Topical Bible: The Poor are Such by God's Appointment

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The concept that the poor exist by God's appointment is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine sovereignty and providence over all aspects of human life, including economic status. This entry explores the biblical perspective on poverty, emphasizing God's purposes and commands concerning the poor.

Divine Sovereignty and Purpose

The Bible acknowledges that God, in His sovereignty, has allowed poverty to exist as part of the human experience. In 1 Samuel 2:7, it is stated, "The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low and He exalts." This verse underscores the belief that God is ultimately in control of the economic conditions of individuals, and that both wealth and poverty serve His divine purposes.

Testing and Dependence

Poverty is often portrayed as a means through which God tests the faith and character of individuals. In Deuteronomy 8:3, the Israelites' experience in the wilderness is described: "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." Here, poverty and need are used to cultivate reliance on God and His provision.

Compassion and Justice

The presence of the poor serves as a call to action for the community of believers. Scripture repeatedly commands care and justice for the impoverished. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This reflects the biblical mandate for compassion and the promise of divine reward for those who assist the needy.

A Reflection of Human Sinfulness

While poverty is under God's sovereign control, it is also a reflection of human sinfulness and societal injustice. The Bible condemns the exploitation and oppression of the poor. In Isaiah 10:1-2, the prophet declares, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people." This highlights the responsibility of individuals and societies to address the systemic causes of poverty.

Eternal Perspective

The Bible encourages an eternal perspective on poverty, reminding believers that earthly conditions are temporary. In James 2:5, it is written, "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 verse emphasizes the spiritual riches and eternal inheritance promised to those who may be materially poor but are rich in faith.

Christ's Identification with the Poor

Jesus Christ's own life and ministry exemplify God's heart for the poor. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus says, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." Christ's identification with the poor and His teachings, such as the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," highlight the honor and blessing bestowed upon those who are humble and reliant on God.

Conclusion

The biblical view of poverty as part of God's appointment calls believers to trust in His sovereignty, act with compassion and justice, and maintain an eternal perspective. Through understanding and responding to poverty in accordance with Scripture, Christians are invited to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD makes poor, and makes rich: he brings low, and lifts up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:21
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Motives from the Necessities of the Work
... yet not so many, as experience, and God's appointment of further ... I am afraid of the
everlasting wrath of God. ... Could you deny your help to such poor sinners? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 3.htm

Mordecai and Esther
... have been dabbled with 'the blood of poor innocents,' splashed ... God lays upon us special
missionary work by the ... 'Such a time as this!' Was there ever such a time ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/mordecai and esther.htm

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
... That we who have offended God, should enjoy health, peace, or satisfaction for a
single hour ... Cheered by such thoughts as these, His poor people often enjoy ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xix messiah suffering and.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... He oppresses not the poor, nay, but he is not charitable ... they are but naked and bare
in God's sight, not ... not, ordinarily seven worse enter again into such men. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi wash you make.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... Ps.111:9. To what human being is such a title ... a truth I say unto you, that this poor
widow hath ... the service of the temple to be of God's appointment, and she ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... acknowledge my private and particular sins have been such as have ... I am brought here
that the work of God may be ... and I wish heartily that this my poor life may ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 5.htm

On Public Diversions
... all, young and old, rich and poor, to wipe ... this unhappy diversion, which has such
terribly hurtful ... to our afflicted neighbours, according as God hath prospered ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 140 on public diversions.htm

Seed among Thorns
... May God help us to make the right choice of the ... such a sky and was taken out of such
a seed ... Dear brethren, let us take our poor, imperfect services, and lay ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/seed among thorns.htm

Its Instrument
... has no righteousness, so God regards his poor faith as ... This error was advocated by
such men as W ... with our capacity of receiving and God's appointment in giving. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/8 its instrument.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though ... Such a one is perverted and sins,
and is ... bears arms against the Church, he contends against God's appointment. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm