Dictionary of Bible Themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1300 God, work of » 1305 God, activity of
God is not passive or remote from his creation but dynamically involved in all that he has made. In the past, this activity was seen in the history of Israel and in the ministry of Jesus Christ. In the present, God's activity can be seen in the life of believers and of the church.
God is active by nature
He actively works out his purposes
John 5:17
See also
Numbers 23:19;
Psalm 115:3;
Proverbs 16:4;
Isaiah 43:13
His names reflect his activity and involvement in his people's lives
Genesis 22:14
“The LORD Will Provide”;
Exodus 15:26
“The LORD, who heals you”;
Exodus 17:15
“The LORD is my Banner”: this title emphasises that God is like a warrior who champions his people's cause;
Psalm 95:6
“The LORD our Maker”: the Hebrew word used does not refer to original creation but to the way in which God is fashioning a people for himself.
His word is active
Isaiah 55:10-11
The Hebrew for “word” can also be translated “deed” or “action”. God's word is not merely a communication of abstract truth but a powerful force active in the world.
See also
Genesis 1:3;
Ezekiel 37:4,7
God is active in the creation
In making the universe
Nehemiah 9:6
See also
Genesis 1:1,31; Genesis 2:2; Genesis 5:1-2;
Psalm 102:25;
Amos 4:13;
Acts 17:24;
Revelation 4:11
In sustaining the created order
Psalm 103:19
See also
Psalm 104:10-17; Psalm 107:33-35;
Matthew 6:28-30;
Acts 14:17;
Ephesians 1:11;
Colossians 1:16-17
In bringing about changes in the weather
Job 37:10; Job 38:22-30,34-35;
Psalm 107:25; Psalm 147:8;
Matthew 5:45;
Acts 14:17
In the stars and other heavenly bodies
Job 38:31-33;
Psalm 104:19; Psalm 147:4;
Isaiah 40:26;
James 1:17
In the animal creation
Job 39:1-30; Job 40:15-24; Job 41:1-11;
Psalm 104:20-27; Psalm 147:9;
Matthew 10:29 pp
Luke 12:6
God is active in Israel's history
In the calling and creation of Israel as a people
Exodus 6:6-8
See also
Genesis 12:1-3;
Exodus 19:3-6;
Deuteronomy 4:32-34;
Isaiah 51:2;
Ezekiel 16:6-7;
Hosea 11:1-4;
Malachi 2:10
In saving and delivering his people
Psalm 106:2
This verse introduces a psalm which recounts the history of God's dealings with his people.
See also
Exodus 33:16-17;
2 Samuel 7:7-11;
1 Kings 18:36-38;
Psalm 28:8-9; Psalm 107:2-3
In judgment
Numbers 25:3-4;
1 Samuel 2:25; Samuel 12:16-18;
2 Samuel 21:1
In bringing victory in battle
Exodus 14:27-28; Exodus 17:8-16;
Numbers 21:1-3;
Joshua 6:2; Joshua 10:30;
Judges 7:9,22;
1 Samuel 17:47;
2 Chronicles 20:22-23
In raising up and sending leaders to the people
2 Samuel 7:8-9;
2 Chronicles 24:19;
Esther 4:14;
Jeremiah 7:25;
Zechariah 7:7
God is active in the nations of the world
His rule over the nations
Psalm 22:28
See also
Genesis 11:8;
Deuteronomy 32:8;
Judges 2:20-23;
Job 12:23;
Psalm 46:8-10; Psalm 66:7;
Isaiah 41:2;
Acts 17:26
Examples of nations through which God acts
Assyria:
2 Kings 17:18-23;
Isaiah 28:11
Babylon:
2 Kings 24:10-14;
2 Chronicles 36:15-18
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 pp
Ezra 1:1-4
Persia
God is active in human life
He determines the course of human lives
Acts 17:28
See also
1 Chronicles 29:12;
Psalm 8:3-4; Psalm 75:6-7; Psalm 139:16;
Luke 1:52;
John 1:4
Examples of God's intervention in human lives
Numbers 22:21-23
Balaam;
1 Samuel 1:19-20
Hannah;
2 Kings 5:14-15
Naaman;
Jonah 1:17
Jonah
Paul:
Acts 9:3-6; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 16:6,10
God is active in Jesus Christ's ministry
Acts 10:38
See also
Luke 5:17; Luke 11:20;
John 3:2; John 5:17-19; John 9:3-4; John 14:10;
2 Corinthians 5:19
God is active through the Holy Spirit
Genesis 1:2;
2 Kings 2:16;
Ezekiel 8:3; Ezekiel 11:1; Ezekiel 43:5
God is active in the church
1 Corinthians 12:6
This verse comes in the context of teaching about the body of Christ and the gifts which the Spirit gives to the church.
See also
1 Corinthians 14:24-25;
Galatians 2:8; Galatians 3:5;
Ephesians 3:10,20-21;
Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13
See also
1080 God, living
1110 God, present everywhere
1115 God, purpose of
1130 God, sovereignty
1310 God as judge
1320 God as Saviour
1325 God, the Creator
2354 Christ, mission
3275 Holy Spirit in the church
4945 history
7020 church, the
7140 people of God