Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the providence of God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's sovereign guidance and care over all creation. This divine providence assures believers that God is actively involved in the world, orchestrating events according to His perfect will and purpose. For the saints, or believers, this understanding calls for a trustful commitment of their works and endeavors to God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and wisdom.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous passages that encourage believers to commit their works to God, trusting in His providential care. Proverbs 16:3 states, "Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved." This verse underscores the importance of entrusting one's efforts to God, with the assurance that He will establish and bring them to fruition according to His divine plan. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Colossians 3:23-24 : "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Here, Paul emphasizes that all work should be done with a heart oriented towards God, recognizing that it is ultimately in service to Him. Theological Implications The providence of God implies that He is both transcendent and immanent, meaning He is above and beyond creation while also being intimately involved in it. This dual aspect of God's nature assures believers that their lives are not subject to random chance or fate but are under the careful watch of a loving and purposeful Creator. For the saints, committing their works to God involves a conscious decision to align their actions with His will. This commitment is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's wisdom and timing. It requires humility, recognizing that human understanding is limited and that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Practical Application In practical terms, committing one's works to God involves prayerful consideration and seeking His guidance in all endeavors. James 4:13-15 warns against presumptuous planning without acknowledging God's will: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'" This passage highlights the importance of submitting plans to God's will, recognizing His sovereignty over the future. It encourages believers to live with an awareness of God's providential care, making decisions that reflect trust in His perfect plan. Examples from Scripture Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who committed their works to God and experienced His providential guidance. Joseph, despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous trials, remained faithful to God. In Genesis 50:20 , he acknowledges God's hand in his life, saying to his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." Similarly, King David often sought God's guidance in his endeavors, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2 , where he inquires of the Lord before taking action: "So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' And the LORD said to David, 'Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.'" These examples illustrate the blessings and success that come from committing one's works to God, trusting in His providential care and guidance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 16:3Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ... Book 3 God is Our Refuge On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... Temptations and Trials. "But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba ... Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ... The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622. Resources Who was John Calvin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to “in all your ways acknowledge Him” in Proverbs 3:6? | GotQuestions.org Providence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Providence of God is all Pervading The Providence of God is Ever Watchful The Providence of God is Exercised in Bringing his Words to Pass The Providence of God is Exercised in Defeating Wicked Designs The Providence of God is Exercised in Delivering Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Determining the Period of Human Life The Providence of God is Exercised in Directing all Events The Providence of God is Exercised in Leading Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Ordaining the Conditions and Circumstances of Men The Providence of God is Exercised in Ordering the Minutest Matters The Providence of God is Exercised in Ordering the Ways of Men The Providence of God is Exercised in Overruling Wicked Designs for Good The Providence of God is Exercised in Preserving his Creatures The Providence of God is Exercised in Preserving the Course of Nature The Providence of God is Exercised in Prospering Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Protecting Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Providing for his Creatures The Providence of God is Exercised in Ruling the Elements The Providence of God is Exercised in The Special Preservation of Saints The Providence of God is his Care Over his Works The Providence of God is Righteous The Providence of God: All Things are Ordered By for Good to Saints The Providence of God: All Things are Ordered By for his Glory The Providence of God: Cannot be Defeated The Providence of God: Connected With the Use of Means The Providence of God: Danger of Denying The Providence of God: Man's Efforts are Vain Without The Providence of God: Result of Depending Upon The Providence of God: Saints should Commit Their Works To The Providence of God: Saints should Encourage Themselves The Providence of God: Saints should Have Full Confidence In The Providence of God: Saints should Pray in Dependence Upon The Providence of God: Saints should Pray to be Guided By The Providence of God: Saints should Trust In The Providence of God: Sometimes Dark and Mysterious The Providence of God: The Wicked Made to Promote the Designs The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Adversity The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in all Things The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Our Daily Support The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Prosperity The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Public Calamities Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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