Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, May 9
Review your notes from Sunday's message. Consider your own position on the
disparity between the rich and the poor. Did Rev. Rob's message raise questions
about your position? Why is a Christian ethical position important to this
issue? Do you feel there should be efforts to rebalance the distribution of
wealth? If so, what would you be willing to see done? If the imbalance of
wealth continues to grow unchecked in our world, what problems do you see
developing? Read Leviticus 25:8-55. This passage was God's way to show Israel
the importance of economic equity and was a structural way of rebalancing
the distribution of wealth among the Israelites.
Tuesday, May 10
The Bible does not say, "God helps those who help themselves." Why is this
phrase so familiar to many Americans? What is the conventional wisdom that
is implied in this phrase? Paul's theology implies a reversal of this saying,
"God helps those who cannot help themselves." Read Romans 3:21-26. Here Paul
reminds us that only God can justify us through the free gift of grace. This
idea is similar to that of the Israelites who understood that it was God who
freed them from slavery in Egypt and that they had little to do with it. The
phrase, "God helps those who help themselves," puts a great limitation on
what God can do. It also implies a limitation on what we should do for each
other. Perhaps a statement truer to the scripture would be, "God helps those
who help others." Read Galatians 5:13-15 and 22-26. Pray that you may have
generous and loving spirits.
Wednesday, May 11
Throughout human history the rich and powerful have been able to take from
the poor in order to further enrich themselves. Capitalism, when it is unchecked,
has often created exploitation. Ancient Israel also had examples where greed
led to oppression. Read what took place with Naboth's vineyard in I Kings
21. Do you see this type of thing happening today? When do you think it is
appropriate to regulate the economy to prevent exploitation? Should there
be any international bodies to regulate "globalization?" Do you see government
policies and taxation that favor the rich or the poor? How do you feel about
this? Pray for those who are underpaid, or overworked, or who work under poor
conditions.
Thursday, May 12
Jesus spoke often about the problem of wealth. He also said, "the love of
money is the root of all evil." He often said to the rich that they should
sell everything and give it to the poor. How seriously should we take Jesus'
sayings about wealth? What do you think is the root of Jesus' concern? Read
Matthew 25:31-46. What is the implication of this parable for the Christian
life? How would our congregation be judged? What more can we do? Pray for
guidance on this concern.
Friday, May 13
Many people often blame the poor and think of them as lazy, lacking in morals,
and of poor character. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor." Jesus considered
the poor to be special children of God and worthy to be called the "salt of
the earth." Paul said of the early Christians, "not many of you were wise…not
many were powerful, not many were of noble birth." Read I Corinthians 1:26-31.
What purpose does God have for the poor in the world? How can the church help
raise the esteem of the poor?
First
United Methodist Church 