Understanding God's Providence and Sovereignty in Creation

Devotional

Day 1: The Present Reality of Idolatry

In Acts 17, Paul’s reaction to the idolatry in Athens serves as a powerful reminder that idolatry is not just a relic of the past but a present reality. Despite the city's cultural and intellectual achievements, Paul saw a spiritual void, a city given over to idols. This challenges us to examine the idols in our own lives, whether they be material possessions, status, or ideologies, and to turn our hearts fully to the living God. Idolatry can manifest in subtle ways, often disguised as the pursuit of good things that become ultimate things. It is crucial to recognize these idols and redirect our worship to God, who alone is worthy. [07:20]

Isaiah 44:9-10 (ESV): "All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing?"

Reflection: Identify one thing in your life that you may be placing above God. How can you begin to shift your focus back to Him today?

Day 2: God’s Sustaining Providence

The doctrine of providence teaches that God not only created the universe but also sustains it. Our very existence depends on His continuous provision. This truth invites us to live with gratitude and trust, knowing that every breath we take is a gift from God. God is not a distant deity who set the world in motion and then withdrew; rather, He is actively involved in His creation, sustaining it moment by moment. This understanding of God’s providence encourages us to rely on Him daily, recognizing His hand in every aspect of our lives. [11:23]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you felt anxious or uncertain. How can acknowledging God’s sustaining providence bring you peace in similar situations?

Day 3: The Mystery of Motion and Life

The questions of motion, life, and being have perplexed philosophers for ages. Paul’s declaration that in God we live, move, and have our being points to the divine source of all existence. It challenges us to acknowledge our dependence on God for every aspect of life. This dependence extends to the very essence of life, motion, and being, which have puzzled philosophers for centuries. Recognizing God as the source of all life invites us to live with humility and wonder, acknowledging that our existence is a gift from Him. [12:21]

Job 12:10 (ESV): "In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt truly alive. How can you cultivate a daily awareness of God as the source of your life and being?

Day 4: God’s Sovereign Governance

God’s providence extends to the governance of the universe. He appoints the times and places for nations and individuals, orchestrating history according to His will. This sovereignty assures us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Understanding God’s sovereignty over history and human affairs provides comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering. Believers can trust that their lives are in the hands of a sovereign God who works all things for good. [30:33]

Daniel 2:21 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that feels out of control. How can you trust in God’s sovereign governance to bring about His purposes?

Day 5: Trust in God’s Providence

Understanding God’s providence allows us to face life’s uncertainties with confidence. We can rejoice in suffering and find peace in the midst of trials, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and sovereign God who works all things for our good. This trust in God’s providence invites us to live with hope and assurance, even when circumstances are challenging. By resting in His care, we can experience a deep sense of peace and joy, regardless of our external circumstances. [39:05]

Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV): "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand."

Reflection: Recall a recent trial or challenge you faced. How can you actively choose to trust in God’s providence and find peace in His promises today?

Sermon Summary

In Acts 17, Paul’s encounter with the Athenians reveals profound truths about God’s nature and His relationship with creation. As Paul observed the city of Athens, he was deeply moved by its idolatry. Despite the city's cultural and intellectual achievements, Paul saw a spiritual void, a city given over to idols. He addressed the Athenians, acknowledging their religiosity but pointing out their worship of an "unknown god." Paul seized this opportunity to proclaim the true God, the Creator of the universe, who does not dwell in temples made by human hands and who is not served by human hands as if He needed anything. This God gives life, breath, and everything else to all humanity.

Paul’s message underscores the doctrine of Divine Providence, which is often overshadowed by debates on creation. While many Christians defend the doctrine of creation, the understanding of God’s providence is frequently neglected. Providence is not merely about God’s initial act of creation but His ongoing sustenance and governance of the universe. God is not a distant deity who set the world in motion and then withdrew; rather, He is actively involved in His creation, sustaining it moment by moment.

The sermon challenges the naturalistic worldview, which often attributes the universe's existence to random chance or the Big Bang without acknowledging a divine cause. Paul’s assertion that "in Him we live and move and have our being" highlights the dependence of all creation on God’s sustaining power. This dependence extends to the very essence of life, motion, and being, which have puzzled philosophers for centuries.

Furthermore, the sermon emphasizes God’s sovereignty over history and human affairs. God appoints the boundaries and destinies of nations and individuals, orchestrating events according to His divine will. This understanding of God’s providence provides comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering. Believers can trust that their lives are in the hands of a sovereign God who works all things for good.

