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1. Why are people poor?

    a.Personal character.

… for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 23:21 p. 652

    b.  Personal limitations.

    c.  Injustice.

An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.
Proverbs 13:23 p. 641

2. Why should we help?

    a.  Heart of God.

The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow…
Psalm 146:9 p. 625

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
1 John 2:17 p. 1230

    b.  It’s our privilege as His people.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40

    c.  It’s fruitful.

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
Isaiah 58:9b-11 p. 741

3. How can we beat poverty?

    a.  Purchase carefully.

    b.  Give generously.

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
Proverbs 28:27 p. 658

    c.  Get your hands dirty.

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 14:32 p. 642

Action Step: I will invite a non-Vineyard friend to pack FMSC meals with me. (tap here to submit)

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