BENEVOLENCE by Rodney Langley
INTRODUCTION
God has always made provision for the basic needs of his people.
Psalms 146:9
OLD TESTAMENT BENEVOLENCE
The Israelites practiced benevolence according to the law.
Lev. 19:10
Deut. 14:29
Deut. 24:19-21
Deut. 25:5
NEW TESTAMENT BENEVOLENCE (PROVIDING FOR NEEDY SAINTS)
James 1:27
A. THE EARLY CHURCH CARED FOR ITS MEMBERS...
1. We see it in the church at Jerusalem for its own - Ac 4:32-37
2. We see it in the church at Antioch for their brethren in Judea
3. We see in the churches of Macedonia and Achaia for their
brethren in Jerusalem - Ro 15:25-26
B. ITS ORGANIZATION AND WORSHIP ACCOMMODATED SUCH WORK...
1. Deacons were appointed - cf. Php 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8-13
a. They served the congregation
b. If the seven selected in Acts 6 were prototypes of the work
of deacons, they would certainly serve in providing
assistance for widows and other needy members - Ac 6:1-6
2. The collection for needy saints was made a part of the weekly
assembly - 1Co 16:1-2
C. THERE WERE LIMITATIONS TO ITS BENEVOLENCE...
1. In Paul's instructions to Timothy - 1Ti 5:9-16
a. Widows with believing family members were not to be
supported
b. Their own families should support them, that "the church not
be burdened"
2. Examples of church benevolence are limited to needy saints
a. In every case of church benevolence, i.e., where money was
taken from the church treasury, the recipients were
believers in need - cf. Ro 15:25-26; 1Co 16:1-2; 2Co 8:1-4; 9:1
b. Of course, individually Christians are expected to be "good
Samaritans" and help those in the world as they have
opportunity and ability Gal. 6:7-10, Luke 10:25-37
CONCLUSION
Benevolence is a function of the church, but it is also a responsibility of individual Christians. Each of us will be accountable for how we have handled opportunities to help those in need.
Matt. 25:34-40, 44-45
INVITATION