PART 3A
We have spent some time learning about the ministry of the soldiers of the cross to their Captain. This is principally worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth. Now we want to consider the ministry of the soldiers one to another. A good passage that seems to say it all is Acts 2:41-47. May the Lord Himself teach us today in Jesus, Name.
1. THE RICHER MUST TAKE CARE OF THE POORER
God demands from every soldier of the cross not only tithes but offerings also. This is so that the tithes might meet the needs of the ministers who direct His worship while the offerings meet the needs of the needy in the fold.
God knows that there will always be the poor in the land and He wants then cared for in an organized
manner so that the devil might not exploit the situation. It is not the wealthy alone that He expects to support the poor. It is a case of the richer supporting the poorer.
Mal. 2:8-12; Deut. 12:5-6; Num. 18:21; Lev. 27:30-33; Deut 15:11; Is. 58:6-7; Ex. 23:10-11; Lev. 19:9-10; Deut. 25:19- 21; Luke 11:41; Pro. 25:21-22; Pro. 28:3.
2. IF YOU HARDEN YOUR HEART AGAINST THE NEEDY, YOUR TURN WILL COME
It is a dangerous thing to harden your heart against the poor. Because failure to help a wounded soldier implies your turn will soon come. Because God commands the strong to support the weak not only in the physical sense but also spiritually. If you do not know how to be merciful, learn it.
Deut. 15:7, Pro. 21:13; Rom. 15:1-2; Gal. 6:1-2; Heb. 13:3; James 1:27; Col. 3:12-14; I Pet. 3:8; Rom. 12:15; Acts 20:35; Deut. 26:12-15
PART 3B
1. PRACTICAL – WORSHIP
One of the things we learnt in Part two is worship. So let’s stand up and begin to worship God.