Lesson 17 - Benevolence

The Church Jesus Established

Lesson 17 - Benevolence According to the Pattern

The word "Benevolence" is not used in the Bible in reference to the poor, but the idea is there. As we commonly use the word, it means a charitable activity to benefit the poor and needy.

Attitudes Toward the Poor

Ps 41:1 "Blessed is he that considereth the poor."

Ps112:9 "He hath dispersed,he hath given to the poor:his righteousness endureth for every..."

Prov. 22:9 "He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Pr. 28:27 "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."

Matt. 5:42 "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."

Matt. 19:21 "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven."

A Christian, of course, must be willing to work to avoid personal poverty (I Tim.5:8,13;2 Thess. 3:8-11). Laziness is not to be rewarded.

Benevolence as a Personal Duty

The Christian also should work with the intent of having wealth to share with others. Ephesians 4:28 states. "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

An Every Day Every Where Possibility. For example,"The Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:25-37) made use of his opportunity even when the "religious" leaders (individually) would not help a man who was truly in need. HE LOVED HIS NEIGHBOR! A Christian must help the poor (both saint and sinner) as he has time and opportunity. (Gal.6:10; Jas.1.27,2:6,15,16;Rom.12:20;Mat.25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37).

Benevolence And The Church.

Clearly, there is a difference in individual responsibility and church responsibility to the poor(l Tim. 5:16). The church is not (as some might think) a general benevolence society. It has specifically defined responsibilities. The following are some New Testament examples of congregational benevolence:

Help Its Own. Sharing with each other - Acts 4:32-37; 2:44,45. Widows were also taken care of- Acts 6:1-6; I Tim 5:9,10,16

Helping in Other Regions. Acts 11:27-30; Romans 12:13;15:25-27;I Cor.16:1-4;2 Cor.8,9

In some cases specific qualifications were laid out for ongoing "enrollment" of those to be taken care of In general cases of benevolence qualifications, the implications were that there was serious need. The type of poverty or need that existed is not always defined in Scripture.

The following traits should be found in personal and congregational benevolence:

I. Self-consecration (2 Cor.8:3-5).
2. Love (2 Cor.8.8; 1 John 3:17-18).
3. Gratitude(l John 3:16--cf. John3:16; 2 Cor.8:9).
4. Glorify God (2 Cor. 9: 12-13, 17).
5. Willingly (11 Cor. 9:6-11).

Conclusion:

Benevolent work is important (Matt. 25:34-46), but it was not given top priority by Jesus. (cf. Mark 14:3-9). Jesus did not declare a "war on poverty", but rather a "war on sin". He did not preach social nor economic equality, but spiritual equality. The lost get top billing in the gospel of Christ. It is to seek and save the lost and then as you have opportunity attend to the needs of the poor. (cf. John 6:27; Mark 16: 15,16).

[ Introduction - The Pattern Concept] [Lesson 1 - Defining The Church] [Lesson 2 - Authority Over The Church]
[Lesson 3 - How Scripture Authorizes (Pt. 1)] [Lesson 4 - How Scripture Authorizes (Pt. 2)] [Lesson 5 - The Universal - The Local Church]
[Lesson 6 - Church Not A Denomination] [Lesson 7 - Timeline - Church's Establishment]    [Lesson 8 - Worship Christ Designed]
[Lesson 9 -Observing The Lord's Supper] [Lesson 10 - Worship in Song] [Lesson 11 - Worship In Prayer]
[Lesson 12 - The All Sufficient Church]    [13 - Elders] [Lesson 14 - Deacons ]   [Lesson 15 - Evangelists]
    [Lesson 16 - The Social Gospel]

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This Page last updated: October 27, 1999