Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed. (ESV)
James 2:15-17
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (ESV)
1. The Biblical View of Poverty and Material Hardship
1.1 Definition:
• Poverty is the condition of lacking material resources necessary for life and human flourishing- food, shelter, clothing, and basic security.
• But biblically, poverty is also a moral and spiritual concern: a test of our compassion, stewardship, and trust in God.
1.2 God’s Concern for the Poor
Deuteronomy 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ (ESV)
1.3 Causes of Poverty
1.3.1 Personal Causes: Laziness, Wastefulness, or Sin
1.3.2 Political Causes: Injustice, Oppression, or Corruption
1.3.3 Providential Causes: Trials and Testing in God’s Sovereignty
1.4 God’s Solution: Justice, Compassion, and Hard Work
2. Human Attempts
2.1 Capitalism
Strengths:
• Respects personal responsibility, hard work, private property, and creativity.
• Rewards diligence and stewardship.
Weaknesses:
• Can foster greed and exploitation if unrestrained by moral law.
• Tends to idolise wealth and self-interest (1 Tim. 6:9–10).
2.2 Communism/Socialism
Strengths:
• Emphasises justice, equality, and concern for the vulnerable.
• Acknowledges the moral duty to care for others.
Weaknesses:
• Undermines personal ownership and responsibility.
• Concentrates power in the state, often replacing God with government.
• Ignores the reality of human sin; forced equality leads to oppression.
Summary:
• Capitalism aligns with Scripture where it respects human responsibility and property, but fails where greed dominates.
• Socialism reflects God’s compassion for equality but errs in denying private stewardship and promoting state idolatry.
• The Bible teaches a third way: a redeemed economy of grace, where work, generosity, and justice flow from the Gospel.
3. The Christian Response
3.1 Recognize God’s Ownership (Psalm 24:1)
3.2 Work Diligently and Give Generously (Ephesians 4:28)
3.3 Guard Against Greed and Fear (Matthew 6:24)
3.4 Practice Gospel-Centered Mercy and Grace
(2 Corinthians 8:9) Christ’s self-giving love is the pattern for Christian generosity.
We give, not under compulsion, but out of joy in the Gospel.
Conclusion
• Work faithfully
• Give cheerfully
• And live justly.