Lessons

God’s Heart for the Poor & Vulnerable

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Connect

Share about a time when you felt felt desperate, needy or vulnerable.

Cultivate

Summary: God loves poor and vulnerable people and wants to use us to help them.

Read Matthew 25:35-40 and ask the following questions:

1. What do you like about this passage?

2. What do you find uncomfortable or difficult to understand in this passage?

3. What appears to be the main idea emphasized in this passage? (Look for repeated words or ideas.)

Consider how the following passages increase our understanding of this topic:

Read James 1:22-27.

  • How is James using the word “religion” here?
  • What is true of those who know what God wants, through his Word, but doesn’t do what it says?
  • What kind of religion does God accept?
  • How does the religion we practice compare with what God accepts?

Read Isaiah 58:1-12.

  • How does God compare empty attempts to get something from him with obedience to his commands to help the vulnerable?

Read Matthew 6:1-4.

  • How does God want us to give to those in need?
  • Why do you think God asks us to give in this way?

4. What are the beliefs and values promoted in these passages?

5. What do they reveal about our human condition and God’s response?

6. How are these beliefs and values similar or different from those that have influenced you? (such as your family, culture, peers, church, etc.)

7. How might our faith increase and our lives change as we embrace what is true and important?

8. In light of what we’ve discussed, how can we pray for each other right now?

Care

Since we last met, what happened as a result of expressing Christ’s love to others?

How can we express Christ’s love to the poor or vulnerable this week? How can we give them the love and hope of Jesus? How can we get to know them personally? How can we practically help them move beyond whatever oppresses them?

Here are a few ideas:

  • Pray God would meet their deepest needs.
  • Help meet a felt need they have.
  • Listen to their story.
  • Explore their thoughts on the gospel.

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