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The Poor

For

June 25, 2025 Bible Study

 

 

The Poor

 

  1. Definition:
    1. Person lacks the means of providing material needs or comforts.

 

Featured text

 

James 2:14-17

 

Commentary: Part of showing our faith through our works is by helping the poor especially those of the household of faith.

 

  1. Always

 

  1. Matthew 26:6-11 (cf. Mark 14:3-7)

 

Commentary: There will always be poor or those who become poor. Those Christians are to help those in need. Christians should provide for the poor in terms of spiritual and physical needs.

 

  • Condition of being Poor

 

  1. Proverbs 14:20
  2. Proverbs 19:4

 

Commentary: The poor are without riches, influence and/or power therefore are looked down upon. People assume the poor have nothing to offer. This assumption is made in error.

 

 

 

  1. Oppression condemned

 

  1. Proverbs 14:31
  2. Proverbs 17:5
  3. Proverbs 22:16
  4. James 2:1-4

 

Commentary: Those with means are not to take advantage of the poor. Those in Christ are to treat all with impartiality.

 

  1. God’s care of the poor

 

  1. 1 Samuel 2:7-8
  2. Psalms 34:6
  3. Psalms 146:5-7
  4. Isaiah 11:4
  5. Isaiah 25:4

 

Commentary: God is a refuge for the poor.

 

  1. Kindness to the Poor

 

  1. Deuteronomy 15:11
  2. Luke 6:35-36
  3. Acts 20:35
  4. 1 John 3:17,18

 

Commentary: Christians are commanded to show kindness to the poor. Christian wealth is not measured in gold and silver, but in how well he or she lives his or her life.

 

  • Church’s responsibility

 

  1. Matthew 11:5
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:3
  3. Galatians 2:10

 

Commentary: The church’s responsibility is to bring the word of God to the poor and if necessary to help them with their physical needs.

 

  • Justice commanded

 

  1. Leviticus 19:15
  2. Proverbs 24:23
  3. James 2:5-9

 

Commentary: The poor are not to be oppressed. Justice is for all. The laws of the land must be applied equally without regard to wealth or status.

 

Quote of Introspection:

 

Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.

 

Benjamin Franklin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Study to show thyself approved unto God
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. 

II Timothy 2:15