Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

4. It may be due to God’s chastisement
a. As was the case in Haggai’s day - Hag 1:5-11
b. Again in the days of Malachi - Mal 3:8-12
5. It can be due to voluntary choice
a. As in the case of Jesus - Lk 9:57-58
b. As in the case of His apostles - Mk 10:28; 2 Co 6:10
-- One cannot assume that poverty is due to laziness or wickedness
Mark A. Copeland
[Poverty has many causes, and both Moses and Jesus taught the poor would be with us (Deu 15:11; Mt
26:11). God hears the cries of the poor (Psa 69:33), and it is interesting to note how He made provision
for them in both the Old and New Testament...]
II. PROVISION FOR THE POOR IN THE LAW
A. AS CHARGED BY MOSES...
1. The poor were not to be charged interest - Exo 22:25; Lev 25:35-38
2. The fruit of fallow ground during the seventh year was for the poor - Exo 23:10-11
3. They were allowed to glean the fields after the harvest - Lev 19:9-10; Deu 24:19-22
4. They could satisfy their hunger in the vineyards and grain fields- Deu 23:24-25; Lk 6:1
5. The tithe for the third year was reserved for special groups of the poor - Deu 14:28-29
6. Debts were to be canceled every seven years - Deu 15:1-4
7. Hebrew slaves had to be set free after six years - Deu 15:12-15
-- Israel was charged to be careful in their attitude toward the poor - Deu 15:7-11
B. AS COUNSELED BY SOLOMON...
1. Happy is the one who shows mercy to the poor - Pro 14:21
2. He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker - Pro 14:31
3. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker - Pro 17:5
4. He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord who will pay him back - Pro 19:17
5. Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor, will cry and not be heard - Pro 21:13
6. The person with a generous eye will be blessed, having given to the poor - Pro 22:9
7. He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses
- Pro 28:27
8. The virtuous woman extends her hand to the poor, and reaches her hands out to the needy
- Pro 31:20
-- Such concern for the poor is a mark of righteousness and wisdom - Pro 29:7
[If the Law of Moses displayed such concern and provision for the poor, we should not be surprised to
find a similar concern and provision in the gospel of Christ...]
III. PROVISION FOR THE POOR IN THE GOSPEL
A. AS COMMANDED BY JESUS...
1. In His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:42
2. In His sermon on the plain - Lk 6:34-36
3. In His words to one who invited Him into his home - Lk 14:12-14
-- Jesus taught we should be willing to help the poor
B. AS CHARGED BY HIS APOSTLES AND PROPHETS...
Topical Sermons 366