Lesson 54: We Must Help The Poor – Part 1

INTRODUCTION: There are certain political philosophies that aim at redistributing the wealth of the world. They claim that if we can get a government that will take all the money from the rich and distribute it to the poor, then everybody will be happy and satisfied. Are they genuine? Are they right? What does the Bible teach about the relationship between the rich and the poor? These and other questions we shall answer this week and the next in Jesus Name.

1. The Bible teachers that there will always be poor people till Jesus returns to set up His millennium kingdom and therefore commands us to be kind to the poor and needy even if he is our enemy – Deut. 24:14-17, Prov. 25:21, Isa 58:7, Luke 3:11, Romans 12:12-13, Gal.2:10, 6:10, I Tim. 6:18, Heb. 13:16, James 1:27. Included amongst the needy are widows, orphans, strangers, ministers of God and other believers in need.

2. However, many do not practice this injunction of God at all. But it is nothing new. It has always been so Job 24:1-11, Ps.109:16, Eze.22:12, Amos 2:7, 5:11, Titus 1:12. This is despite the fact that we are all poor compared to God – Matt. 18:23-34.

3. What has God done about it? He says in His word that he is taking note of everything and will reward everyone accordingly – Eccl.5:8-10, Isaiah 10:2.

CONCLUSION: Do you know the greatest cause of unanswered prayers? It is refusing to help the poor, Prov. 21:13. Have you been unkind to the poor? Will you like to talk to Jesus about it.