## The Hand of God

## Joshua 4:24

The human hand is a specialized organ composed of a complex arrangement of bones, muscles, and tendons that permits movements suitable for a wide variety of tasks. The hand includes 27 bones and over 20 joints. The movement of the hand involves the use of 33 different muscles. It is estimated that the human hand makes over 1,000 different movements in a single day. Now, the human hand is amazing, however it pales in comparison to the hand of God. This morning I want us to consider the hand of God and what it means to us. Read: Joshua 4:21-24

I. The Hand of God Delivers Us: Salvation

A. Salvation is not of man.

1. We may not like to admit that, but when it comes to salvation of our souls, we can do nothing.

2. It is a topic of many songs and conversations among men.

3. Some take the attitude that we (mankind) must save ourselves!

4. However, that is impossible.

5. God has demonstrated over and over again the fact that man cannot save himself.

(JONAH 2:9) "BUT I WILL SACRIFICE UNTO THEE WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING; I WILL PAY THAT THAT I HAVE VOWED. SALVATION IS OF THE LORD."

B. Salvation is of the Lord.

1. God planned for it from the beginning.

2. God provided for it through giving His Son, Jesus Christ. (the Lamb of God)

3. God paid for it through the blood of Jesus.

4. God presented to us freely. (by grace)

C. Salvation is vital to us.

1. The disciples declared that we must be saved.

(ACTS 4:12) "NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED."

2. It is not an option to be considered...it is necessary to avoid an eternity in Hell.

3. The hand of God delivers us from sin and into the place of blessings.

4. We cannot maneuver ourselves into the place of God's blessings...we must be placed there by His Hand.

II. The Hand of God Keeps Us: Security.

Note: John 10:27-29

A. Security is not of man.

1. Just as I am helpless when it comes to salvation, the same is true when it comes to security.

2. I can no more keep myself saved than I could save myself.

3. Once again, salvation is of the Lord.

B. Security then is of the Lord as well.

1. Note that when I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, I am born again.

2. When I am born into the family of God, I become one of His children.

3. Jesus said, 'My sheep..."

4. The songwriter put it this way:

Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me; Not for the years of time alone, but for eternity.

C. We are safe in the hands of the Lord.

1. Allstate Insurance tells us that we are in good hands with Allstate.

2. That may be true...they may be a very good company that offers a great deal of security in this life.

3. But, when it comes to eternity...it is great to know that God will not let us go!

(2 TIM 1:12) "FOR THE WHICH CAUSE I ALSO SUFFER THESE THINGS: NEVERTHELESS I AM NOT ASHAMED: FOR I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED, AND AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH I HAVE COMMITTED UNTO HIM AGAINST THAT DAY."

III. The Hand of God Provides for Us: Supply.

(JAMES 1:17) "EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE, AND COMETH DOWN FROM THE FATHER OF LIGHTS, WITH WHOM IS NO VARIABLENESS, NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING."

A. He is the source of blessings in our lives.

1. He blesses us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

2. He knows exactly what we need.

3. Paul declared that God would supply our every need.

(PHIL 4:19) "BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS."

B. We tend to forget that His hand is the source of blessings.

1. We tend to take God for granted.

2. Too often, it isn't until we are facing a crisis that we stop and think about how much we need Him.

3. David reminds us that we should not forget what God does for us.

(PSA 103:2) "BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS:"

C. What is your need today?

1. Salvation? God has made it available to you.

2. Security? God wants you to know that nothing can separate us from His love.

(ROM 8:38-39) "FOR I AM PERSUADED, THAT NEITHER DEATH, NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, {39} NOR HEIGHT, NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD."

3. Strengthening? God will lift us up when we are weak.

(PSA 37:24) "THOUGH HE FALL, HE SHALL NOT BE UTTERLY CAST DOWN: FOR THE LORD UPHOLDETH HIM WITH HIS HAND."

The hand of God is mighty, powerful, gentle, and gracious. The hands of Jesus were nailed to that old rugged cross, but they aren't anymore! He is risen, and lives today to minister to you and me at our time of need. Will you humble yourself today?

(1 PET 5:6) "HUMBLE YOURSELVES THEREFORE UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD, THAT HE MAY EXALT YOU IN DUE TIME:"