Topical Bible: The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed

◄ The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed ►

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The concept of the poor in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both material poverty and spiritual humility. Throughout Scripture, the poor are often highlighted as recipients of God's special concern and favor. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the poor, emphasizing the blessings promised to those who, despite their material lack, maintain faith and trust in God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the poor are frequently mentioned as a group deserving of justice and compassion. The Law of Moses includes numerous provisions to protect and support the poor, such as gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). The Psalms and Proverbs also speak to God's care for the poor, emphasizing His role as their defender. Psalm 72:12-13 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."

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by a profound concern for the poor. In the Beatitudes, He pronounces blessings on the poor in spirit, stating, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This declaration underscores the spiritual dimension of poverty, highlighting humility and dependence on God as pathways to divine blessing.

The Gospel of Luke further emphasizes this theme. In Luke 6:20-21 , Jesus says, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied." Here, the physical condition of poverty is directly linked to spiritual reward, suggesting that those who endure material hardship with faith are particularly close to God's heart.

Apostolic Insights

The early church continued to uphold the value of caring for the poor, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles and the epistles. Acts 4:34-35 describes the communal sharing among believers, ensuring that "there was no needy one among them." The Apostle Paul also emphasizes generosity and support for the poor, instructing believers to "remember the poor" (Galatians 2:10).

James, the brother of Jesus, provides a poignant reminder of the spiritual richness of the poor. In James 2:5 , he writes, "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 those who love Him?" This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom, where earthly poverty can lead to spiritual wealth.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the Bible's teachings on the poor challenge believers to view poverty through the lens of faith. Material wealth is not equated with divine favor, nor is poverty seen as a curse. Instead, the poor are often depicted as exemplars of faith, whose reliance on God amidst adversity serves as a powerful testimony to His provision and grace.

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that those who are poor, yet rich in faith, are blessed. Their trust in God, despite their circumstances, aligns them with the values of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the humble are exalted. This perspective calls believers to emulate God's compassion for the poor and to recognize the inherent dignity and blessedness of those who, in faith, believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 15:10
You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him: because that for this thing the LORD your God shall bless you in all your works, and in all that you put your hand to.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 41:1
Blessed is he that considers the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:9
He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor.
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Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ...
... all see; but they shall not see in that they are poor in spirit ... And yet they also
"believe and tremble ... Our faith then must be different from the faith of devils. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon iii on the words.htm

Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
... for on the cross Jesus humbled Himself; and they shall be ... And why not thee, too,
thou poor deserted one ... of asking, and then because we have not faith to believe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/i out of the deep.htm

Faith and Acceptance
... the people of their diseases when they had faith in His power ... Can you believe that
when the poor sinner longs to ... yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 6 faith and acceptance.htm

Faith in God and Christ
... not faith in Christ, you will not long have faith in God ... All other defences are weak
and poor. ... When we cease to kick against the pricks they cease to prick and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/faith in god and christ.htm

On Faith
... They will receive the faith of the children of ... desolate is the case of the poor Deist,
how ... still retain (notwithstanding many mistakes) that faith that worketh ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 106 on faith.htm

Salvation by Faith
... objections occur, then we are simply told that salvation by faith only ought ... The
poor? Nay; they have a peculiar right to have the gospel preached unto them. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 1 salvation by faith.htm

Of Faith.
... are rich, and have many possessions, are poor in soul ... many years in pleasing Him:
but what they succeeded in ... good confession, that ye keep this faith which is ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture v of faith.htm

The victory of Faith.
... or visitors of the poor, or parents ... a coarse, rude, infantine state, they were educated ...
peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ii the victory of faith.htm

The Want of Power to Believe
... But the poor helpless palsied one would be of all others the likeliest to be pitied
and watched over. ... They, in fact, say to you that faith is a work, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter x the want of.htm

On the Discoveries of Faith
... that lies in their power to the poor, feeble children of ... to fight the good fight
of faith; and against ... and their own manifold infirmities; till they are able ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 110 on the discoveries.htm