Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 19 July 2020
Text: Psalm 41; Psalm 112; Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Title: “Blessed is he who considers the poor.” Psalm 41:1

INTRODUCTION

1. The problem of poverty

a) It is worldwide

b) It is real

c) It is heart-breaking

d) Much hardship is faced

i) Present reality

ii) Future may be bleak

2. The Challenge to help the Poor

a) The Lord’s command (Deuteronomy 15:7-11)

b) The challenge to obey and to care for the poor

3. Reasons behind the command

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

a) To reflect being the people of God

i) Holy people

ii) A family of God

iii) A special treasure

b) Lessons for the individual giver

i) Responsibility

ii) Compassion

iii) Obedience

c) For the recipient

i) Faith

ii) Hope

iii) Character

iv) Helping others in the future

COMMAND TO CARE FOR THE POOR

1. Mosaic Law

a) The law of Gleaning
“You shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.” (Leviticus 19:10)

b) Helping the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11)

i) Do not harden your heart

ii) Do not shut your hand

iii) Open your hand wide

2. Proverbial advice

a) How we treat the poor affects our relationship with God

i) Oppression of the poor is a reproach to God the Maker

ii) Mercy shown to the poor is honouring God (Proverbs 14:31)

b) Giving to the poor

i) Pity for the poor is lending to the LORD

ii) God will pay back what he has given (Proverbs 19:17)

c) A generous eye

i) He who has a generous eye will be blessed

ii) He gives his bread to the poor (Proverbs 22:9)

WHY WE MAY NOT CARE FOR THE POOR

1. A hardened heart (Deuteronomy 15:7)

2. A wicked thought (Deuteronomy 15:9)

CONSIDERATION OF THE POOR BY THE RIGHTEOUS

1. He considers the poor (Psalm 41:1)

a) He is concerned about the poor

b) He cares for the poor

2. He has dispersed abroad (Psalm 112:9a)

3. He has given to the poor (Psalm 112:9b)

THE PROMISE OF BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD

1. Deliverance

The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble (Psalm 41:1b)

2.Preservation

The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,
And he will be blessed on the earth. (Psalm 41:2a-b)

3. Strength

The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness.
You will sustain him on his sickbed. (Psalm 41:3)

4. Righteousness

His righteousness endures forever (Psalm 112:9c)

5. Honour

His horn will be exalted with power (Psalm 112:9d)

BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD

“He will be blessed on the earth” (Psalm 41:2b)

1. Deliverance (Psalm 41:1b)

2. Preservation (Psalm 41:2a)

3. Will not be delivered to enemies (Psalm 41:2c)

4. Strength in times of illness (Psalm 41:3a)

5. Sustained on his sickbed (Psalm 41:3b)

6. His heart is steadfast/ established (Psalm 112:7-8)

7. His righteousness endures (Psalm 112:9)

8. He will be exalted with honour (Psalm 112:9)

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Cultivate righteousness

2. Compassion for the Poor

3. Commitment of a lifetime