How God Works Among Men Habakkuk 1:5 I. Introduction. A. God would do something that the Hebrews would not believe: Habakkuk 1:5. 1. Jehovah would bring the Chaldeans against them-- because of their wickedness. 2. The Babylonian captivity, the destruction of Jerusalem: historical facts. 3. God said, "I am working a work." B. God has, from the beginning, been active in the affairs of men. 1. Used varied and sundry ways to accomplish his aim. 2. Direct intervention, pleading, punishing, teaching: God has worked among men. C. When there is a direct and physical intervention by God, it is termed a miracle. 1. Define: ""Works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means"(Vine). 2. An intervention of God in the natural process that would not have occurred without that intervention. 3. Calling something a miracle does not make it such. II. Body. A. Jehovah worked in the times of the Patriarchs. 1. With miracles, signs, and wonders. a. Punishing: flood, Sodom. b. Rewarding: Saving Noah, Lot. c. Guiding and keeping: Abraham. 2. With instruction through men. a. Noah preached 120 years. b. Lot worked with the citizens of Sodom. c. Joseph before Pharoah. 3. No written law. a. Communicated directly with men. b. Different instructions for different people(illustrate). B. Jehovah worked in the age of Moses. 1. Used miracles to accomplish His purposes. a. Began with a miracle of deliverance. (1 Brought Hebrews out of bondage. (2 Gave water, food, and guidance to them. b. Continued with the miracle of the Ten Commandments(written in stone). c. Utilized prophets and teachers(possessed powers). d. Still they ignored the Lord: Numbers 14:22. 2. A written law of ordinances and commands: Deuteronomy 5:1. C. Jehovah works in the age of Christ. 1. Through miraculous works and powers. a. This age made possible by a miracle: resurrection: Matthew 28:6. b. While on earth, Jesus performed many different miracles and signs(Note: John 21:25). c. Jesus gave power to perform miracles to the apostles: Mark 16:17-18. d. The apostles could lay hands on others and grant them certain powers: Acts 6:8. (1 Only granted for apostles: Acts 8:17-18. (2. Could not be passed beyond the one receiving: illustrate with Philip: Acts 8:5-8. (3. When the last apostle died and the last one on whom the apostles had laid hands: cessation of powers. e. Paul taught that miracles had a limited application: I Corinthians 13:8. (1 These were "in part": I Corinthians 13:9. (2 When "perfect" comes: "part" ceases: I Corinthians 13:10. (3 The perfect: James 1:25. f. Miracles served to give evidence of the word-- once done: finished. g. Since the apostolic age, no miracles.(Want proof: perform one!) 2. The Lord uses His "perfect" law to work among men today. a. The gospel is God's power: Romans 1:16(Miracles were not the power). b. Takes a sinner--makes him a Christian. c. Takes a Christian--prepares for heaven. d. He wrote it down so all could learn the truth! 3. But--does God not work among us today? a. Why pray, why hope, why plea for His help, protection, and guidance? b. Whatever God does for us--it is not a miracle. c. But folks say, "It is a miracle"--think! d. God does rule in the affairs of men, he does protect and assist His children--through his providential care. e. The natural processes take place because God controls the universe. f. Remember: Philippians 4:6. g. I do not propose to have all of the answers-- but--one thing is sure: there are no miracles at present. III. Conclusion. A. A miracle is coming: Matthew 25:31. B. What will take place: I Corinthians 15:51-52. C. Some for eternal life; others for eternal death: Matthew 25:32f.-James L. Yopp