Poor ones who serve Jehovah never have reason to be anxious because Jehovah sustained poor ones in ancient Israel and he continues to uphold his poor servants today (Malachi 3:6). In what ways does God help the poor among his servants today? One way that Jehovah shows consideration for his poor servants is by teaching them to have a balanced view of money. If we turn to Luke 12:15, notice how Jesus said we should view money.
After reading: did you notice the warning that Jesus gave? "guard against every sort of greed"
Money can be a form of protection (Ecclesiastes 7:12); however, it makes a good servant, but a poor master. We can preserve a balanced view of money by avoiding greediness and materialism. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:8, "So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things."
A second way in which Jehovah helps his poor servants is mentioned at Job 34:19 (Read).
Jehovah has taught the poor to have respect for themselves, even if they are poor. He is not partial, so God does not favor the rich over the poor (Acts 10:34-35). Is this not a comforting thought for servants of Jehovah, who have limited means? The poor and the rich are both creations of Jehovah, yes, both are the work of his hands.
Next, Jehovah teaches the poor to work hard and avoid harmful habits like smoking, overdrinking or illicit drug use (2 Corinthians 7:1). These
practices can waste valuable resources and damage our health. Yet what
does God's Word teach about such practices? Read or discuss Proverbs
20:1 about drunkenness and overdrinking.
Proverbs 14:23 stresses the importance of hard work. Many people today feel that hard work is not for them: they refuse to do anything they consider to be menial or too lowly for them; for a contrast, see Ephesians 4:28.
Another way that Jehovah helps the poor is by bringing them into a loving brotherhood. Read and apply John 13:35.
1 John 3:17-18 stresses the need to help our brothers and sisters in need: we can offer practical assistance like supplying food and help with clothing. Love in deed and truth, not just in word (with the tongue). The love we show for the poor is an expression of Jehovah's love and concern for his poor servants (Proverbs 19:17). He will repay our kindness.
A final benefit to the poor is that Jehovah gives them hope. If time permits, read and apply Isaiah 65:21-23.
No matter how desperate our situation may become, we do not need to be anxious. (Isa 30:15; Philippians 4:6-7) Jehovah will care for our material needs as long as we keep on seeking first his Kingdom (Mt 6:31-33).
Show video and ask questions.
If time permits, highlight some of the pictures.
Monday, September 13, 2021
Jehovah Takes Care of the Poor Ones (Modified Talk)
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6 comments:
Beautiful talk!
Nice. I wish I could see you give it.
I have a completely unrelated question. here it goes.
I have been in a discussion with someone in regard to John 5:28 specifically the word Memorial Tombs. I cant find any translation that have the word memorial. However using the strong concordance the word does refer to a tomb, remembrance.
It doesn't bother me, but the argument is it was used to fleece the fact that Jesus said ALL in the grave but we teach that there are those that will not receive a resurrection. Foe example those that sinned against the Holy Spirit. The argument he uses of course is they will be resurrected then judged
Just wondering your thoughts on that wording and if any other translation you have seen say Memorial Tombs. I cant find any on Bible Hub or anywhere
Roman, thank you. You know that the branch makes things so much easier these days :)
Thanks also guitarsatele. NWT is certainlty unique in translating the Greek in Jn 5:28 as memorial tombs; other translations usually say graves or just "tombs."
I'm not going to discuss theology, but just note that τοῖς μνημείοις probably means more than just graves or tombs. More later.
I had to sign off for a school meeting, but back to this subject:
Robertson's Word Pictures in the NT: "In the tombs (εν τοις μνημειοις). Ταφος (grave) presents the notion of burial (θαπτω, to bury) as in Mt 23:27, μνημειον (from μναομα, μιμνησκω, to remind) is a memorial (sepulchre as a monument). Jesus claims not only the power of life (spiritual) and of judgement, but of power to quicken the actual dead at the Last Day. They will hear his voice and come out (εκπορευσοντα, future middle indicative of εκπορευομα). A general judgement and a general bodily resurrection we have here for both good and bad as in Mt 25:46; Ac 24:15; 2Co 5:10 and as often implied in the words of Jesus (Mt 5:29f.; 10:28; Lu 11:32 ). In Joh 6:39 Jesus asserts that he will raise up the righteous."
Robertson obviously doesn't side with JWs here, but he points out a difference between the word for "grave" and τοῖς μνημείοις
Also see https://scaife.perseus.org/reader/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0527.tlg048.opp-grc2:26.19/?right=1st1K-eng1
Compare Isaiah 26:19.
You can access Abbott-Smith here: https://greeklexicon.org/lexicon/strongs/3419/
See LSJ: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry=mnhmei=on
Thanks for the info
Very much appreciated. While we won't get into theology here it has to do with the word all as well . A very literal view of the word in which there view is that 'ALL" everyone who has died will receive a resurrection thus by saying memorial tombs we are saying its only ones God remembers that he chooses to raise, However there are verses which I believe show that there are those not worthy of a resurrection. IE those who sin against the Holy Spirit. But I believe for many its a misunderstanding and application of judgement. Why would you be raised from the dead having been acquitted of your previous sins then judged for them and put to death again? Much more of course to say on the subject but thanks for your help. A matter of the word "Memorial" being a tempest in a teacup.
Thanks again
You're welcome, and just to be clear, we can discuss theology here. But I was just saying I left theology out of my comments when answering your question. I agree that for many reasons, the common depiction of the resurrection by the churches is badly flawed. Regarding the memorial tombs, there is an interesting occurrence of the word in Ezekiel 37 (Septuagint). We know that Judas is also called the son of destruction.
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