9. Helping Without Hurting
1 Timothy: Healthy Words • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
General: The sad irony in American Christianity…
Personal: It’s too easy to look at someone who’s struggling with judgment instead of grace.
But poverty is not that simple. In his book, Generous Justice, Tim Keller points out that the Bible has a very complex view of the causes of poverty.
Social Factors… War / Oppression / Biased judicial system / Loans with excessive interest / Unjustly low wages / Extreme wealth gap
Natural Factors… Natural disasters / Injury / Sickness / Old age / Ignorance
Moral Factors… Sin / Addiction / Lacking self-control / Self-indulgence / Laziness
“Poverty, therefore, is seen in the Bible as a very complex phenomenon. Several factors are usually intertwined. Poverty cannot be eliminated simply by personal initiative or by merely changing the tax structure. Multiple factors are usually interactively present in the life of a poor family.” ~ Tim Keller, Generous Justice
Biblical: In 1 Timothy 5, Paul is going to teach us about social justice from a Christian perspective.
Ch 2 — having church gatherings that are godly
Ch 3 — appointing church leaders who are godly
Ch 4 — training yourself to be godly
Ch 5 — being godly in your relationships
See 1 Tim 5:1-2… We should think of church members as family members.
In God’s family, we take care of each other.
Subject: How can we help people in need in a way that actually helps? What is a Christian view of social justice?
Body
Body
Read 1 Timothy 5:3-16 (NIV).
Understand the Cultural Context
Understand the Cultural Context
There were no social services or government assistance programs.
It was common to have a lot of widows in your community.
Widows were especially at risk in the ancient world. They had few options.
God shows special concern for the vulnerable and at-risk people, like immigrants, orphans, and widows.
So, God’s people have always taken a special interest in caring for those in need, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Apply the Principles
Apply the Principles
Who is “really in need?” (1 Tim 5:3, 16)
Exposition (1 Tim 5:4-10)
Someone with a legitimate need… who has no one else who can help… and is living a godly life (if a Christian).
What if the person is not a Christian?
Illustration: Sharon’s story…
Application: If you know of someone who is really in need, please write the need on a Connect Card and share it with us.
What is the best way to help?
Exposition
Give them dignity (1 Tim 5:3). We don’t need judgmentalism or paternalism. We need grace.
Pray for them (1 Tim 2:1). Never underestimate the power of prayer!
Help at the right level… Relief / Development / Social reform
Illustration: At Central Baptist Church in Springfield, we adopted a local elementary school that had 90% of students on free or reduced lunches… my favorite event was the family photo day.
Application
We have a Mercy Fund. If God stirs your heart, you can give to that.
We partner with a lot of local organizations providing help at various levels: CareNet Pregnancy Center, Salvation Army, Skaalen Retirement Home, Stoughton Area Resources Team, and Stoughton Food Pantry. Go to lakeviewfree.org/serve to find out how you can help.
Conclusion
Conclusion
