Message Notes

THE POOR IN THE LAND

1. A poor man among the brethren   (Deuteronomy 15:7a)

2. Within any of the gates in the land   (Deuteronomy 15:7b)

WHAT NOT TO DO

1. You shall not harden your heart   (Deuteronomy 15:7c)

2. Nor shut your hand from your poor brother   (Deuteronomy 15:7d)

PRACTICAL COMPASSION TO BE PRACTISED

1. You shall open your hand wide to him   (Deuteronomy 15:8a)

2. And willingly lend him   (Deuteronomy 15:8b)

a) Sufficient for his need

b) Whatever he needs

BEWARE OF EVIL THOUGHTS

1. A wicked thought may enter the heart   (Deuteronomy 15:9a)

a) Remembering the Release of the LORD

b) Refusing to lend because the debt must be forgiven

2. An evil eye   (Deuteronomy 15:9b)

a) It will go against a poor brother

b) Nothing is given

THE CRY OF THE POOR

1. He may cry out to God   (Deuteronomy 15:9c)

2. It would be sin   (Deuteronomy 15:9d)

ENCOURAGEMENT TO CARE FOR THE POOR

1. You shall surely give to him (the poor)   (Deuteronomy 15:10a)

2. Your heart should not be grieved   (Deuteronomy 15:10b)

PROMISE OF BLESSING

1. Because of giving to the poor   (Deuteronomy 15:10b)

2. God will bless in all your works   (Deuteronomy 15:10c)

A SOLEMN REALITY

1. The poor will never cease in the land   (Deuteronomy 15:11a)

2. The command of the LORD   (Deuteronomy 15:11b)

a) Open your hand wide

b) To a poor brother

c) To the poor and needy