Alpha Notes
#6. By the mercy and truth of God in Christ
> Chapter 7:
How Does God Guide Us?
PROVIDENCE
Optional Bible Study Passage:
Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in
man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the
LORD.
16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his
own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and
thy thoughts shall be established.
16:4 The LORD hath made all things for
himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of
evil.
16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an
abomination to the LORD: though hand join in
hand, he shall not be unpunished.
16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:
and by the fear of the LORD men depart from
evil.
16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he
maketh even his enemies to be at peace with
him.
16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than
great revenues without right.
16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the
LORD directeth his steps.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
#1. The renewing grace of God alone prepares
the heart for every good work. This teaches us
that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think
or speak any thing wise and good.
#2. Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us
partial judges respecting our own conduct.
#3. Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and
leave it with him, by faith and dependence on
him.
#4. God makes use of the wicked to execute
righteous vengeance on each other; and he will
be glorified by their destruction at last.
#5. Though sinners strengthen themselves and
one another, they shall not escape God's
judgments.
Jesus, the sins of believers are taken away, and
the power of sin is broken.
#7. He that has all hearts in his hand, can make
a man's enemies to be at peace with him.
#8. A small estate, honestly come by, will turn
to better account than a great estate ill-gotten.
#9. If men make God's glory their end, and his
will their rule, he will direct their steps by his
Spirit and grace.
Alternative Bible Study Passage:
Genesis 24 - Isaac & Rebekah
& http://fcfonline.org/120896.htm
Internet References:
The Living Word Library:
http://www.biblelife.co.uk/bible/
guide.html
Action International Ministries
article:
http://www.actionintl.org/
GodsGuidance.html
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia:
Divine Providence
http://www.newadvent.org/
cathen/12510a.htm
The Genevan Institute for Reformed
Studies - Theology Proper
Lesson 7: God's Providence
[DEEEEEEEEEEEEP]
http://www.girs.com/library/
theology/syllabus/theo7.html
Action International Ministries:
The Guidance of God
http://www.actionintl.org/
GodsGuidance.html