Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an Empowered Life / 03. Empowered… in caring for our city - Neville Jones // Matthew 25:31-40
03. Empowered… in caring for our city - Neville Jones // Matthew 25:31-40
Neville Jones takes us through an overview of scripture looking at references to caring for the poor.
In our journey of faith, we're called to reflect on God's heart for the poor and marginalised. The Old Testament, from Exodus to Isaiah, consistently emphasises God's command to care for the needy, strangers, and oppressed. This isn't just a suggestion but a divine mandate. When we serve the poor, we're essentially giving to the Lord Himself. This powerful imagery reminds us that our acts of compassion are deeply intertwined with our worship. The early church exemplified this beautifully, sharing possessions and ensuring no one was in need. Their care for the vulnerable went hand-in-hand with powerful ministry and church growth.
Discussion Questions:
Neville mentioned several Old Testament verses about God's concern for the poor. How does this shape your understanding of God's character?
How do you see the early church's example of caring for the needy reflected (or not reflected) in our church today?
In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus says that serving those in need is like serving Him directly. How does this perspective change the way you view acts of service?
The talk emphasised that helping others isn't what saves us, but rather accepting Christ's work on the cross. How do we balance sharing the gospel and meeting physical needs?
What are some practical ways we can be "eager to remember the poor" like Paul was (Galatians 2:10)?
How does Jesus' example of humility and service (Philippians 2:4-11) challenge or inspire you?
Here are some ways you could apply this talk:
This week, identify one of the Care for our City areas that you could get involved with. What practical steps are you going to to take towards this?
Reflect on your current involvement in serving others. Are there areas where you could increase your engagement?
Consider participating in the church's Care for our City gift campaign.
Spend time in prayer, asking God to give you His heart for those in need and to show you specific ways to serve.
Read through the book of James this week, noting his emphasis on caring for others as an expression of faith.
In our journey of faith, we're called to reflect on God's heart for the poor and marginalised. The Old Testament, from Exodus to Isaiah, consistently emphasises God's command to care for the needy, strangers, and oppressed. This isn't just a suggestion but a divine mandate. When we serve the poor, we're essentially giving to the Lord Himself. This powerful imagery reminds us that our acts of compassion are deeply intertwined with our worship. The early church exemplified this beautifully, sharing possessions and ensuring no one was in need. Their care for the vulnerable went hand-in-hand with powerful ministry and church growth.
Discussion Questions:
Neville mentioned several Old Testament verses about God's concern for the poor. How does this shape your understanding of God's character?
How do you see the early church's example of caring for the needy reflected (or not reflected) in our church today?
In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus says that serving those in need is like serving Him directly. How does this perspective change the way you view acts of service?
The talk emphasised that helping others isn't what saves us, but rather accepting Christ's work on the cross. How do we balance sharing the gospel and meeting physical needs?
What are some practical ways we can be "eager to remember the poor" like Paul was (Galatians 2:10)?
How does Jesus' example of humility and service (Philippians 2:4-11) challenge or inspire you?
Here are some ways you could apply this talk:
This week, identify one of the Care for our City areas that you could get involved with. What practical steps are you going to to take towards this?
Reflect on your current involvement in serving others. Are there areas where you could increase your engagement?
Consider participating in the church's Care for our City gift campaign.
Spend time in prayer, asking God to give you His heart for those in need and to show you specific ways to serve.
Read through the book of James this week, noting his emphasis on caring for others as an expression of faith.
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