Calvary Church
Taking Care of the Poor
Main Idea: In this message we are going to look at some the guidelines the Bible gives on how to take care of the poor. While God calls us to be kind and compassionate towards them, to provide for them in some ways, defend their rights, pray for them and try to include them however there are also responsibilities on their part that can help us to know when to help them.
Locations & Times
Calvary Church
4700 53rd St, Moline, IL 61265, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
1. The poor are not always responsible for the CIRCUMSTANCES they are in.
Many times we think God does something to us when He's actually doing something for us or even better, through us.
2. Both the poor and those able to help them have BIBLICAL GUIDELINES they should follow.
3. When God provides us a harvest we should not only leave extra for the poor but INVITE THEM to the table as well.
4. The 3 R’s can help us know when to help.
REPUTATION, RELATIONSHIP, and REPORTING
REPUTATION, RELATIONSHIP, and REPORTING
5. The power of the INVITE never goes out of style.
Some practical things the Bible says we can do:
1. Donate unused items, clothing or food to local outreaches like Christian care in Rock Island or humility homes in Davenport.
• Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land”.
2. Show kindness to the poor; strike up a conversation, give them a smile or an encouraging word.
• Psalm 41:1 NLT “Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble”.
3. When given the chance defend the rights of the poor and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
•Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
4. Try and form a bond with the poor, have a meal or coffee with them or even invite them to church.
•Matthew 25:35 NLT For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
5. Volunteer your time and help the poor locally.
•James 2:26 NLT “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works”.
6. Support through giving or designating an offering to outreaches that help the poor. Ten percent of all tithes to Calvary go directly to outreach.
•Proverbs 19:17 NLT If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you!
7. Remember the poor in your prayers.
•1 Timothy 2:1 ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.
1. Donate unused items, clothing or food to local outreaches like Christian care in Rock Island or humility homes in Davenport.
• Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land”.
2. Show kindness to the poor; strike up a conversation, give them a smile or an encouraging word.
• Psalm 41:1 NLT “Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble”.
3. When given the chance defend the rights of the poor and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
•Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
4. Try and form a bond with the poor, have a meal or coffee with them or even invite them to church.
•Matthew 25:35 NLT For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
5. Volunteer your time and help the poor locally.
•James 2:26 NLT “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works”.
6. Support through giving or designating an offering to outreaches that help the poor. Ten percent of all tithes to Calvary go directly to outreach.
•Proverbs 19:17 NLT If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you!
7. Remember the poor in your prayers.
•1 Timothy 2:1 ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.
Talk About It
Discussion Questions:
1. Naomi, like many who are poor, are sometimes not totally responsible for their circumstances and don’t have the resources to better their situation. Has this challenged your previous views?
2. Ruth knew the value of work and caring for others, it was noticed and Boaz went beyond the law to help her. How has this example shown you how both parties should respond to each other?
3. Boaz offered inclusion, protection and provision for Ruth with seemingly no expectation of anything in return. What are your thoughts on this?
Next Step:
• Take some time to consider some of your past experiences with the poor and how this message may have helped you in how you can respond to them and what you can do to help them.
1. Naomi, like many who are poor, are sometimes not totally responsible for their circumstances and don’t have the resources to better their situation. Has this challenged your previous views?
2. Ruth knew the value of work and caring for others, it was noticed and Boaz went beyond the law to help her. How has this example shown you how both parties should respond to each other?
3. Boaz offered inclusion, protection and provision for Ruth with seemingly no expectation of anything in return. What are your thoughts on this?
Next Step:
• Take some time to consider some of your past experiences with the poor and how this message may have helped you in how you can respond to them and what you can do to help them.