Intro:
This morning, we're diving into Proverbs to explore God's heart for the poor. This builds on last week's sermon on justice. We'll hear from community members dedicated to this work. Who are the poor? It's complex, encompassing food insecurity, homelessness, and material lack, as Michael Simmon from the Rescue Mission shared. While our nation has safety nets, biblical understanding goes deeper.
Scripture References: Proverbs 5:1-14, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 31:20, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 28:27, Proverbs 17:5, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25, Luke 4, 1 John 3:17-18, Galatians 2:9-10, Acts 3:1-9
Key Points:
- Poverty's Complex Causes: Proverbs acknowledges poverty results from both bad choices and injustice. Avoid instant judgment; it's a mix of personal decisions, family, and systemic issues.
- The Righteous Care for the Poor:
- "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" (Proverbs 29:7).
- The Proverbs 31 wife, epitomizing wisdom, "opens her arms to the poor" (Proverbs 31:20). Caring for the poor should be central to followers of Jesus.
- Rewards for Caring for the Poor:
- "The generous will themselves be blessed" (Proverbs 22:9).
- "Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses" (Proverbs 28:27). There's eternal reward and divine warning.
- God Identifies with the Poor:
- "Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker" (Proverbs 17:5).
- "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord" (Proverbs 19:17).
- Matthew 25 highlights: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me." God takes our actions personally.
- A Holistic Gospel:
- Our gospel must be good news to the poor. Jesus' mission began with proclaiming good news to the poor (Luke 4:18).
- Avoid two errors:
- Serving the poor while neglecting Jesus/discipleship: Without Jesus, healing from deep pain is incomplete (Heidi Heredia).
- Preaching the gospel but neglecting the poor: "How can the love of God be in that person?" (1 John 3:17). Our gospel needs "feet"—actions. The early church was known for this care.
- Helping Without Hurting:
- Avoid increasing shame/savior complex: Don't disempower. Use asset-based community development (Steve Corbett) – resource their gifts to restore dignity (e.g., Creekside Community Church selling gifts).
- Avoid "parachuting": Partner with indigenous ministries. Building relationships and local ownership are key (Dave Schlich). Jesus is already at work; we join Him.
- Avoid giving relief to those who need development: Understand relief (immediate aid), rehabilitation (getting out of the pit), development (learning to walk again). Our goal is full restoration.
- Panhandling: Michael Simmon advises against cash. Offer connection, food/hygiene items. "Being seen" is vital.
- The goal: restore full humanness, glorifying God in right relationship with Him, self, others, and creation.
Conclusion:
Many are helping without hurting (Rescue Mission, Gleanings, Dream Center). We're called to embody this holistic gospel.
Call to Action:
Remember Acts 3:1-9: Peter and John gave the lame man healing in Jesus' name, not just money. We empower people to "walk, jump, and praise God." Ask God for your part and pray for those leading this work.
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