Topical Bible: The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God

◄ The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible consistently emphasizes God's special concern for the poor and the oppressed, urging them to place their trust and hope in Him. Throughout Scripture, the poor are encouraged to commit themselves to God, who is portrayed as their protector, provider, and deliverer.

Divine Concern for the Poor

God's care for the poor is a recurring theme in the Bible. In Psalm 9:18 , it is written, "For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed." This verse highlights God's remembrance and concern for those in poverty, assuring them that their plight is not overlooked.

Trust in God's Provision

The poor are encouraged to rely on God's provision. In Matthew 6:31-33 , Jesus instructs, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage reassures the poor that God is aware of their needs and will provide for them as they prioritize His kingdom.

God as a Refuge

The Bible portrays God as a refuge for the poor. Psalm 14:6 states, "You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, yet the LORD is their shelter." Here, God is depicted as a safe haven for those who are vulnerable, offering protection and security amidst adversity.

Deliverance and Justice

God's commitment to justice for the poor is evident in Scripture. Psalm 72:12-14 declares, "For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight." This passage underscores God's active role in delivering the poor from injustice and violence, affirming their value in His eyes.

Encouragement to the Poor

The poor are encouraged to maintain their faith in God despite their circumstances. James 2:5 reminds believers, "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised to those who love Him?" This verse highlights the spiritual richness and inheritance promised to those who, despite their material poverty, remain steadfast in their love and faith in God.

The Role of the Faith Community

The Bible also calls upon the faith community to support the poor, reflecting God's heart for them. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This proverb encourages believers to act generously towards the poor, with the assurance that God Himself will reward such acts of kindness.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear message that the poor should commit themselves to God, who is their ultimate source of hope, provision, and justice. Through faith and reliance on Him, they are assured of His unwavering care and the promise of His kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 10:14
You have seen it; for you behold mischief and spite, to requite it with your hand: the poor commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Poor Man's Friend
... the Lord should first come; but they are not afraid to die. This is the point, above
all others, in which the spiritually poor commit themselves unto God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
... There is a generation of men who commit idolatry with ... pride; but the publican, who
was poor in spirit ... his own righteousness, the top whereof should have reached ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/4 blessed are the poor.htm

Work
... We should take the work just as God gives it, and commit it all ... we are often apt
to judge one another, and say one should be doing ... "Poor, blind, spiritual man! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xx work.htm

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... Thou shalt not commit adultery. ... Therefore I have always taught that this estate should
not be ... yea, even the command is given, to all poor ensnared consciences ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm

The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
... Yes, it is good that we should all remember ... to fancy, as thousands do, rich and poor,
that because ... neighbours; that every wrong action they commit, every wrong ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xi the god of.htm

How Love Makes Use of Natural, Servile and Mercenary Fear.
... obtain the rewards he promises,"would commit blasphemy, preferring ... father might be
old, powerless, and poor, he would ... before he died, that we should say thus ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xviii how love makes.htm

That Our Lawful Occupations do not Hinder us from Practicising ...
... the Israelites had good reason to excuse themselves to the ... you not also mark that
those poor people were ... without true necessity, lest he should commit the sin ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that our lawful.htm

It Clearly Appears that There was but one Author of Both the Old ...
... to him who asked Him what he should do that ... Which?" again the Lord replies: "Do not
commit adultery, do ... all that thou hast, and distribute to the poor; and come ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii it clearly appears that.htm

The Lord Our Dwelling Place
... are resumed""but then I cannot forget that I am a poor good-for ... away and worry over
it, as we worry over the things we commit to God, and should express to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 8 the lord our.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... to their own faulty eyesight, they will commit many more ... due, and to whom it is fitting
we should minister ... He can make thee poor, though unwilling, but He will ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm