Topical Bible: Man: God: Orders the Goings of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept that God orders the goings of man is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the sovereignty and providence of God in the lives of individuals. This idea is rooted in the belief that God, in His omniscience and omnipotence, guides the steps of humanity according to His divine will and purpose.

Scriptural Foundations

1. Proverbs 16:9 · "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse highlights the balance between human intention and divine intervention. While individuals may devise their own plans, it is ultimately God who directs their paths, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.

2. Jeremiah 10:23 · "I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps." Here, the prophet Jeremiah acknowledges human dependence on God for direction, underscoring the belief that human autonomy is limited and subject to divine guidance.

3. Psalm 37:23-24 · "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand." This passage reassures believers that God not only directs their steps but also supports them through challenges, ensuring that they are not overcome by adversity.

4. Proverbs 20:24 · "A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?" This rhetorical question points to the mystery of God's guidance, suggesting that human understanding is limited in comprehending the full scope of God's plans.

Theological Implications

The belief that God orders the goings of man carries significant theological implications. It affirms God's active involvement in the world and in the lives of individuals, suggesting that nothing occurs outside of His sovereign will. This doctrine provides comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their lives are under the care and direction of a loving and all-powerful God.

Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty

While the Bible teaches that God orders the steps of man, it also upholds the responsibility of individuals to seek God's guidance and align their lives with His will. Scriptures such as Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This indicates that while God directs human steps, individuals are called to trust and acknowledge Him in their decision-making processes.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God ordering the goings of individuals:

· Abraham: God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1). Abraham's journey was directed by God, who promised to make him a great nation.

· Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph's steps were ordered by God, leading him to a position of power in Egypt where he could save many lives during a famine (Genesis 50:20).

· Paul: The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys were guided by the Holy Spirit, who directed him to specific regions and people, demonstrating God's hand in the spread of the Gospel (Acts 16:6-10).

These examples illustrate the overarching theme that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding their paths for His glory and their ultimate good.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 5:21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his goings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 20:24
Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded.
... "We see but we understand not." We wonder sometimes at what God orders, and oftener
at what be permits. ... For "God's eyes art on the ways of man, and he ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvi characters will be.htm

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
... missionaries among barbarians." Not so; our marching orders are, "Preach ... are called
in France "houses of God;" truly they ... There is not a man here but may be in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the tender mercy of our.htm

The Doctrine of God
... repented the Lord that he had made man on the ... reign of the law of righteousness."
When God appears to be displeased with anything, or orders it differently ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

Dark Times
... is comfortable, that God will let no man be tempted ... our prayers are not needed to
change God's will, because ... prayers, is to ask advice and orders and strength ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxviii dark times.htm

Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ...
... 13:5)"perhaps you will understand that what it orders is not ... Wherefore? Because the
carnal man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xlv circa a d 1120.htm

The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... in a contention of wits, where each man was asked ... Darius consented, and put into
his hands orders that the ... and thus he went forth, praising and blessing God. ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiii the rebuilding of.htm

The Great Assize
... escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders which shall ...
in a thousand instances, "to justify the ways of God to man." Unless our ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm

The Great Awakening.
... to impress upon the American church in its various orders, for a ... to self-sacrifice
and devotion to the service of God in the service of man, we cannot know ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

Confessio Belgica.
... that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner even ...
Wherefore we confess that he is very God and very Man: very God by his ...
/.../schaff/the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio belgica.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... of God, the goings in and the comings out thereof' (Ezekiel 43:10,11). But, Sir,
where do you find that want of light in water baptism, or because a man hath ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm