For whom did Lemuel’s mother say he should speak up?
(Psa. 140:12; Isa. 52:7; Matt. 6:25-33; 2 Cor. 5:18-20; 6:1-10; 1 John 3:16-18) Blog 15-21 Sep. 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then no fruit is produced without diligent human effort and the resistance of nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of our abundance we may supply the needs of others. The Bible teaches that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger should be helped by those who are able. All our good works earn us no merit or salvation but they are our response to God’s saving work for us in Christ. Our hope that God will eventually make all things right should not hinder our efforts in helping others.
Generosity (Lev. 25:35-37; Matt. 6:25-33; 2 Cor. 8:12-15; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 John 3:16-18)
1. What is true generosity? An attitude.
2. If true generosity is an attitude how will it reveal itself? In helping others.
3. What is the true motivation for generosity? Love that is inspired & guided by the love of God for us.
4. According to 2 Corinthians from where are we to get what we give to others? From the abundance that God has given us.
5. What counsel does Paul give to the rich in 1 Timothy? That they should not trust in their riches but rather give generously knowing that God will reward them & that it will direct their focus on eternal life.
6. What practice does God condemn in Leviticus 25? That of lending at high interest rates — usury.
7. Besides giving financial help in what other ways can we be generous? We can be generous with our time, with our words of encouragement, & with our hospitality.
8. Towards what principle of living should we always point the poor so that God will meet their needs? Towards the principle found in Matthew 6:33 – that of seeking first the kingdom of God.
Peacemaking (Isa. 52:7; Matt. 5:9; 2 Cor. 5:18-20; 6:1-10; Col. 1:20)
9. How did Jesus describe peacemakers? As children of God.
10. How did Isaiah describe peacemakers? As having beautiful feet.
11. How does Colossians say that God made peace between himself and sinful humanity? By the death of Jesus.
12. According to 2 Corinthians 5 what does God expect of those who accept the peace he brought for humanity in Jesus? God expects those who have accepted his peace to offer the same to others.
13. If making peace was not easy for God nor for the apostle Paul (see 2 Cor. 6) what should we expect the role of peacemaker will involve? It will involve diligent effort & great sacrifice.
Defending (Psalms 140:12; Prov. 31:1-8; Isa. 10:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:17)
14. Who does Psalm 140 say God will defend? God will defend the afflicted, the poor, & the needy.
15. In Proverbs 31 why did Lemuel’s mother tell him he should not drink strong drink? Because it would make him forget the law & pervert his judgment so that the rights of the afflicted would be overlooked.
16. For whom did Lemuel’s mother say he should speak up? For those who could not speak up for themselves, for the defenseless, for the poor, & for the needy.
17. According to Isaiah what is God’s attitude towards those who make laws that deprive the poor and needy of justice? God pronounces a curse upon them.
18. What often happens to those who defend the rights of others? They are evil-spoken of, misjudged, & afflicted.
19. Why do we refer to generosity, peacemaking, and defending as “attitudes of mercy”? Because true generosity, peacemaking, & defending are continual mind sets & not just occasional acts or impulses – they are dispositions of mercy towards those who may not deserve mercy & they involve personal loss to those who have these attitudes – others take precedence over oneself.