Topical Bible: The Providence of God is Exercised in Prospering 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 according to His sovereign will. Within this framework, the prosperity of the saints—those who are set apart as God's people—serves as a testament to His benevolent and purposeful governance. The prosperity of the saints is not merely material but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being, aligning with God's ultimate purpose for His people.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how God's providence is exercised in prospering His saints. In the Old Testament, the life of Joseph is a profound example. Despite being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph rose to a position of great authority in Egypt. His journey from suffering to prosperity is encapsulated in his declaration 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" (Genesis 50:20).

Similarly, the account of Job highlights the providential care of God. Although Job experienced severe trials and losses, his faithfulness was ultimately rewarded with restoration and greater prosperity: "The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his first" (Job 42:12).

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about God's providential care in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that God knows and provides for the needs of His people: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This promise underscores the principle that spiritual priorities align with divine provision.

Spiritual Prosperity

The prosperity of the saints is not limited to material wealth but includes spiritual enrichment and growth. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesians, speaks of the "riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18), indicating that true prosperity is found in the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers. These blessings include wisdom, understanding, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which equip the saints for a life of godliness and service.

Relational and Emotional Prosperity

God's providence also extends to relational and emotional aspects of life. The Psalms frequently express confidence in God's care and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" . This imagery conveys a sense of peace and security, knowing that God provides for every need.

Moreover, the community of believers, the Church, is a means through which God prospers His saints relationally. The early Church in Acts exemplifies this as they shared resources and supported one another, demonstrating God's providential care through communal life (Acts 2:44-47).

Challenges and Perseverance

While God's providence includes prospering His saints, it does not exempt them from trials or challenges. The Apostle James encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). Such perseverance leads to maturity and completeness, reflecting a deeper form of prosperity that transcends temporal circumstances.

Conclusion

The providence of God in prospering saints is a multifaceted expression of His love and sovereignty. Through material provision, spiritual enrichment, and relational support, God demonstrates His faithfulness to His people, guiding them toward His ultimate purpose and glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:48,56
And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter to his son.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Lecture for Little-Faith
... Strong faith must always be an exercised faith, and he that dares not exercise the
faith he has ... He casts himself upon the providence of God; he believes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a lecture for little-faith.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... because God was dealing with him somewhat severely in Providence. ... It must be sooner
or later exercised. God does not create useless things: he intends that the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

Reprobation.
... that might thus, from his overruling providence, result to ... it has been inferred,
that God creates the ... as irresistible a sovereignty as that exercised by the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... change or fail, any more than his eternal providence. ... are admitted among the children
of God; much more ... of this point, which cannot be exercised without due ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Footnotes
... Welcome blessed Spirit of grace, and God of all consolation! ... lawyers that ever lived,
though the labours of his powerful mind were unhappily exercised on a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Poetical Books.
... we disallowed the claim of Solomon to have exercised a creative ... of what many regarded
as the very Word of God. ... The view of divine providence set forth in it is ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

The First Delegated General Conference of 1812
... and will merely from his works and providence; he has ... They transgress the laws of
God, violate the principles of ... the same power which he had exercised.8. The ...
/.../chapter 1 the first delegated.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... are also several sorts, if I may so express myself, of those that are truly righteous,
as children, young men, fathers, or saints that fear God, both small and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm