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Sermon #2445[i]                                                                    Miscellaneous Sermons

 

Title:               ÒThe Very Hairs of Your Head

                        are all NumberedÓ

 

Text:                            Matthew 10:29-31

Subject:                     Divine Providence

Readings:     Jimmy Bowman and Rex Bartley

Introduction:

 

Horatio Spafford was a prominent, successful business man in Chicago, IL in the middle 1800Õs. He had enjoyed great success. He was wealthy, well-known, and influential. Overnight he lost almost everything. The great Chicago fire left him in near financial ruin.

 

He decided to relocate his family. At two oÕclock in the morning, November 22, 1873, he loaded his wife and four daughters onto a French luxury liner, (the largest and most luxurious in the world), and kissed them good-bye, promising to meet them in France in a few weeks, as soon as he could settle his business affairs.

 

Several days out of port, that luxurious ship, sailing peacefully toward France, was rammed by an English ship. It took the largest, best, most luxurious ship in the world just two hours to sink to the ocean floor!

 

Two hundred and twenty-six people died on that ship, including all four of the Spafford daughters. Nine days latter, when the survivors landed safely at Cardiff, Wales, Spafford received a short wire from his wife. It contained just two words — ÒSaved alone.Ó

 

As soon as possible, he booked passage on a ship to Europe to join his wife. On the way over, the Captain called Spafford to the bridge of the ship. He said, ÒAccording to my calculations, we are now passing over the place where your children drowned.Ó Spafford thanked the Captain, went back to his cabin, and wrote these linesÉ

 

ÒWhen peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows, like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

ÔIt is well, it is well with my soul.ÕÓ

 

This man who had lost his business, his home, and his children, said to a friend, ÒI am glad I can trust the Lord when it costs me something.Ó When he and his wife finally met and embraced one another, she said, ÒWe have not lost our children. We are only separated for a little while

 

How I pray that God might give me such grace in the face of such trials! How could that man and his wife bear such trials, such losses, such heartaches, with such composure? Only one answer can be given. Horatio Spafford and his wife believed God. They were convinced in their hearts — Òthat all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose

 

Matthew 10

 

Turn with me to Matthew 10. In this chapter we have our LordÕs instruction to his disciples as he sent them out to preach the gospel, promising them constant conflict, hardship, and heartache. Here he assures us that all who follow him, all who serve him, all who confess him shall in every generation be hated of all men. He assures us that our own families will rise up against us. And, in the midst of all these things, he says, ÒFear ye not!Ó

 

Upon what grounds does he make that admonition? How can that be reasonable? Read Matthew 10:29-31 with me, and you will see.

 

(Matthew 10:29-31) ÒAre not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.Ó

 

With these words our Lord Jesus Christ assures us that none of GodÕs elect shall ever be in any real danger or suffer any real harm, for we are under the special care and protection of God himself. — ÒThe very hairs of your head are all numbered.Ó — I see six things in this sentence, which are a constant source of peace and encouragement to me.

 

1.    The Blessed Fact of Divine Predestination

 

Our SaviorÕs words in verse 30 might be better translated Òthe very hairs of your head have all been numbered.Ó Before the world began, our heavenly Father counted up and ordained the number of hairs that were to be upon your head at this very moment! This is meticulous predestination. What does it tell us? GodÕs sovereign purpose of grace in predestination includes all that we do and all that we experience.

 

2.    Our Heavenly FatherÕs Perfect Knowledge of All Things Concerning Us

 

Our God, who predestinated all things and rules all things, knows all things. We are so well known by God that he has even numbered the hairs of our heads. — ÒYour Father knoweth We need no other comfort.

  • The LordÕs knowledge of us is constant and entire.
  • His knowledge of us is the knowledge of a tender, sympathetic Father.

 

3.    Our FatherÕs Constant Care

 

He who takes the trouble to number the hairs of our heads must surely care for us. We are Òthe apple of his eye.Ó Cast all your care upon him. — ÒHe careth for you!Ó — ÒThe Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him.Ó — The Triune God is a wall of fire encircling us!

 

4.    The Honor and High Esteem our God has for His Elect

 

God has numbered our hairs because he values them. He holds us in honor and high esteem above all the people of the world because of his gracious purpose toward us in Christ, because he has made us one with his darling Son (Isaiah 43:3-5; 1 John 4:9-11).

 

(Isaiah 43:3-5) ÒBut now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west.Ó

 

(1 John 4:9-11) ÒIn this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.Ó

 

5.    The Promise of Divine Protection

 

The hairs of our heads are all numbered because our God intends that, ÒThere shall not an hair of your head perishÓ (Luke 21:18). Trials are certain. Temptations are sure. Tribulations are constant in this world. But there is no cause for fear. — ÒThe very hairs of your head are all numbered!Ó

 

6.    A Comforting Assurance of Divine Providence

 

The primary intent of this word from our RedeemerÕs lips is to show us our GodÕs constant rule of all things. The sparrow cannot fall to the ground, neither can a hair fall from your head without your FatherÕs eternal decree in predestination and his direction in providence.

 

Proposition: The knowledge and understanding of GodÕs providence is the comfort and strength of believing hearts in the midst of their trials and temptations in this world.

 

Divisions: Let me wrap my message up by showing you three things about GodÕs wise, good, adorable providence, three things about GodÕs providence that ought to sustain our souls in peace in the midst of every earthly heartache and woe. May God the Holy Ghost be our Teacher.

1. GodÕs providence is mysterious.

2. GodÕs providence is minute.

3. GodÕs providence is good.

 

Mysterious

 

1stGodÕs providence is mysterious (Romans 11:33-36). I refer to this passage often; but I want you to read it with me one more time. Here God the Holy Spirit declares the wonderful mystery of GodÕs providence.

 

(Romans 11:33-36) ÒO the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.Ó

 

His judgments are a great deep. His ways are past finding out. But I know thisÉ

á      God always has his way.

á      His ways are not our ways.

á      His way is always right and best.

 

ÒKeep silence all created things,

And wait your MakerÕs nod;

My soul stands trembling while she sings

The honors of her God.

 

Life, death, and hell, and worlds unknown

Hang on His firm decree;

He sits on no precarious throne,

Nor borrows leave to be.

 

Chained to His throne a volume lies,

With all the fates of men,

With every angelÕs form and size

Drawn by the eternal pen.

 

His providence unfolds the book

And makes His counsels shine;

Each opening leaf and every stroke

Fulfils some bright design.

 

Here He exalts neglected worms

To scepters and a crown;

And then, the following page He turns,

And treads the monarch down.

 

Not Gabriel asks the reason why,

Nor God the reason gives,

Nor dares the favorite angel pry

Between the folded leaves.

 

My God, I would not long to see

My fate with curious eyes,

What gloomy lines are writ for me,

Or what bright scenes may rise.

 

In Thy fair book of life and grace

May I but find my name

Recorded by electing grace

Beneath my Lord the Lamb!Ó

 

GodÕs providence is his sovereign rule of the universe for the salvation of chosen sinners to the praise of the glory of his grace. If God has chosen you, if Christ has redeemed you, God will save you. He will do whatever is necessary to bring you to repentance and faith in Christ (Psalm 107).

 

Minute

 

2ndGodÕs providence is minute. — ÒThe very hairs of your head are all numberedÓ (Matthew 10:30).

 

Divine providence is all inclusive! God rules everything, great and small, everywhere, and always! There is absolutely nothing in the universe that is not always under the total rule of our God (Psalms 115; 135; Ephesians 1:11).

 

(Psalm 115:1-18) ÒNot unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truthÕs sake. (2) Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? (3) But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. (4) Their idols are silver and gold, the work of menÕs hands. (5) They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: (6) They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: (7) They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. (8) They that make them are like unto them; so is everyone that trusteth in them. (9) O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. (10) O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. (11) Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. (12) The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. (13) He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. (14) The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. (15) Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. (16) The heaven, even the heavens, are the LordÕs: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. (17) The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. (18) But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.Ó

 

(Psalm 135:1-21) ÒPraise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. (2) Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, (3) Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. (4) For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. (5) For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. (6) Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. (7) He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. (8) Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. (9) Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. (10) Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; (11) Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan: (12) And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people. (13) Thy name, O LORD, endureth forever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. (14) For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants. (15) The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of menÕs hands. (16) They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; (17) They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. (18) They that make them are like unto them: so is everyone that trusteth in them. (19) Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron: (20) Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD. (21) Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.Ó

 

(Ephesians 1:11) ÒIn whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.Ó

 

Our God is in control of all inanimate matter.

á      The Creation

á      The Red Sea

á      The Jordan River

á      The Crowd that Followed Korah

á      The Fiery Furnace

á      The Whirlwind

á      The Crucifixion

 

Our great God is in total control of all brute beasts, all irrational creatures.

á      The Flies, Frogs, and Locusts in Egypt

á      The Whale that Swallowed Jonah

á      The Cock that Crew for Peter

ÒThe Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; his kingdom ruleth over all!Ó

 

Our God and heavenly Father controls, (absolutely and totally) all rational creatures too. He controls all men and women everywhere, good and bad, in the good they do and in the evil they perform. All angels, all demons, and Satan himself are under the total control of our God.

 

(Psalms 76:10) ÒSurely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.Ó

 

(Isaiah 14:24-27) ÒThe LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: É (26) This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. (27) For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?Ó

 

(Isaiah 45:7) ÒI form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things

 

We have no trouble believing that God controls good things and good people; but those are not the things that bother me. ItÕs the bad stuff that disturbs me. I want to know who is in control of wickedness and evil. That is the One I will worship.

 

Many have a lot of trouble with this. They do not understand that God truly is God, as fully in control of hell as he is in heaven, as totally in control of wickedness as of righteousness.

 

What about sin? What about the fall? — ÒGod is not the Author of sin; but he is the Controller and Director of sin. God is not the Causative Force, but the Directing Agent in the sins of men. Men are rebellious; but they have not pushed God off his throne. They are not out from under his control.Ó

C. D. Cole

á      AdamÕs Fall

á      LotÕs Incest

á      TamarÕs Incest

á      JosephÕs Enslavement

á      ElimelechÕs Departure

á      DavidÕs Sin

á      The Crucifixion

 

Illustration: Irrigation Canals

 

(Proverbs 16:4) ÒThe LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.Ó

 

(Proverbs 16:33) ÒThe lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.Ó

 

(Proverbs 21:1) ÒThe kingÕs heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Ó

 

(Acts 2:23) ÒHim, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.Ó

 

(Acts 4:27-28) ÒFor of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, (28) For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.Ó

 

Good

 

3rd — GodÕs providence is mysterious and minute. But be sure you get this third thing. — GodÕs providence is good! ÒAll things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Ó

 

No event in history is isolated from any other event. — ÒAll things work together!Ó — What does Paul mean when he says that Òall things work together for goodÓ?

á      Not Necessarily Immediate Good.

á      Not Necessarily Temporal Good.

á      But Spiritual Good.

á      Eternal Good.

á      Collective Good.

 

Actually, that which is truly good for me is very often the exact opposite of that which is presently good.

 

Illustrations: Tom Dejarnette — ÒIf I had not been in prison for murder, I would never have learned the gospel.Ó

á      Brad and Iris Johnson

á      Paul on the Damascus Road

á      The Prodigal Son

á      Onesimus

 

GodÕs providence is always executed in the wisest manner possible. We are often unable to see and understand the reasons and causes for specific events in our lives, in the lives of others, or in the history of the world. But our lack of understanding does not prevent us from believing God. We bow to his will, which is evident in his works of providence, and sayÉ

 

(Romans 11:33) ÒO the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!Ó

 

All GodÕs works of providence are executed perfect holiness and righteousness. Even in the way he uses the evil works of men and devils is totally free of sin on his part. Though he has predestined and sovereignly rules deeds of wickedness, sin cannot be imputed to the Almighty. Let men think and say what they will, these two things are plainly revealed in Holy ScriptureÉ

1.    ÒAll things are of GodÓ (2 Corinthians 5:18).

