:22–23

In raising up and sending leaders to the people

2 Sa 7:8–9; 2 Ch 24:19; Es 4:14; Je 7:25; Zec 7:7

God is active in the nations of the world

His rule over the nations

See also Ge 11:8; Dt 32:8; Jdg 2:20–23; Job 12:23; Ps 46:8–10; Ps 66:7; Is 41:2; Ac 17:26

Examples of nations through which God acts

Assyria:

2 Ki 17:18–23; Is 28:11

Babylon:

2 Ki 24:10–14; 2 Ch 36:15–18

2 Ch 36:22–23 Persia

God is active in human life

He determines the course of human lives

See also 1 Ch 29:12; Ps 8:3–4; Ps 75:6–7; Ps 139:16; Lk 1:52; Jn 1:4

Examples of God’s intervention in human lives

Nu 22:21–23 Balaam; 1 Sa 1:19–20 Hannah; 2 Ki 5:14–15 Naaman; Jon 1:17 Jonah

Paul:

Ac 9:3–6; Ac 13:1–3; Ac 16:6; Ac 16:10

God is active in Jesus Christ’s ministry

See also Lk 5:17; Lk 11:20; Jn 3:2; Jn 5:17–19; Jn 9:3–4; Jn 14:10; 2 Co 5:19

God is active through the Holy Spirit

Ge 1:2; 2 Ki 2:16; Eze 8:3; Eze 11:1; Eze 43:5

God is active in the church

1 Co 12:6 This verse comes in the context of teaching about the body of Christ and the gifts which the Spirit gives to the church.

See also 1 Co 14:24–25; Ga 2:8; Ga 3:5; Eph 3:10; Eph 3:20–21; Php 1:6; Php 2:13