That is true up to a point. God does not directly, supernaturally
intervene in circumstances the way he did in Time Past. But when we read the Apostle Paul, there is
no doubt that God does intervene indirectly
as he works through the saints. As his
word works in the saints it does have an outward effect.
As a dear brother in Southern California has
said: “We are his body; he is our mind.”
So God does indirectly intervene on the stage of human history through
his word working in people.
For example, if a saint has a need and lets it
be known to other saints who are in Christ and who believe the doctrine and
desire the life of Christ to work through them, circumstances will be affected.
Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ.
God’s word working in saints affects their own
circumstances and others’; it affects outward things.
If you have a need and you contact me through
this internet ministry and I respond back to you through a communication like
this, I am fulfilling a need for you that will affect your circumstance. It is based upon my understanding the
doctrine so that I will be able to edify you.
It begins in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened
with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of
love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of
God and our Father;
Your
work of faith is you getting the doctrine in and God stablishing you by the
doctrine.
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel,
and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the
mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in
the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of itself in love.
As saints do their part they affect the
circumstances of others; outward things are affected. Paul gets on the Corinthians’ case for not doing that (1 Cor. 11). They were supposed to tarry one for another,
but they were being selfish and not using the gifts God gave them to bless
other saints.
Romans 12:8
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness.
Do these things. Work out your salvation.
Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling.
So again, God does not supernaturally,
directly intervene in circumstances and outward things; but he does intervene
through the saints who are operating in the truth.
So don’t limit God’s intervention to the inner
man; it is the inner working first. First,
you are to get the word in you and then translate it into a labor of love. That is the work of faith.
Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty
for an occasion to the flesh [your own selfish purposes], but by love serve one another.
Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of faith.
All three chapters of Titus are about good
works.
Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good
works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem
us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works. This is a faithful saying, and these things
I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might
be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto
men.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
So God is
intervening (spiritually) to change circumstances indirectly through the
working of his word through the saints—living creatures who are his body. We are his body; he is our mind. That is
called providence.
Hopefully this helps!
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