Topical Bible: The Providence of God is Exercised in Leading Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

The providence of God refers to His divine guidance and care over all creation, orchestrating events and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where God's sovereign hand is seen leading His people, the saints, through various life situations. The providence of God in leading saints is a testament to His intimate involvement in the lives of believers, ensuring that they are directed according to His will and purpose.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible is replete with examples of God's providential leading. One of the most notable instances is found in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God calls Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation. Abraham's journey is marked by God's guidance, as seen in Genesis 24:7 , where Abraham assures his servant that "The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there."

Similarly, the account of Joseph illustrates God's providential leading. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises to a position of power in Egypt. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph 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 what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

The Exodus narrative also highlights God's providence. In Exodus 13:21 , God leads the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, demonstrating His constant presence and guidance: "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night."

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the providence of God continues to be evident in the lives of the saints. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of God's guidance. In Acts 16:6-10 , Paul and his companions are directed by the Holy Spirit in their missionary journeys. The Spirit prevents them from preaching in certain regions, leading them instead to Macedonia after Paul receives a vision. This demonstrates God's active role in directing the spread of the Gospel.

Romans 8:28 encapsulates the essence of divine providence: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This assurance is a cornerstone for believers, affirming that God's providential care is at work in every aspect of their lives.

Practical Implications

The providence of God in leading saints has profound implications for the believer's life. It calls for trust and reliance on God's wisdom and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts 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."

Furthermore, the providence of God encourages a life of prayer and discernment, seeking His guidance in decision-making. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Conclusion

The providence of God in leading saints is a profound demonstration of His love and sovereignty. Through Scripture, believers are assured of His constant guidance and care, directing their paths for His glory and their ultimate good.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 8:2,15
And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, and to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or no.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 63:12
That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Spirit of Prayer.
... Nor is faith exercised in the one more than in the other, without ... He had neither
promise, nor prophecy, nor providence, nor the Spirit of God, to lead him ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

Introduction
... Nuns carried on the powerful influence he had exercised over them ... The "Abandonment
to Divine Providence" of Fr ... with the unction of the Spirit of God, and readers ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/introduction.htm

The Holy Catholic Church.
... the widows and needy (Acts 6:1-6). But, from the first, the spiritual gifts bestowed
upon them were exercised in the ... And by the Providence of God the unity ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm

City of God
... Always Had Creatures Over Whom He Exercised His Sovereignty ... That the Bodies of the
Saints Shall After ... Wickedness Did Not Disturb the Order of God's Providence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... God, the vicissitudes of life dependent on the will of ... always had creatures over
whom He exercised His sovereignty ... of creature, [711]242; the providence of, not ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... or you have been through the day exercised about some ... me, giving me his grace and
working his providence with me ... Every child of God is set apart by Christ, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

In Rome
... In the providence of God this delay resulted in the ... make the debased criminal a child
of God and a ... well knew the severity which masters exercised toward their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... even after the fall, under the general providence of God. ... proper control and discipline
should be exercised over the ... or sacred rites instituted by God as signs ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome.
... strength of character they sometimes exercised too great ... his steadfastness of purpose,
and leading him to ... of a true friend, God's providence sent Melanchthon ...
/.../7 luthers separation from rome.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... way, but leading from heaven, strait in truth, but leading back to ... and destitute
of feeling, is held to be a God, while a providence exercised about us ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm