God’s Fundamental Plan

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 3-4
Lesson Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-11

Introduction

God’s Word informs us of his plan for mankind, and nature itself displays and demonstrates the creative order of God. The pattern outlined in Scripture will work to the benefit and satisfaction of a person’s life if it is followed. Life is to be lived with joy and gladness when done so in submission to the will of God. The cycle of life, ordained by God from birth through the productive years of life until death, can be enhanced by seeking his divine blessing upon all that we do; it will also reflect honor back to God. “Even everyone that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him” (Isa. 43:7).

Respect for others and for authority in general, self-denial, honesty, and goodwill are values that are established under the plan of God. Life’s road may not always be smooth and easy, but we may live with the quiet assurance of God’s presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Fighting the good fight of faith and laying hold on eternal life is fundamentally a Christian duty that is also part of God’s plan.

Key Verse

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end (Eccles. 3:11).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

First Timothy was written by the apostle Paul as an encouragement to a fellow laborer. Timothy was converted as a young man and had become instrumental in the work of the early church. The danger of false teachers and the fruit of their deception are mentioned in the lesson scripture together with a warning against some of the strange practices that may accompany them. Some basic statements about the fall of man and the need of a Savior, along with certain aspects of the Christian home, are also embedded in this epistle. Instructions on the order of the church in selecting leadership and the qualifications of the ministry and deaconry are plainly set out in conjunction with identifying false beliefs that were threatening the church.

Fundamental could be described as a basic principle that serves as the groundwork of a system, or that which relates to the essential structure or function of something. This meaning could be applied to the whole book of First Timothy. We must be grounded on the true and solid foundation of the gospel. False teaching and false doctrine twist or misuse God’s fundamental plan for his creation and are in conflict with his original intention and purpose.

Looking at the creation story in Genesis 1, we can clearly recognize God’s pleasure in what He had created. No less than four times He declared that it was very good. God was pleased with his creation and rightfully was the owner of it. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Col. 1:16). God’s fundamental plan was to create a universe with man in his image, a creation that would give Him glory, honor, power, and pleasure (Rev. 4:11). This is a scriptural explanation of God’s purpose for our lives. When we follow his purpose, it gives us our own purpose. This is simple, basic, and fundamental.

God’s plan is still in effect today just like it was right after creation. Man is still to be fruitful and multiply, to replenish the earth, and to subdue and have dominion over it.

While this is still his fundamental plan for man, it is hindered, sidestepped, and twisted because of Satan, sin, and the selfishness and pride of man. The provisions and sustenance of life that come through the natural world are engineered and given by God. These things can be recognized, enjoyed, and appreciated, and by living in God’s grace, we are able to thankfully receive the necessities of life. However, under fallen man’s intemperate indulgence, that which was meant for good is stripped of its goodness when it is adulterated by intemperance, carnal passion, and selfishness.

The good news of the gospel is God’s plan to restore that which was lost in the fall. It is his fundamental plan that we become born again so that the good blessings that were part of the original creation are once again available to the one who turns from sin and follows Jesus. First Peter 3:10 mentions loving life and seeing good days. By this we see God’s desire for us to experience a good life today and be fully restored in the glory yet to come.

Practical Truths for Today

God is the designer and architect of the creation we see all around us. From the miraculous world of physics to the astounding clockwork of the starry heavens, God sets forth his fundamental principles of law and order. He intends to govern mankind in the same orderly fashion and bestow upon people the very beauty we see in so much of the natural world. However, we are also given the power of choice, and so many choose to disregard God’s plan. A life of chaos and disorder is the result of man’s foolish choices. From the simple pleasures of life like a tasty meal or a cup of coffee with a friend, to its deeper mysteries like that of a man and a woman living in the harmonious union of marriage, God desires to bestow his goodness on us. In the same way an inventor knows what makes his machine run, God also knows what we need. He made the world to reflect Him, and we cannot hope to be fulfilled without God in the center of our life. The machinery of creation was made to run on Him.

A young family who had come from a sad and unbelieving background set their sights on worldly pleasure and great success. They gave themselves to the common, worldly pursuit that is chased by the multitudes. They were able to reach their goals of success in the business and financial world. Having plenty of money, possessions, and recognition, the partying life brought them many friends and popularity. By outward appearance, they were reaching the fulfillment of their dreams.

However, they found themselves facing some difficult challenges. For all their efforts and supposed success, there was one thing that they had not taken into account. They were not considering that their lives were not in accordance with the fundamental plan that their Creator had intended. Behind the scenes there were severe conflicts, matrimonial unfaithfulness, jealousy, and depression. The point was finally reached when they could not function together anymore as a husband and wife; they decided to get a divorce.

About this time, no doubt being guided by the hand of God, they encountered a couple of brethren who visited with them and invited them to attend a church service. It took a little while, but finally they began to attend. Becoming more acquainted with God’s plan and the invitation to salvation, they started to open their minds and hearts. As they responded and obeyed, new possibilities began to present themselves. This directed them to face their problems from the standpoint that the Word of God was addressing them personally.

As they surrendered their hearts and lives to the leading of the Spirit, they were convicted of the sinfulness of their past and brought to repentance and a new perspective of life. The peace and rest they are finding today is something they had never experienced before. Their home is different, and even though there is always need for growth, their courage is good, and the determination is strong.

The husband thought if he made enough money so that he could provide his wife and family with everything they wanted, they would find happiness and success. Now he realizes the deceptiveness and destructiveness of that perspective of life. Little by little he is learning to be a spiritual husband and father. The future looks hopeful, and there is a quietness in their home that never could be found before.

When our lives become ordered by God’s plan, our whole perspective of life, mankind, and our needy condition changes. We receive a new sense of love and compassion and are moved to go out and spread the good news of the kingdom of God. It motivates us to want to offer ourselves unselfishly for the good of others. Here we begin to see the fulfillment of God’s fundamental plan and how it brings people into what they were created to be, while at the same time bringing pleasure, honor, and glory to God.

Illustration

A story is told of an elderly atheist and a young boy who were taking a walk on a country road on a beautiful spring day. The air was cool, and the sun was bright. On each side of the road was an abundance of wildflowers, weeds, bushes, and trees. Their full display announced new life in a splashing array of greenery and color.

As they quietly walked along enjoying the freshness of the day, the elderly atheist asked the boy, “Isn’t this a beautiful day, young man?”

“It sure is,” he answered enthusiastically, as he threw a small pebble at a buzzing dragonfly zipping through the air.

“Do you believe in God?” asked the boy.

“No,” answered the atheist, as he looked from side to side. “I don’t see Him anywhere. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe in anything I can’t see.”

“That’s too bad,” said the young man as he looked around at the beautiful signs of new life springing forth on every side. “I can’t see anyplace where God ain’t.”

This illustrates the difference between one who sees things in the light of the Bible’s original creation story and one who does not. Without this vision, it is not possible to understand God’s fundamental plan. With it, one sees the hand of God not only in the world of nature but also in the many things of daily life. These things remind us of the foundation and basis of all things, the Cornerstone of that which is visible and invisible. Through these things we are able to hear the divine Voice of infinite wisdom and love.

Questions

1. Years ago, physical labor was much more a part of life. Does this change how profitable exercise may be for those whose jobs may not include physical activity?
2. What does it mean to make God the center of life?
3. Is knowing and following God’s fundamental plan the same thing as finding the secret to a happy, Christian life?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).