MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” – Proverbs 19:7 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 6:9-11
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even brethren of the poor hate him (Proverbs 19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Proverbs 10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?
LESSON OUTLINES
- CAUSES OF POVERTY
- BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY
- CAUSES OF POVERTY
While poverty can be in categories of degrees, several factors can be responsible for it:
- Personal attitude which includes laziness/idleness (Proverbs 10:4;19:15); poor work ethics (Proverbs 14:23; 2Thessalonians 3:10); lack of self discipline (Proverbs 12:27); stubbornness (Proverbs 13:18); drunkenness and gluttony (Proverbs 23:21); worldliness and frivolous persuits (Proverbs 21:17;28:19); limitation mentality (Proverbs 23:7a) etc.
- Natural disasters (famine, floods, etc.)- Genesis 12:10, health challenges (Mark 5:25-26), fire outbreaks (Job 1:16), death of a benefactor (2Samuel 4:4).
- Oppression of others. Examples of oppression that can cause poverty include delayed wages (Leviticus 19:13; 1Timothy 5:18), exorbitant interest rates on loans (Exodus 22:25).
- Spiritual causes of poverty include the repercussion of sin (Deuteronomy 28:15-21) and wrong spiritual concepts as some believers equate poverty to holiness.
- BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY
You need to discover your purpose of living and diligently pursue it (Proverbs 22:29). Gather sufficient information on how to improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation or trade (Proverbs 18:15; 24:4). Be intentional about creating multiple streams of income (Ecclesiastes 11:2). Find a problem around you that you can solve that will earn you good money. Acquire additional skills: re-skill and up skill (Proverbs 9:9). Believe in yourself and have the ‘I can’ attitude (Phil 4:13).
Essentially, breaking free from poverty requires giving (Proverbs 11:24): pay your tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10-12), first fruit (Proverbs 3:9-10), and give to those that are less privileged. Pray and study the word of God to know his perfect will for you in all your life’s endeavours (Psalm 37:23). Stop living on debts, borrow only to invest (Proverbs 22:7).
CONCLUSION
Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).