“The Poor Among You” Deuteronomy 15:1-11

Introduction:  (v1) “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release.”

Seven year itch, 7-10 years for cell replacement (myth)

Rather than argue about government policy and what’s broken, let’s consider our behavior.

I.        No Poor Among You

A.     “Fear the LORD your God”

1.      Every seven years debts of our neighbors shall be forgiven

2.      (v3) “Of a foreigner you may exact it.”  How big is our community to be?

3.      Rather than xenophobic, this was a measure of caring for the faith community.

B.     (v7) “If among you, one should become poor, in any of your towns…”

1.      “…you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother/sister.”

2.      More than social justice.  Social justice removes unfair barriers and opens opportunity.

3.      This is charity.

C.     Proverbs 21:13, “Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of poor will himself cry out and not be heard.”

1.      (v9) “Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart.”

2.      Another unworthy thought would be to renege on our debts.  [Romans 13:7-8]

II.       Promise of Blessings

A.     (v10) “You shall give freely, and your heart shall not be grudging…”

1.      “…because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work.”

2.      2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver” but He will take a reluctant one too.

3.      2 Corinthians 9:8, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

B.     (v6) “The Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you.”

1.      What exactly does he promise?  Matthew 6:31-33 (maybe 1 Timothy 6:7-8)

2.      Matthew 19:23-29, “See, we have left everything and followed you.  What then will we have?”

C.     Proverbs 22:9, “A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”

1.      Proverbs 11:25, “A generous woman will prosper; she who refreshes others will be refreshed.”

2.      Comfort Meal Team and the truth behind short term mission trips

Conclusion:   (v11) “There will never cease to be poor in the land.  Therefore I command you, ‘Open wide your hand…’”  Consider it an opportunity rather than a burden.