TOPIC: BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF PROSPERITY
LESSON V: HELPING THE POOR & THE PROPHETIC SEED.
TEXT: GAL 2:10, PROV 4:1, JAMES 1:27, MATT 25:35
The apostles of the early church had a lot on their minds in Jerusalem, they were facing persecutions & trials yet they kept their eyes focused on one of the most important lessons they learnt from the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet they commissioned Paul with the assignment “take care of the poor” (Gal 2:10). This was certainly an important part of the ministry of Jesus (Isaiah 61:1; John 13:29)
Who are the poor?
1. Those people who have little or no possessions or money
2. Those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
What do we give?
Giving: Clothing’s Food, money and welcoming them into our homes
New Testament Examples
Deacons came about as a result of the need to take care of the poor Acts 6:1-6
Dorcas: Acts 9:36-40
Cornelius; Acts 10:2
Biblical encouragement/blessings
Matt6:1-4, Prov 19:17, Prov. 28:7, Prov 31:20
THE PROPHETIC OFFERING
A prophet is God’s mouth piece, he carries heavens authority (II Chron 20:20). The prophet carries the oil of prosperity, (Matt 10:41, 2Cor 6: 10)
Biblical examples
i. The shunamite: 2kings 4:8-37
ii. The woman of Zarephath: 1kings 17:10-15
iii. The alabaster woman: Matt. 26:7-13
iv. Philippians church: Phil 4:17-19
v. Saul: 1 Samuel 9:7-8
This is not the same as a regular we give but an instruction to us to make sacrifices for the servant of God beyond these (Gen 47:7, Gal 6:6, 1tim 4:17-18) Honoring God’s Servants with gifts and recognition is a way that God uses to meet our needs and make us “partakers of his grace” Phil1:17.
