1) This term is derived from the Latin word “providential” (a term meaning foresight).
2) We do not find this exact word in the Scriptures, but the concept is here – Ps. 136:25 & Ps. 104:10.
3) It is important to distinguish between the miraculous and the providential acts of God.
4) A miracle is God working on a plain that is above (outside) natural law.
5) Providence is the working through (within the bounds of) natural law.
6) With miracles, God worked supernaturally. In providence He works naturally.
7) Providence can be understood as God preserving things “by means of secondary causes.”
8) Examples
of this: Ps. 18:35_______________________________.
Ps. 63:8 _____________________.
9) Acts 17:28 ____________________________________
10) Col. 1:17 __________________________.
11) Heb. 1:3 ____________________________.
12) Providence is not just helpful; it is necessary.
13) God has a plan, and His will must be fulfilled – Jas. 1:17.
14) Providence helps that will continue and be ultimately fulfilled.
15) We may divide providence into a variety of categories:
a) It covers the “natural world” (Ps. 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17).
b) The “brute creation” is helped by it (Ps. 104:21-29; Mt. 6:26; 10:29).
c) Men are aided (Dan. 2:21; 4:25).
d) Passages that refer to individual assistance (1 Sam. 2:6; Ps. 18:30; Lk. 1:53).
16) Since creation, God has used providence to support, care for and supervise creation.
17) According to the Bible, providence is divided into at least two classifications: general and special.
a) General providence applies to all people – Mt. 5:45 ____________________________________.
b) Special: Ex. 34:23-24 ______________________________________________________.
18) God uses providence when it comes to nations:
a) Job 12:23____________________________________________________________________.
b) Rev. 1:5 ____________________________________________________________________.
c) Acts 17:26 ____________________________________________________________________.
19) Did America come into being at a “chance” time? Are the boundaries of countries random? Acts 17:26
20) Providence helps man survive.
21) It is also a “witness” of God’s presence to the heathen – Acts 14:17
22) How can we explain the difference between the miraculous and the providential?
a) Isa. 36:1 – Sennacherib (Assyrian king) came against Hezekiah and the cities of Judah and conquered them.
b) Judah sought deliverance and here is what Isaiah promised: Isa. 37:33-35 – a miracle and providence
c) Verse 36 describes: ______________________________________________________.
d) Verse 38 describes: ______________________________________________________.
23) An illustration of how providence and miracles differ in conception:
a) Jesus’ birth was miraculous (Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:30-37)
b) In an Old Testament story, Hannah prayed for a son (1 Sam. 1:19-20)
c) Pregnancy came through sexual intercourse (providence)
24) Onesimus was a run away slave (the book of Philemon tells the story).
a) Paul met up with this slave and Onesimus became a Christian.
b) Paul commented on this matter as possibly being due to providence (Phile. 15-16).
25) A key difference: miracles can be proven (checked beyond doubt); providence cannot.
26) Some interesting verses on providence:
a) Gen. 8:22 ______________________________________________________.
b) Ps. 147:8 ______________________________________________________.
c) Job 9:7 ______________________________________________________.
d) Job 37:10 ______________________________________________________.
e) Ps. 147:16-18 ______________________________________________________.
f) Job 12:10 ______________________________________________________.
g) Ps. 147:9 ______________________________________________________.
h) Ps. 104:21 ______________________________________________________.
i) Ps. 148:8 ______________________________________________________.
j) Ps. 135:7 ______________________________________________________.
k) Prov. 16:33 ______________________________________________________.