Key Takeaways

1. The Reality of Idolatry: Paul’s reaction to Athens’ idolatry serves as a reminder that idolatry is not just a relic of the past but a present reality. It challenges us to examine the idols in our own lives, whether they be material possessions, status, or ideologies, and to turn our hearts fully to the living God. [07:20]
2. God’s Sustaining Providence: The doctrine of providence teaches that God not only created the universe but also sustains it. Our very existence depends on His continuous provision. This truth invites us to live with gratitude and trust, knowing that every breath we take is a gift from God. [11:23]
3. The Mystery of Motion and Life: The questions of motion, life, and being have perplexed philosophers for ages. Paul’s declaration that in God we live, move, and have our being points to the divine source of all existence. It challenges us to acknowledge our dependence on God for every aspect of life. [12:21]
4. God’s Sovereign Governance: God’s providence extends to the governance of the universe. He appoints the times and places for nations and individuals, orchestrating history according to His will. This sovereignty assures us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic. [30:33]
5. Trust in God’s Providence: Understanding God’s providence allows us to face life’s uncertainties with confidence. We can rejoice in suffering and find peace in the midst of trials, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and sovereign God who works all things for our good. [39:05]
** [39:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Reading from Acts 17
[00:38] - Paul's Provocation in Athens
[01:17] - Encounter with Philosophers
[02:02] - The Unknown God
[02:35] - God as Creator
[03:06] - Seeking the Lord
[04:13] - Prayer for Illumination
[05:14] - Assault on Creation and Providence
[06:12] - Paul's Response to Idolatry
[07:41] - Philosophers' Interrogation
[09:10] - Proclaiming the Creator
[11:03] - Sustaining Providence
[12:03] - The Mystery of Being
[13:51] - The Big Bang and Motion
[15:56] - Aristotle's Unmoved Mover
[19:14] - The Source of Life
[22:30] - The Question of Being
[25:39] - Parmenides and Heraclitus
[29:37] - Divine Providence and Sustenance
[30:33] - God's Sovereign Governance
[34:23] - The Mystery of Concurrence
[38:08] - Magnifying God as Sovereign
[39:22] - Closing Prayer

Sermon Clips

Paul saw a city that had been given over completely to idolatry, and in this context of idolatry he reasoned every day in the synagogue in the Agora the marketplace with Jews and with the Greeks and finally drew the attention of the philosophers of the hour, the only two schools of philosophy that are mentioned by name in scripture, the epicureans and the stoics. [00:07:20]

Paul made an observation that I think was Dripping in sarcasm when he said I perceive that in all things you very religious idolatry is a religious exercise and he said and in your religion I see that you've tried to cover all the bases and you don't want to miss any deity that might possibly exist. [00:08:07]

God who made the world and everything in it and he is the one who doesn't need anything because he gives to all life and breath and all things he's made from M blood every nation of men to dwell on the face of the Earth and he has determined the pre-appointment. [00:09:10]

The doctrine of Providence speaks in the first instance about the way in which God sustains everything that he makes now in personal terms let me put it this way I not only owe to God my creation or the beginning of my existence but it is by his Providence that I and that you can continue to exist Moment by moment. [00:11:03]

The most provocative and profound statement in all of the Bible is found in Acts chap 17 in the context of this debate that the Apostle is having with Pagan philosophers when he makes the affirmation that in God we live and we move and we have our being. [00:12:21]

Paul said from all eternity there is one who possesses the power of motion in and of himself self this God who I'm declaring to you is never inert but he moves over the waters and he brings life out of the abyss of nothingness and creates all things and sets their boundaries and establishes their borders. [00:18:37]

The first principle of providence is the doctrine of divine sustenance of all things the second and the second point will not be as long as the first point where I'd take up all of Dr Lawson's time then we might be even the second major consideration under the rubric of providence is the government of God. [00:29:37]

Paul at it here when he says that this God in whom we live and move and have our being is the one who appoints the boundaries and the Destinies of all Nations and of all people he governs the material universe and this is where our doctrine of providence is all but disappeared from the church. [00:30:33]

My biggest fear for the church in our day is that we've lost sight of who God is never mind what the secular culture is saying do we really magnify God as God do we really see him in all of his create creating Glory do we understand that we are dependent upon him for every breath that we draw in this world. [00:38:08]

Do we understand that he has appointed the end of my days before I reach them that he is Sovereign over nature and over Grace he is Sovereign over all things that are within his Divine Providence is there any place you'd rather have your destiny be than in the hands of the Providence of God. [00:39:05]

That's why we rejoice in the midst of suffering that's why we can smile through our tears in this Valley of Death that is ours because the Lord God omnipotent Reigns let's pray father we thank you that you are the Creator and sustainer of everything that is and that by your Providence all things can work together for good. [00:39:22]

Paul’s message underscores the doctrine of Divine Providence, which is often overshadowed by debates on creation. While many Christians defend the doctrine of creation, the understanding of God’s providence is frequently neglected. Providence is not merely about God’s initial act of creation but His ongoing sustenance and governance of the universe. [00:06:12]

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