2023-Q4-L08: Mission to the Needy
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 5:17-26; John 5:1-9; Deuteronomy 10:19; Leviticus 23:22; Matthew 25:34-40; John 15:13.
Memory Text: “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matthew 25:40).
Notes
- Jesus is focused on the heart; systems are focused on external behavior.
- Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart
- It is a good goal to save lives. But if you focus on the goal and ignore the methods, then it's a trap. The ends does not justify the means.
- What is a needy person? Financially poor. Mental, emotional needs.
- What is there a mission to needy people? The nature of the gospel is to address the needs of people.
- Christianity is a way of life. The message of the gospel is not just spiritual, but mental, physical, financial, etc.
- There is a hierarchy of needs. There is an immediacy of needs. The physical comes before the spiritual, if the physical is impeding the spiritual.
- If someone is hungry, feed him first. However, sometimes the spiritual before the physical (e.g. Luke 5:17-26).
- Luke 5:17-26. This man's deepest desire was to hear the words, "You are forgiven."
- "Let those with, help those without." So I'm stand by the sidelines until someone helps me with what the Lord has blessed them with.
- Money has distorted how we relate to each other.
- Acts 3:6: Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
- If Jesus hung around tax collectors and sinners, how come they didn't accuse him of being a sinner?
- Because, while associating with sinners, Jesus maintained his integrity. He wasn't accused because it was evident in practice that he wasn't one of them. That is, Jesus was not part of the problem, but part of the solution.
- Refugees. How do you strike a balance between helping those on the outside and maintaining those at home.
- Boundaries and Borders. Are they legitimate? And, if so, why? Jurisdiction and Justice.
- You cannot help a person who is lawless. Why? Because, it is by way of Law and Justice that there is order, peace and prosperity.
- Good Samaritan. There are two sides to the issue. The Good Samaritan addressed one issue: Taking care of the injured party. But how about the other party: the thieves and muggers? What about the lawless?
Systematic/God's will
- Systematic Giving. Tithes and Offerings. One-third went to help the pooer, orphans, widows, sojourners.
- Systematic Serving. By systematic, there has to be a plan of ultimate solution for some. Of course, there are some who will always be dependent.
- Laws of nations. Sovereignty. Should there be nations? Or, said another way: Is it God's will that there be nations with borders?
- Answer: Yes and No. Yes, in order to control evil. No, in order to unite Christians.
- The concept of Jurisdiction and Justice; of Law and Order.
- What is Extradition? Extradition is the removal of a person (typically referred to as a fugitive) from a requested jurisdiction to another jurisdiction for criminal prosecution or punishment.
- What is a Refugee? A refugee is someone who has left their country of origin and is unable or unwilling to return. Refugees may have fled due to persecution, war, violence, conflict, or natural disasters. They may also have left because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their: Race, Religion, Nationality, Membership in a particular social group, Political opinion.
- The U.S. was founded by Refugees in the 1600s and 1700s.
- What is an Immigrant? An immigrant is a person who chooses to leave their home country and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there. Immigrants often go through a lengthy vetting process. Many become lawful permanent residents and eventually citizens.
- God's will. Doing good works without doing God's work.
SUNDAY. The Faith of Friends
Notes
- Sometimes we are overwhelmed and unable to press into the presence of God, because of physical, emotional and even spiritual (demon) infirmities.
- It is in those times that "stretcher bearers" come into play. They are those who can assist, alleviate, overturn the obstacles.
MONDAY. Christ's Method Alone
Scriptures
TUESDAY. Refugees and Immigrants
Notes
- Tower of Babel. Dispersed into nations.
- Pentecost. Brought together thru the Spirit.
WEDNESDAY. To Help the Hurting
Notes
- Isaiah 61:1
- Mark 1:41
- Luke 4:40
- Hebrews 4:15. Compassion; sympathy
- Luke 8:41-42
- Isaiah 53:4
- Medical missionary. We are all to be.
THURSDAY. Greater Love
Notes
- 1. Compassion fatigue. How to love when you are weary and overwhelmed.
- 2. How to love the unlovable. How to reach people you don't like.
- 3. Loving to the limit
FRIDAY. Further Thought:
APPENDIX
Gospel of Luke
Gospel of John
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