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GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE SERMON SERIES | THEME: GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

SERMON 2/5 | 14 & 15 MARCH 2020 | All Services

Rev Stanley Chua, Pastor-in-Charge

Scripture Passage: Genesis 50:19-20; Romans 8:28

Genesis 50:19-20 (NIV) – But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

WATCH | SERMON (Video)

(Click on video below)

READ | SERMON NOTES

SUMMARY | Do all things really work for the good of those who love God? Why do bad things sometimes happen to good people? These are not easy questions to answer. The biblical doctrine of the providence of God provides a foundational understanding of the concepts/issues involved in these questions.

PROVIDENCE OF GOD | The doctrine refers to God’s gracious oversight of our world. It teaches us four important truths:

1. God is in control of everything. God changes times and seasons; he removes kings and appoints kings. (Dan 2:21) In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Prov 16:9). God is also in control of the sinful actions of human beings. God is not the cause of sin or evil (Jam 1:13-14); yet God can even use evil to accomplish his will. (Prov 16:4)

2. God cares about the tiniest details of our life. Nothing escapes God’s notice, and God is concerned about all the things that happen in our lives. (Mat 10: 29-30)

3. God uses everything and he wastes nothing. God is in control of even seemingly accidental occurrences. God uses these for his purpose and glory. (Eph 1:11)

4. God works for the good of those who love him. God has our best interests at heart. (Rom 8:28) These truths are best illustrated in the life of Joseph. Joseph experienced the invisible hand and providence of God in his life. While the sinful actions of man were intended for evil, God intended them for good and to achieve his plans and purposes. (Gen 37; 45:5-8; 50) Even though God allows man to exercise free will, things turned out as God planned. Trusting in God’s providence will revolutionise our view of life. It helps us in three ways:

  • It frees us from bitterness. Joseph was not bitter as he understood God’s providence in his life. If we recognize God’s goodness, even when bad things happen, we remain confident that God will work out the circumstances for our good.
  • It gives us a new perspective on tragedies. When we trust in God’s providence, God can show us how our tragedies can turn out to be a blessing.
  • It gives us the courage to keep on going in hard times. God is in control of everything, and the events in Joseph’s life were not random but providential. Because Joseph trusted in God, no matter how difficult his life/path was, he forged ahead.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but when we get to heaven we will discover that the Lord was with us even in the darkest moments, and that Jesus has led us all the way.

(Sermon Notes by Denis Koh)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  1. What is the Doctrine of the Providence of God?
  2. What are the four important truths that are mentioned by the speaker regarding the Doctrine of God's providence?
  3. What are the 3 lessons that we can learn from the story and life of Joseph about God’s providence?
  4. What are the 3 points (or things) that God spoke through this sermon?
  5. What are 2 questions (or things) that I struggled with?
  6. What is the 1 promise (or thing) that I may act on?

PRAY | LET US PRAY:

  • God will show His mercy, granting protection and healing during this struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Many will see God’s faithfulness in every circumstance in their life.
  • The defeated will also see God’s steadfastness revealed in their life journey.

Sermons In This Series:

  1. Introduction : The Faithfulness Of God (Deuteronomy 7:9; Joshua 21:43-45) | 7/8 Mar 2020
  2. God’s Faithfulness In Every Circumstance (Genesis 50:19-20; Romans 8:28) | 14/15 Mar 2020
  3. God’s Faithfulness To The Defeated (Lamentations 3:22-23) | 21/22 Mar 2020
  4. God’s Faithfulness To The Suffering (Psalm 119:67; 71; 75) | 28/29 Mar 2020
  5. God’s Faithfulness To The Doubting (John 20:24-29) | 18/19 Apr 2020