Introduction

  • I John 3:16
  • Luke 10:30

We ought to look for opportunities to help people

  • Luke 10:30-37 – Parable of the good Samaritan.
  • Helping people means some amount of sacrifice.
    • The Samaritan sacrificed time, money, and goods to help.
    • The more we can live with a little bit of margin, the better we position ourselves to be able to help when the need arises.
    • I Timothy 6:18
  • Love your neighbor! Luke 10:27-29
    • The Samaritan felt compassion for the man.
    • Ephesians 4:28, 22-27 – Work so that you can give to others.
    • James 1:27 – God always made provision for widows and orphans.
  • Generosity is part of our service to God.
    • Matthew 25:40

When a Christian is in need, the church can jump in

  • Pertinent passages:
    • Acts 2:44-45
    • Acts 4:32-35
    • Acts 6:1-3
    • Acts 11:27-30
    • Romans 15:25-26
    • I Corinthians 16:1-3
    • II Corinthians 8:3-4, 14
    • II Corinthians 9:1
    • I Timothy 5:16, 5
  • There is a difference between personal funds and church funds. God has limited what church funds can be used for.
  • II Corinthians 9:12 – Being generous builds fellowship between saints.

What’s the best way to help someone?

  • Acts 6:1-2; Philippians 3:7-11
  • Money is not the answer to everything. The most valuable things are spiritual.
  • The best thing to give someone is the gospel.