Topical Bible: Man: God: Provides For

◄ Man: God: Provides For ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's provision for humanity is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His care, love, and sovereignty over creation. From the earliest narratives in Genesis to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, Scripture consistently affirms that God provides for the needs of His people, both physically and spiritually.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's provision is evident from the very beginning. In Genesis, God creates a world that is "very good" (Genesis 1:31) and places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a place of abundance and sustenance. Even after the Fall, when humanity is expelled from the garden, God continues to provide. For instance, He clothes Adam and Eve with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21), demonstrating His ongoing care despite their disobedience.

The narrative of the Israelites in the wilderness further exemplifies God's provision. When the Israelites grumble about the lack of food, God provides manna from heaven, instructing them to gather enough for each day (Exodus 16:4-5). This miraculous sustenance underscores God's ability to meet the needs of His people in seemingly impossible circumstances. Similarly, God provides water from a rock (Exodus 17:6) and quail for meat (Numbers 11:31-32), reinforcing His role as the ultimate provider.

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's provision, portraying Him as a shepherd who cares for His flock. Psalm 23 famously begins, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1), expressing confidence in God's provision and guidance. Psalm 104 elaborates on God's provision for all creation, stating, "He makes grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth" (Psalm 104:14).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's provision in a profound way. He teaches His followers to trust in God's care, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount: "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31, 33). Jesus emphasizes that God knows the needs of His people and will provide for them as they prioritize His kingdom.

The feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) and the four thousand (Matthew 15:32-39) are tangible demonstrations of Jesus' provision. In these miracles, Jesus takes limited resources—five loaves and two fish—and multiplies them to feed the multitudes, illustrating His divine ability to provide abundantly.

The apostle Paul also speaks to God's provision, particularly in the context of contentment and reliance on God's strength. In Philippians 4:19, Paul assures the believers, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" . This promise highlights the sufficiency of God's provision through Christ, who meets both material and spiritual needs.

Spiritual Provision

Beyond physical sustenance, God's provision extends to spiritual nourishment and salvation. Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering eternal sustenance to those who believe in Him. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for reconciliation with God, offering forgiveness and eternal life.

The Holy Spirit, given to believers, is another aspect of God's provision. The Spirit empowers, guides, and comforts, ensuring that believers have the resources needed to live a life pleasing to God (John 14:16-17).

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the theme of God's provision is a testament to His faithfulness and love for humanity. From the provision of daily bread to the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, God demonstrates His unwavering commitment to care for His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 145:15,16
The eyes of all wait on you; and you give them their meat in due season.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God is Known by his Works.
... in these animals to beget and rear offspring, not for their own profit, but for
the use of man; and the providence with which God provides nourishment for all ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter vi god is known by.htm

Christ the Bread of Life.
... must eat the bread which God provides, else all our eating will be in vain. 3. It
is well understood by all classes that the wants of the physical man need to ...
/.../ii christ the bread of life.htm

Nature and Grace
... Article Four Whether Providence Imposes a Necessity on what it Provides. Question
Twenty-Three OF PREDESTINATION. ... Article Three Whether God Rejects Any Man. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/

Ten Years in a Sick Bed, yet Praising God.
... Like Elijah at the brook of Cherith, she is just fed by the Almighty; God provides
for all her wants. Any man that knows God can trust Him and praise Him. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/ten years in a sick.htm

Whether Faith is Infused into Man by God
... For when a man gives his assent to the things of ... of faith, is therefore due to God,
who moves ... is nourished by the external persuasion which knowledge provides. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether faith is.htm

Contents Part i. Questions 1-4; 20-23 General Introduction, 21 Q. ...
... Art.4: Whether providence imposes a necessity on what it provides, 99 Q.23:
OF PREDESTINATION. ... Art.3: Whether God rejects any man, 105. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/contents part i questions 1-4.htm

If, after Man's Sin, God Exercised his Attribute of Justice and ...
... Thenceforth it is "man to the ground," and not as ... You do not, however, disprove God's
being a judge ... have to accuse justice herself, which provides the judge, or ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xi if after mans sin.htm

Whether Grace is a Quality of the Soul
... as we said in Q.109, Art.1. In the first place, a man's mind is ... Now God provides
for natural creatures not only by moving them to their natural actions, but by ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether grace is.htm

Sorely Distressed by Weeping at the Death of his Friend, He ...
... at the Death of His Friend, He Provides Consolation for ... With me this man's mind now
erred, nor could my ... close behind Thy fugitives"at once God of vengeance ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter iv sorely distressed by weeping.htm

Scripture Precepts and Examples of Fortitude.
... death of His saints?" [113] Had she not heard, "A patient man is better ... to use without
abusing, to have without cleaving to the good things which God provides. ...
/.../chapter 23 name precepts and.htm