Beth-El Baptist Church

07/24/2011

Greg Tomlinson


What is our obligation to the poor?


Many people come to churches in order to seek financial assistance. Some people feel that, as Christians, we are obligated to do whatever we can in order to help them out.


  1. What kind of assistance is the church to provide?

Exodus 22:22-24, 25; 23:3, 6, 10-11 Leviticus 19:9-10, 15; 23:22; 25:35-37

Deuteronomy 14:27-29; 15:7-11; 24:19-21 Job 34:19

Proverbs 21:13; 29:7 Isaiah 58:6-7

Matthew 11:4-5 James 1:27; 2:1-4


There are a few specifics given in the scriptures when dealing with the poor. In numerous places, the Christian is commanded not to “oppress” the poor. The Law also commands provision to be made for the poor from their own fields that they may be able to work and gather his own food. Besides this, it is important that in matters of justice and judgment that the poor are neither oppressed nor given preferential treatment.


  1. What should be done before helping the poor?

Proverbs 25:2 1 Timothy 5:8; 6:6-9

Luke 16:10-12 Joshua 9:3-16


Before actually trying to help out, it is important to try to accurately assess the need. The person may be in trouble due to improper handling of funds in which case they need to be trained to handle what they have before keeping them dependent on the aid of others. The situation should be assessed to make sure that a need will be met and not just a want or desire. The person should first seek out help from family and friends or other sources before turning to the church.


  1. Are there some of the poor who should not be helped?

Luke 4:25-28 1 Timothy 5:3-6; 9-16

2 Thessalonians 3:10-14


The scriptures do point out that there are some poor that are not to be helped. Some are widows who are getting caught up in the things of this world. Others are poor people who refuse to work. Refusal to work can be manifested in multiple ways. The most obvious way is when the poor person clearly and specifically refuses to work. On a much less obvious way, is when the poor person accepts work but damages the opportunity through various ways.


  1. Why should some people not be helped?

Luke 15:11-19 1 Corinthians 5:3-5

1 Timothy 1:18-20


Some people should not be helped in order that they may learn to be humble and to seek the Lord. It is important to ask whether or not the prodigal son would have come to his senses if he was just given the food, clothing, housing and more.


  1. What is the goal of helping out the poor?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 2 Thessalonians 3:12


One of the goals is to help those who have means or wealth learn that they are not to depend on their wealth. Another goal is that the poor learn to work so that they may be able to provide for their own needs and then to be able to assist others as they have opportunity.