Mercy - Part 4
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Main text: Galatians 2:10
A few side texts you can explore during group:
Exodus 23 (Allow the poor to glean)
Deuteronomy 15:7-10 (open up your hand to the poor)
Psalm 41:1 (blessed is the one who considers the poor)
Proverbs 14:31 (Generosity shows honor)
Proverbs 22:2 (The Lord has made the poor and the rich)
Luke 4:18 (Jesus came to preach to the poor)
Matthew 5:42 (give to those who beg and borrow)
Matthew 25 (“When you cared for the needy and the least of these you did it for me”)
James 2 (Do not show partiality to the rich and show your faith through care for the poor)
1 John 3:17 (God’s heart for the poor)
Why the issue matters
Our area has people who are poor
Our God has a heart for the poor
What Scripture says about it
God wants us to remember the poor continually
God wants us to remember the poor eagerly
How we can respond
Ask God to give you the heart of Jesus for the poor
Set aside a part of your budget
Prioritize who you will help
Consider partnering with a ministry to the poor
Questions for greater discussion
What are some ways you have remained isolated from poverty and recognizing the growing need in our community?
What are some ways you have closed your heart to the poor and needy you see on the street corners and common spaces?
How do you “continually” remember the poor? What does that regular action look like for you?
Do you possess an eagerness to assist others? How can you develop an immediate desire to help the poor? How does the Gospel empower this within us? (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Scenario: 50 year old man with a small child is on the side of the street at the Kroger down the street from the church with a sign asking for help. What are some practical steps to assist and open your heart to help this person?
Pray for one another and close it out!