Assisting the Poor
40 Days of PEACE - Part 4
October 17-21, 2005

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)

What causes poverty? There are multiple reasons, both internal and external. We make choices and we face circumstances. We choose, for example, to be complacent (Proverbs 28:19). Carelessness or laziness is another choice we make (Proverbs 17:18). As Job discovered, people who are affluent have no real idea what poverty is like (Job 12:5). Circumstances that lead to poverty include: calamity (Ecclesiastes 9:12), such as the tsunamis or Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; culture (Deuteronomy 26:6), as happens in nations enslaved by political oppression or false religion; corruption (Proverbs 30:14) brought about by crooked leaders and power brokers who think nothing of taking away what you may have worked hard to earn; and the cycle of hopelessness (Job 7:6, Psalm 88:4), which occurs frequently in generations where poverty is all they've known and people see no way out. Poverty can be a mindset of futility. What is God's answer? It is to spread the Kingdom of God. Let's look at what we can do, together with God, to defeat this global giant.

MONDAY

HOW CAN I ASSIST THE POOR?

1. TREAT THEM WITH DIGNITY.
[Your Objective: Understand the basic human need to be treated with respect and dignity.]

What do all people - rich or poor - have in common, according to Proverbs 22:2? With that in mind, how should we treat all others? See Romans 12:16.

  • How do people treat/respond to those that are different than themselves? How then does this apply to those that are poor?
  • What would it "look like" to treat a poor person with dignity and respect?
  • Share times when you may have encountered people in poverty. Discuss ways to begin meaningful conversations with these individuals.

TUESDAY

2. OFFER THEM OPPORTUNITY.
[Your Objective: Realize that God has blessed us in order to open doors for others.]

How does Galatians 6:10 counsel us regarding opportunities to help others? Who in particular should we assist?

From Deuteronomy 15:7-8, discuss the attitude of heart God desires from His people concerning those in need of what we already have?

  • Who in our group has gifts and abilities that could be used to help provide opportunities for training?
  • How could this training be used to create micro-enterprises?
  • Where could we raise seed money to finance this training and the supplies needed to start the micro-enterprises?
  • Would this idea apply better locally or globally in the P.E.A.C.E. Plan?
  • What steps need to be outlined in order to get started? Identify who should play what part in putting this plan into action?

WEDNESDAY

3. DEFEND THEM FROM INEQUITY.
[Your Objective: Take hold of the responsibility God wants you to grasp - to defend the oppressed.]

Compare Proverbs 31:8-9 and Psalm 82:3-4. Who does God call us to stand up for and why? Who are we to stand against?

  • Why do you think God tells us to take action in these areas?
  • How can we help the poor, orphans, homeless, helpless, weak and those in need? Share ideas with your group. For more suggestions you can also go to www.saddlebackfamily.com and look for the P.E.A.C.E. Plan link.

What fate does Proverbs 21:13 promise to those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor?

  • Why do you think those who shut their ears to others will be ignored in their time of need?
  • How can your group be an inspiration to others who may also be open to serving the needy?

THURSDAY

4. SHARE WITH GENEROSITY.
[Your Objective: Realize how a generous heart reflects the character of God.]

What do both Isaiah and John tell us to do regarding those in need? See Isaiah 58:7 and 1 John 3:17. How does John question those who fail to obey this command?

Who does Proverbs 19:17 say we are lending to when we help the poor? What are we promised in return?

  • Discuss what you have to share with others in the world - both material and immaterial.
  • Who do you know, collectively or not, who needs a helping hand? Talk about how you might help them while maintaining their dignity.
  • How might people simplify their lives so that they are better able to help others?

Ministry - Every person on earth needs to know they are not alone. Through ministry, we reassure one another that others matter to us and we matter to God. We are His hands and feet and the outpouring of His love to those who are hungry for hope. Think of a time when you were in need and God met you through the ministry of others. What do you have that can offer long-term help by providing a hand-up, not a hand-out? Think of training for business, providing capital to begin an enterprise, or marketplaces. Discuss this in your group and write down your ideas.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Understand why we should care about poverty and commit to making a difference.]

WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT ASSISTING THE POOR?

IT HONORS GOD. When we help the poor we are attributing worth to those God cares about.

Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor God.

Proverbs 14:31 (NLT)

THEY HAVE MUCH TO TEACH ME. God has blessed the poor with great faith which can be an encouragement and blessing to us as we are challenged in our own faith and trust in God. We have much to learn from those who trust God implicitly for the essential needs of life.

God chose the poor in the world to be rich with faith and to receive the kingdom God promised to those who love him.

James 2:5 (NCV)

WE MEET JESUS IN THE POOR. When we serve the poor it is an act of serving God Himself.

Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40 (GW)

Take a few minutes to pray. Ask God to reveal what keeps you from being willing to assist the poor. Are your reasons only excuses designed to protect you from guilt while you remain in your comfort zone? What will it take for you to trust God with your fears and selfishness? Prayerfully evaluate your SHAPE (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences). Ask God to reveal to you how He can use you to make a difference in the lives of the poor around you and around the world. As a group, affirm one another by helping each other see what they can offer to the poor. Begin to see your group as the body of Christ and see how each of you fits to fulfill the purposes of God for P.E.A.C.E. in your lives. Spend some time in prayer together asking God to open your eyes to the team He has put together in your small group for His purpose of meeting the needs of the poor in this world.