2. ÒThe Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his worksÓ (Psalm 145:17).

 

All GodÕs providential works are executed with the irresistible power of his omnipotence. Everything that comes to pass in time is brought to pass by GodÕs sovereign providence, according to his eternal purpose which he purposed in himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. He works all things after the counsel of his own will. His counsel always stands. He always does all his pleasure in all things everywhere. — ÒSay ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with himÓ (Isaiah 3:10).

 

GodÕs providence demands and deserves our unceasing praise. John Gill wrote, ÒWe should give to him the glory of all; observe with wonder and gratitude the various steps of it (his providence) respecting ourselves and others; and put our trust in him for all things temporal and spiritual; and at all times cast our care upon him, who cares for us; seeing it is, and always will be, well with the righteous, in time and to all eternity.Ó

 

Application

 

It is good for me to know Christ and be found in him. If God has to cripple me, or cripple my child to get my attention and then turn my eyes and my heart to Christ, that is good! It is good for meÉ

á      To fellowship with God and walk humbly before him.

á      To be a blessing to others.

á      To be weaned from this world.

á      To be a better preacher.

á      To continue in the faith.

á      To finish my course with joy.

á      To die in the faith.

á      To rise in glory and be like Christ!

Whatever God sees fit to use to accomplish these things for us and in us is good! At your leisure, read Psalm 107 again. There we are given a detailed view of GodÕs providence. — ÒAll things work together for good.Ó

 

Illustrations: A Pharmacist Mixing Medicine

 

Too much joy would intoxicate me. — Too much misery would drive me into despair. — Too much sorrow would crush me. — Too much suffering would break my spirit. — Too much pleasure would ruin me. — Too much defeat would discourage me. — Too much success would puff me up. — Too much failure would keep me from doing anything. — Too much criticism would harden me. — Too much praise would exalt me. — My God knows exactly what I need. His providence is wisely designed and sovereignly sent for my good! Let him therefore send and do what he will. By his grace, I willÉ

á      Face it.

á      Bow to it.

á      Accept it.

á      Give thanks for it.

 

ÒI welcome all His sovereign will,

For all His will is love.

And when I know not what He does,

IÕll wait for light above.Ó

 

 

 

Buttermilk, Lard, Flour, and Biscuits

Romans 8:28

 

My wife recently called my attention to something that came across her desk that both she and I found both delightful and instructive.

 

ÒOne Sunday morning at a small southern church, the new pastor called on one of his older deacons to lead in the opening prayer. The deacon stood up, bowed his head, and said, ÔLord, I hate buttermilk.Õ The pastor opened one eye and wondered where this was going.

 

The deacon continued, ÔLord, I hate lard.Õ Now the pastor was totally perplexed.

 

The deacon continued, ÔLord, I ainÕt too crazy about plain flour. But after you mix Ôem all together and bake Ôem in a hot oven, I just love biscuits. Lord, help us to realize when life gets hard, when things come up that we donÕt like, whenever we donÕt understand what you are doing, that we need to wait and see what you are making. After you get through mixing and baking, itÕll be something even better than biscuits. Amen.Ó

 

Amen.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[i]    Danville — Sunday Evening — October 7, 2018

     Danville — Tuesday Evening — January 5, 2010

     Grace Baptist — Taylor, AR — (FRI – 01/08/10)

     Grace Gospel Church — Apopka, FL — 03/03/12)

     Fairmont Grace Church, Sylacauga, AL — (09/30/18)