Living with the Down and Out Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 10:17-18; Proverbs 20:4; Proverbs 28:6; Mark 14:7; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1

Timothy 5:8; 1 John 3:17

Richard Stearns

Group of Seven Nations (G7)

Discussion Guide:

1. If one of our countrymen becomes poor and unable to support himself, what are we supposed to do? (Leviticus 25:35)

If one of our countrymen becomes poor, we areto help him so that he can continue to live

among us.

Discussion Guide:

2. How is God described in this passage? (Deuteronomy 10:17-18)

God is described as God of all gods. He is great,mighty and awesome. He shows no partiality.

He defends widows and orphans and lovesforeigners. He provides food for them.

Discussion Guide:

3. If God protects widows and orphans and provides for foreigners, what should be our attitude toward these folks?

Discussion Guide:

4. What is the result of being lazy? (Proverbs 20:4)

If a person is lazy and doesn’t work he doesn’thave anything to eat.

Discussion Guide:

5. How can you tell the difference between a “poor countryman” and a sluggard? If you encounter a poor person and can’t tell if they are “down and out” or just lazy, what should you do?

Discussion Guide:

6. Is it better to be a poor, blameless person or a rich perverse person? (Proverbs 28:6)

It is better to be a poor person who isblameless.

Discussion Guide:

7. Why do you think this is true? How would members of our American culture answer the question?

Discussion Guide:

8. Jesus said that we would always have who with us? (Mark 14:7)

Jesus said that we would always have the poorliving among us and could help them anytime

we wanted.

Discussion Guide:

9. What must a thief do? (Ephesians 4:28)

A thief must quit stealing and do somethinguseful.

Discussion Guide:

10.What rule did Paul give about working and eating? (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Paul said that if a person refuses to work heshould not be given food.

Discussion Guide:

11. How should a believer respond to a person who does not work and support his family?

Discussion Guide:

12.What does Paul say about someone who does not provide for his family? (1 Timothy 5:8)

Paul says that a person who does not work andprovide for his family has denied the faith and

is worse than an unbeliever.

Discussion Guide:

13.What question does John pose to his readers? (1 John 3:17)

John asks his readers, “How can someone reallylove God if they see a brother in need and not

help him?

“What does the Bible sayabout how we shouldtreat those in need?”

1. Why don’t you get a job?2. I hope someone helps you.3. Are you really in need or just

lazy?4. If I gave you money how would5. you spend it?6. I am willing to share my

resources7. (my money AND time) in order to8. help.

Mother Teresa

Saint Teresa of Avila