REFLECTIONS ON THE JUSTICE OF GOD

03 : God’s Economy

FGA Genesis Cell Group 13th March, 2009

Welcome.

REFLECTIONS ON THE JUSTICE OF GOD

01 : Home for the Homeless 02 : Justice for All Nations 03 : God’s Economy 04 : Christian Stewardship 05 : Christian Care & Compassion 06 : Christian Hospitality

Video Clip : Money Not Enough 2

1. What is your view on work? Is work part of God’s plan for all people? Give reasons for your answers.

• Yes. See 2Thessalonians 3:10

• Look at the what God has to say about the sluggard in Proverbs.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again Proverbs 26:15.

Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest

Proverbs 20:4.

2. What do you understand from the Word of God about handling money?

2. What do you understand from the Word of God about handling money?

• We are God’s stewards – God owns everything.

• Steward - someone who has been entrusted with the oversight or management of another’s wealth, possessions, or household affairs.

• How we handle money as faithful stewards will depend entirely on whether we will worship and serve God or possessions.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL ECONOMY

1. Everything belongs to God – Psalm 50:7-12

2. God appointed man to be creative stewards – Genesis 1:28

3. Theft & coveting is wrong – Ex 20:15,17

4. Skills & abilities to work come from God – Exodus 35:30-33,35

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL ECONOMY - contd

5. Work is profitable & good to be pursued, not Laziness – Pr 10:4, 14:23, Thess 3:10

6. Love God not your goods – Matthew 6:19-21,24

7. Be compassionate & generous with your goods to those in need– Lev 19:10, 1John 3:17.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR"And when you reap the

harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God."

Leviticus 23:22

Israel’s Gleaning laws

Leftovers

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR

1. What does the Law of Moses have to say about the poor among us?

We must be sure the Poor are adequately fed.

Gleaning was not seen as shameful or dishonourable in any way. The poor, outcast, strangers would be able to harvest them. No wastage. Helping others help themselves.

2. What can we learn from this concept of gleaning that God gave the children of Israel? What principles can we draw from it?

3. How can we apply the Old Testament principle of “gleanings” within the context of our modern economy?

cf Luke 14:13 – But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.

5. How can we respond positively to Jesus’ words regarding our responsibility to the poor?

4. How did Jesus equate those who have plenty with their responsibility to the poor?

Study the following verses - they will help you with the answers.

6. Discuss the reasons why we sometimes hesitate to offer help to the needy. What could possibly be the cause?

2 Corinthians 9:9-11 9As it is written,

"He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

 10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

11You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Christians must be charitable, generous & ready to share!!

1 Timothy 6:18(ESV)

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be

generous and ready to share.

5. How can we respond positively to Jesus’ words regarding our responsibility to the poor?

4. How did Jesus equate those who have plenty with their responsibility to the poor?

What is your response then

to these questions.

6. Discuss the reasons why we sometimes hesitate to offer help to the needy. What could possibly be the cause?

James 2:14-17 Walk The Talk14My friends, what good is it to say you have

faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you?

15If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food,

16you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?

17Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!

Application

1. Have a prayer of commitment to God to practise biblical ethics with regard to money, work and business.

2. Be conscious that everything belongs to God and we are His stewards – be a good steward, manage well & use wisely.

3. Ask the Lord to help us be a diligent worker because God is the greatest worker – the Original worker.

4. Start practising generosity; do not hoard but give – freely receive, freely give.

GOD BLESS