Farther Along Well Understand Why

1
Farther Along Well Understand Why

• Trusting in Gods providence. Ephesians 13-12

2
Introduction

• The word providence means The act of providing
  or preparing for future use or application.
• When talking about Gods providence we mean that
  God acts in ways to promote His (righteous) cause
  through and for our lives.
• By faith we know that all things work together
  for our good. Rom. 828

3
Introduction

• There are many times, however, when we may
  question how God cares for us from day to day in
  light of surrounding events
• A faithful servant of the Lord (spouse, best
  friend, etc.) passes away at a young age.
• Seemingly faithful brethren forsake the Lord and
  fall into apostasy.
• Others, worldly and seemingly less deserving,
  get more.

4
Introduction

• As a result many ask why and question Gods
  providential care (or lack thereof).
• Some think God does not care for them because of
  tragic events or things are not going the way
  they think it should go.
• Others get discouraged through these events, and
  as a result turn their backs on Him.

5
Introduction

• Whatever the events we face we must trust that
  Gods providence will providefor what is best
  for us (individually and universally).
• Such can be seen in the lives of those found in
  the Bible.
• From each of the following example are lessons to
  be learned.

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Seeing God's ProvidenceAbraham

• God promised to make Abraham the father many
  nations. Gen. 122
• Abraham seemed to have questioned how God could
  provide this promise. Gen. 151-4
• More than 10 years later Sarah prompts him to
  take Hagar as his wife and she bears a son, just
  not according to Gods will. Gen. 163ff
• Abraham is reassured of Gods promise, but thinks
  it to be through Ishmael. Gen. 1717-18
• Finally, God explicitly assures Abraham of His
  promise. Gen. 1719

7
Seeing God's ProvidenceAbraham

• Abraham (along with Sarah) trusts in God and
  bears forth seed of Promise.
• Although were not told, it is easy to infer from
  previous experience why Abraham would trust in
  God when commanded to offer his son as a
  sacrifice. Gen. 22
• Abraham wouldnt know how God would provide.
• Abraham did know God would provide. v. 8

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Seeing God's ProvidenceThe Jews

• God promised the Jews the land of Canaan. Gen.
  131-2
• They came back with a defeatist report. Num.
  1327-33 141-4
• The result of their unbelief was to wonder in the
  wilderness forty years. Num. 1411, 22, 30
• NOTE God did fulfill His promise to faithful
  Joshua and Caleb. Num. 1430-31

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Seeing God's ProvidenceThe Jews

• Going to battle against the Philistines (Goliath)
• Remnant giants (mighty men) from the past haunt
  the current generation of Israelites.
• No one could physically speaking match
  Goliath, the Giant.
• While many were afraid of Goliath, David trusted
  that God would provide. 1 Sam. 1711, 37
• RESULT God provided salvation for the Jews
  through the one who trusted in Him.

10
Seeing God's ProvidenceEsther

• Esther became Queen, wife of King Ahasuerus.
• Because of Mordecais faithfulness to God,
  however, Haman influenced the King to make a
  decree that would annihilate all the Jews
  throughout the kingdom. Est. 32-6, 12-15
• Esther concerned for her own life wasnt sure
  what to do until Mordecai exhorts her regarding
  Gods providence. Est. 410-16
• NOTE God did provide for His people in their
  time of distress. Est. 6-8

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Lessons Learned Through Trusting in Gods
Providence

• Gods providence overall - is in light of His
  scheme of redemption for mankind.
• The above examples all played a great part in
  Gods pursuit for our eternal redemption. Eph.
  11-12
• Thus, God works through the lives of both the
  faithful and unbelieving to accomplish His good
  pleasure.
• While fulfilling His scheme of redemption, there
  is a clear pattern in how Gods providence works
  through the lives of men today.

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Lessons Learned Through Trusting in Gods
Providence

• God rewards individuals according to their deeds.
  Rom. 25-6
• For the faithful, He rewards. Cp. Heb. 116, Rom.
  27
• God uses chastisement as a means of imparting
  His goodness toward us. Heb. 1211
• For the unbelieving He condemns. Rom. 28

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Lessons Learned Through Trusting in Gods
Providence

• Primary lesson regarding Gods providence Put
  your trust in God and He will provide. Rom.
  828-31

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Conclusion

• Many know (mentally) that God cares for and
  provides for those who belong to Him.
• We need to know practically as seen by great
  men and women of faith that God will take care
  of us.