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INTRODUCTION: Webster defines providence as: "A looking to or preparation for the future, provision; skill or wisdom in management, prudence; the care or benevolent guidance of God."

A. A definition of greater depth is given in the New Bible Dictionary: Providence is normally defined in Christian theology as the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and good will (Ps. 145:9; Matt. 5:45-48), (1) He upholds His creatures in ordered existence (Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3), (2) guides and governs all events, circumstances, and free acts of angels and men (Ps. 107; Job 1:12; Gen. 45:5-8).

B. This view of God’s relation to the world must be distinguished from: (a) Pantheism, which absorbs the world into God; (b) Deism, which cuts it off from God; © Dualism, which divides control of the world between God and another power; (d) Indeterminism, which holds that the world has no control at all; (e) Determinism, which places a control of a kind that destroys man’s moral responsibility; (f) The doctrine of chance, which denies that the controlling power is rational; and (g) the doctrine of fate, which denies the controlling power to be benevolent.

C. This shows the wide variety of ideas that men have devised to explain their view of providence.

A. Predestination. The major difference is that providence allows for human freedom and decision while predestination (as defined by Calvin and his followers) does not. Read Ephesians 1:3-6.

1. Lyman Beecher was a well-known preacher of another generation. He had accepted an invitation to speak to a congregation some distance from his home. When he rode up on his horse, he was met at the building by a dedicated Calvinist, who informed him that everything had been arranged. "Dr. Beecher," said the Calvinist, "do you know that God foreordained, before the foundation of the world, that you would speak in our pulpit on this glorious day?" Beecher did not say a word. He simply mounted his horse and rode away. By doing this, he taught this man a valuable truth: God’s way allows for man’s freedom—to obey or disobey!

B. Providence Is Not Robotism: Man is not a puppet or automaton who can do only what God has ordained.

1. Joshua 24:15, "Choose you this day…"

2. New Testament teaches the right of choice: (John 3:16; Mark 16:15,16; Matt. 11:28-30).

A. The provision of needs by God.

1. In the creation of all things, God saw that it was good. All things necessary for life and well-being were provided (Matt. 6:25-33).

2. Providence to: (a) traveler (b) Farmer © worshipper, etc.

3. God’s providence to sinful men. He made provision whereby man could have atonement for sins. First, through blood of bulls and goats which had to be offered again and again. Then, through His Son, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), whose blood was shed once for the cleansing of all mankind (Hebrews 9).

B. God’s providence in times of stress or great need.

1. Noah & family (Ark in Gen. 6).

2. Abraham in the offering of Isaac (Gen. 22).

3. Joseph and his brothers (Gen. 37-50).

4. Israelites and the poisonous serpents (Num. 21:4-9).

5. Gideon’s question in Judges 6:13. He asked the angel, "Pray, Sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this befallen us? And where are all his wonderful deeds which our fathers recounted to us, saying, did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has cast us off and given us into the hand of Midian."

6. Christ and sinful men (Gospels).

7. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).

C. God hears our prayers. We are told to "pray without ceasing" in I Thes. 5:;17; Model prayer (Matt. 6:9-13); Power of prayer (James 5:13-18).

D. Provision to be with God eternally in Heaven (John 14:1-6; I Thes. 4:13-18).

A. Opportunities for food and physical blessings are available (Matt. 5:45).

B. Opportunities for salvation provided (John 3:16; Matt. 28:18-20).

C. God does not take away temptation and sin but provides for our forgiveness.

D. Man’s response to God’s providence determines whether or not:

1. He will prosper physically (How we use what we have).

2. He will have salvation.

E. God has made the provision but man must do his part!!

Robert L. Brown
Great Oaks Church of Christ