Gospel Outreach

Message preached on the 6 February 2007 at Gospel Outreach by Pastor Trevor Vosloo  

Matthew 6:3-4 “But when thou doest alms, (giving to the poor), let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward you openly.”

 Many Christians mistakenly think that this Scripture has to do with giving of their tithes and offerings to the Church. This is, however, incorrect. This is a very deliberate teaching on giving to the poor, which is our basic Christian duty and responsibility. Giving to the poor, must however be, over and above our tithes. Some think that instead of giving of their tithes to the work of the Lord they will just give to the poor, that too, is incorrect, we aught not to rob the work of the Lord.

 But clearly we can see from this Scripture that we have an obligation towards the poor. When we look at other Scriptures we see that this is re-enforced but also shows us that giving to the poor does not only mean the giving of money, but can also include the giving of clothes and food.

 James 2:15-17 ” If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead being alone.”

 So we see that giving to the poor includes food and clothes, and this Scripture again enforces the fact that it is our responsibility, as CHILD OF GOD, to give to the poor and needy.  

Who aught to give to the poor you may well ask? Simply put, everybody aught to give to the poor and particularly those who claim that Jesus Christ is the Lord of their life. For He, through the Scriptures already given, instructs us to give to the poor, and if He is your Lord you will obey Him.  

Many people are in desperate need, to whom should we give to first? This is a very important question which needs to be answered. We believe the Bible is clear on this matter.  

Firstly we should give to our own family members who are in need.

1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”   

Secondly we should look after the needy of the Church. Here we learn from the example of the early church. Consider Acts 6:1-7, Acts 2:43 -47,

Acts 4:34-35 “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things sold, and laid them down at the apostles feet, and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”  

Then thirdly one should give to others who have need, who are found outside the Church. Here discernment is needed on what and how to give, otherwise, it will be sold or used to buy alcohol or drugs as experience has shown us.  

Why is giving to the poor of such importance, is it just to relieve their need or is something else behind it all? Yes, it does relieve a need but that’s not all, it is for the glory of God. When giving to the poor, if done properly, opens the doors for these people to experience the love of God in a very practical way and therefore becomes a wonderful opportunity, at the same time, to share the Gospel. The giving, softens the heart and opens them up to receive the Gospel. Other religions have gotten onto this, and have the funds and means to provide food and clothes, and use this to win them for their false religion and god.  

Unless we, the Children of God wake up to our responsibility towards the poor, these people will be lost.  

There is blessing in giving to the poor, God watches and rewards the giver in His own way, and in His own time. Our giving also builds a memorial before the Lord, ACTS 10:4, and at Gods appointed time He will reward. But we must do our building…..giving to the poor.  

What are you giving to the poor ?
If you were in their position, what would you like others to do for you?
On what, and how are you spending the money God has entrusted to you?
What if any, memorial are you building before the Lord?  

We have many projects with the poor that you could help sponsor, some are highlighted on this web page 

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 26th, 2007 at 12:44 am and is filed under Bible Teachings.