Renewing Your Mind – Episode: Providence
Hosted by Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In the February 6, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, renowned theologian R.C. Sproul delves deep into the doctrine of Providence. Sproul elucidates how God's active governance and benevolent oversight shape every aspect of the believer's life and the world at large. This comprehensive exploration aims to bolster Christians' understanding of God's sovereignty, offering comfort and assurance amidst life's trials.

Biblical Foundation of Providence

Sproul begins by highlighting a central New Testament passage that encapsulates the essence of divine providence:

R.C. Sproul [00:22]: "The Bible is saying that God is working all things for our good. Even our sicknesses, even our losses in this world come under the providence of God. And it's a good providence if we could just believe that."

He references Romans 8:28, emphasizing Paul's unwavering confidence:

R.C. Sproul [01:19]: "For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose."

Sproul underscores the apostolic assurance in this verse, noting its significance in providing great comfort to believers.

Divine Sovereignty vs. Secular Perspectives

Contrasting Christian understanding with contemporary secular views, Sproul addresses prevalent misconceptions:

R.C. Sproul [04:33]: "Some of you in recent years had the opportunity to see the series on television, the miniseries on the Civil War...But who in the world would do that? In our culture today, the whole idea of Divine Providence has all but disappeared from our culture."

He critiques the secular mindset that perceives God as a distant spectator, detached from earthly affairs, especially during tragedies. Sproul reaffirms the traditional Christian belief that "this is our Father's world" and that "the affairs of men and nations are in his hands."

Scriptural Examples of Providence

Sproul methodically examines biblical narratives to illustrate providence in action:

1. Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22):

   • R.C. Sproul [12:30]: "Abraham says, Jehovah Jireh, God will provide."
   • Sproul recounts Abraham’s reliance on God’s provision during the binding of Isaac, highlighting God's foresight and care.

2. Joseph’s Story (Genesis 50):

   • R.C. Sproul [18:45]: "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
   • He illustrates how God orchestrated Joseph's suffering and elevation to save many, demonstrating providence even through human wickedness.

3. Judas Iscariot:

   • Sproul briefly touches on Judas, pointing out how God used his betrayal for the ultimate good—Salvation.

Theological Exploration of Providence

Sproul delves into the theological nuances of providence, distinguishing it from mere foreknowledge:

R.C. Sproul [12:30]: "Providence means to see beforehand...the concept theologically covers a whole lot more ground than the idea of foreknowledge."

He explores the etymology of the term, linking it to the notion of foresight and provision, drawing parallels with the English word "provision."

Sproul also contrasts biblical providence with the pagan worldview, which attributes the world's operations to impersonal natural laws and chance:

R.C. Sproul [19:40]: "The closest thing that comes to this root in our language is the word provision... where the word providence means the same thing etymologically as the word foreknowledge, the concept theologically covers a whole lot more ground..."

Sustenance and Dependence on God

Highlighting mankind's continuous dependence on God, Sproul emphasizes:

R.C. Sproul [10:15]: "We are totally dependent upon God for our moment by moment existence."

He connects this dependence to the doctrine of God's sustenance, asserting that God not only created but also maintains the universe:

R.C. Sproul [09:50]: "The Hebrew word there to create, 'bara,' means more than the idea that he just makes something and then steps out of the picture and lets it go. He sustains, he preserves."

Sproul reassures believers that every breath and every moment are sustained by God’s providence.

Providence and Human Responsibility

Addressing the interplay between Divine sovereignty and human actions, Sproul introduces the concept of concurrence:

R.C. Sproul [21:20]: "The doctrine of what we call concurrence, where in one sense we have to say that everything that happens in this world, even our sin in some sense is the will of God."

He carefully navigates the delicate balance, clarifying that while God works through human decisions (even sinful ones), He is not the author of sin:

R.C. Sproul [22:10]: "According to sacred Scripture, God is not the author of sin. But even my sin is worked out under the sovereign authority of God."

Sproul uses Joseph’s story as a primary example, illustrating how God’s providence can bring good out of evil intentions:

R.C. Sproul [23:15]: "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."

Comfort and Assurance for Believers

Sproul emphasizes the assurance providence offers to Christians facing trials:

R.C. Sproul [20:30]: "The Bible is saying that God is working all things for our good, even our sicknesses, even our losses in this world come under the providence of God. And it's a good providence if we could just believe that."

He encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan, reminding them of the ultimate victory through Christ:

R.C. Sproul [13:05]: "Yet in all of these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Sproul reassures that no external hardship can sever the believer's relationship with God:

R.C. Sproul [15:20]: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?... in all of these things... do not have the power to break or to sever the relationship that we have to a loving, kindly, sovereign Providence."

Practical Implications and Conclusion

Concluding his lecture, Sproul ties the doctrine of providence to daily Christian living:

• Trust and Anxiety: He relates Jesus' teaching on anxiety to believers’ trust in God's provision, urging them to relinquish fear and embrace faith.

R.C. Sproul [14:10]: "We're to put our trust in the God who will meet our needs."

• Responsibility: While emphasizing dependence, Sproul also upholds the responsibility bestowed upon individuals, particularly within the family structure, to provide and plan wisely.

R.C. Sproul [11:40]: "Responsibility is given to the husband to be the one who provides. That is, he has to know in advance that his family tomorrow is going to need food, is going to need shelter..."

Sproul wraps up by reiterating the comforting truth of God's providential care, encouraging believers to rest in the assurance that God ordains all things for their ultimate good and His glory.

R.C. Sproul [23:50]: "The great comfort of the doctrine of providence is, that God stands over all things and he is the ultimate source of our comfort."

Key Takeaways

• Divine Providence: God is actively involved in every aspect of creation and human affairs, ensuring that all things work toward the good of those who love Him.

• Sovereignty vs. Secularism: Contrasts the Christian belief in a sovereign God with secular views that attribute existence and events to impersonal laws and chance.

• Biblical Examples: Stories like Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac and Joseph's rise to power in Egypt illustrate God's providential hand in historical events.

• Human Responsibility: While God is sovereign, humans are responsible for their actions, and God can work through both good and evil intentions to fulfill His purposes.

• Comfort and Assurance: Understanding and trusting in God's providence offers profound comfort, reducing anxiety and fostering a deeper reliance on His benevolent plan.

Notable Quotes:

• R.C. Sproul [00:22]: "The Bible is saying that God is working all things for our good...under the providence of God."

• R.C. Sproul [01:19]: "For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose."

• R.C. Sproul [23:15]: "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."

• R.C. Sproul [14:10]: "We're to put our trust in the God who will meet our needs."

• R.C. Sproul [23:50]: "The great comfort of the doctrine of providence is, that God stands over all things and he is the ultimate source of our comfort."

This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a thorough and theologically rich examination of Providence, reinforcing the believer's trust in God's sovereign and benevolent oversight of all creation. R.C. Sproul adeptly navigates complex theological concepts, making them accessible and applicable to everyday Christian life.