Alpha Chap 07

Alpha Notes > 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.

#6. By the mercy and truth of God in Christ 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

#2. Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct.

The Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies - Theology Proper Lesson 7: God's Providence [DEEEEEEEEEEEEP] http://www.girs.com/library/ theology/syllabus/theo7.html

#3. Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.

Action International Ministries: The Guidance of God http://www.actionintl.org/ GodsGuidance.html

#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.