The Providence of God How God Takes Care of His People

The Providence of GodHow God Takes Care of His People

Contents Day 1 1st Lecture: Introduction to the Providence of God 2nd Lecture: False Views Of Divine Providence 3rd Lecture: Providence and the Eternal Purpose of God 4th Lecture: God’s Scheme of Redemption 5th Lecture: General Providence and Special Providence

Contents Day 2 6th Lecture: The Providence of God in Romans 8:28 7th Lecture: The Providence of God in the Lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Esther 8th Lecture: Angels and the Providence of God 9th Lecture: Miracles, Predestination, and Prayer 10th Lecture: Evil , Pain, and Suffering

Lesson 1Introduction and Overview

Why has faith in Divine Providence decreased during the past century? Two world wars and social clashes have lessened trust in the Bible. The idea of a providential God has become old-fashioned. Even those who believe in Divine Providence see it as a mystery.

Why is The Providence of God such a mystery? We don’t think much about it (until we especially need it, or feel like we got left out). We take it for granted. We feel self-sufficient. There are so many conflicting ideas about Divine Providence.

Divine Providence (Etymology) Latin noun providentia: "foresight, prudence“ pro- "ahead" + videre "to see". In reference to God, "knowledge of the future" or omniscience, an attribute of God.

Divine Providence (Etymology) Latin verb providere: “to foresee” pro- "ahead" + videre "to see". Corresponding Greek word, pronoia, means "forethought“ The Greek word occurs only twice in the Scriptures a. Translated "foresight" (providence, KJV), and applied to Felix - Acts 24:2 b. Translated "provision" in Rom. 13:14

Definitions of Divine Providence • In theology, divine providenceis God's activity in the world. • "Divine Providence" is used as a title of God. • --Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia • “Providence concerns God’s support, care and supervision of all creation, from the moment of the first creation to all the future into eternity” • --Tenney, 1975, 4:920).

Our view of Divine Providence depends on our view of God and how He works in the world. Atheism: No God, therefore no Providence. Deism: God lets the universe run itself. Pentecostal/Holiness: Providence = Miracles. A Biblical View: God operates providentially in the world today by means of natural law.

Our View of Providence Depends on our View of God Caricatures of God: Divine rescuer (Mostly ignored until we are in trouble.)

Our View of Providence Depends on our View of God Caricatures of God: Divine rescuer (Mostly ignored until we are in trouble.) Moral Policeman (“Thou shalt not…”)

Our View of Providence Depends on our View of God Caricatures of God: Divine rescuer (Mostly ignored until we are in trouble.) Moral Policeman (“Thou shalt not…”) Santa Claus (“Here’s my wish list…”)

Our View of Providence Depends on our View of God Caricatures of God: Divine rescuer (Mostly ignored until we are in trouble.) Moral Policeman (“Thou shalt not…”) Santa Claus (“Here’s my wish list…”) Grandfather (Gives lots of presents, but doesn’t spank.)

Our View of Providence Depends on our View of God Caricatures of God: Divine rescuer (Mostly ignored until we are in trouble.) Moral Policeman (“Thou shalt not…”) Santa Claus (“Here’s my wish list…”) Grandfather (Gives lots of presents, but doesn’t spank.) Old Man in the Sky (Busy with His universe.)

Our View of Providence Depends on our View of God Caricatures of God: Divine rescuer (Mostly ignored until we are in trouble.) Moral Policeman (“Thou shalt not…”) Santa Claus (“Here’s my wish list…”) Grandfather (Gives lots of presents, but doesn’t spank.) Old Man in the Sky (Busy with His universe.) Vengeful Ruler (Especially in the Old Testament.)

Attributes of God (God’s ability to provide) Omnipotence - He has the power to do anything He desires (Job 42:2; Luke 1:37). Omnipresence - He is in all places, all the time (Jer. 23:24; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 90:2). Omniscience - He knows all things (1 John 3:20).

Works of God (How God provides) Creation – bringing the universe into existence (Isaiah 44:24; Col. 1:16-18). Providence – guiding and providing for His creation (Psalm 135:7; Ecc. 3:13; Acts 14:17). Election – choosing who is saved (John 1:12-13; 6:37-40; Eph. 1:4;11; Rom. 8:29-30; Acts 13:48; Phil. 1:29).

The Scope of Divine Providence • The Universe—the earth in particular. • The forces of nature (“Acts of God”). • Human beings and their relationships. • The affairs of nations. • Special providence for the people of God.

The Scope of Divine Providence • Does God work in human affairs to accomplish His purposes? • 2. Can God's Providence use people to accomplish His purposes, yet respect man's free will? • 3. Does God provide for us through miracles or through natural law? • 4. Can prayer change God’s mind?

The Scope of Divine Providence 5. Can human beings understand how God's Providence works? 6. How does God reveal His will for us? (Inspiration, horoscope, or the Bible?) 7. Should we expect God to use events around us as signs to guide us? (Israel) 8. Does God “providentially hinder” people?

Spectrum of Divine Providence Natural law Miracles Chance Prayer Randomness

Spectrum of Divine ProvidencePredestination or Free Will? God causes all things (Predestination). God limits His control (Open Theology). God created a universe in which man’s will agrees with God’s will (Monism). God directs all things (but allows free will).

Spectrum of Divine Providence Predestination Free Will Calvinism Open Theology Arminianism Molinism

Views On Divine Providence • Predestination implies that God has determined all future events. This view is the basis of Calvinism. • Total Depravity: Man is evil and will not seek God. Unconditional Election: Not based on human worthiness.Limited Atonement: Jesus died only for the elect.Irresistible Grace: The chosen ones must accept salvation.Perseverance of the Saints: Once Saved Always Saved. • Criticism: • The teaching denies human responsibility and free will. • The teaching makes God the author of sin. • God’s Providence is unavailable to the unelected. • The Bible says that Christ died for all.

Views On Divine Providence • Open Theology implies that God does not know the future (the future is “open”). • Some say God knows what might happen. • Future events are influenced by prayer and our choices. • Our choices become God’s choices. • Criticism: • This doctrine denies God’s omniscience. • Human beings would determine God’s will.

Views On Divine Providence Molinism teaches that God created a universe in which man’s free will agrees with God’s will.

Views On Divine Providence • Molinists believe in the absolute omniscience of God. • God selects free will choices that achieve His goals. • Moment 1:… o o ooooooo • Moment 2:… o oooo o o • Moment 3:… o Natural Knowledge (range of possible worlds) Middle Knowledge (range of feasible worlds) Free Knowledge (actual world)

Views On Divine Providence • Free Will (Arminianism) • God is omniscient--He knows our choices in advance. • Our choices do not compromise God’s omniscience. • God saves those who choose to be saved. • God condemns those who do not choose to be saved. • God condemns those who choose to be lost.

Views On Divine Providence • The principle of free will has religious, ethical, and scientific implications. • Individual will and choices can coexist with an omnipotentdivinity. • Individuals can be held morally accountable for their actions. • Human behavior is largely predictable. • God’s Providence is applied according to free will.

Next Lecture: False Views of Divine Providence

The Providence of God How God Takes Care of His People