Theological Sketch-book Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. I. EXAMINE THE NATURE OF THE ASSERTION. No need to describe the poor; they describe themselves. You daily witness the scantiness and poverty of their apparel, their pale and emaciated forms; you hear their piteous plaints, and the tale of their complicated woes. But we should remember — 1. The work of the poor. (1) It is irksome and laborious; (2) often destructive to health; (3) of more benefit to others than to themselves. 2. The deprivations of the poor. (1) Scanty means of instruction; (2) little opportunity of improving their minds; (3) uncomfortable homes; (4) degrading surroundings; (5) insufficient clothing and food. 3. Our remembrance of the poor should be founded on personal observation. 4. It should be accompanied by relief. The best form of relief is employment. II. STATE THE OBLIGATIONS WE ARE UNDER TO COMPLY WITH IT. 1. The dictates of humanity require it. The poor are our brethren. 2. The demands of duty require it. The laws of God have made this imperative upon us (Deuteronomy 15:7-9; Daniel 4:27; Luke 6:36-38; Matthew 7:12; 1 John 3:17). 3. The rights of justice require it. To the poor we owe far more than to rich drones who merely live on the labours of others. Who erect our houses? Who make our clothes? Who procure our food? Do not the poor? therefore remember them. 4. The claims of interest require it. God remembers the poor; is it not our interest to imitate Him? (Psalm 41:1, 2; Proverbs 3:9: 19:17; Isaiah 68:10, 11). III. ANSWER OBJECTIONS. 1. My circumstances are straitened, I have nothing to spare. What! Nothing? (1 Kings 17:11, 12; Luke 21:2-4). 2. Charity must begin at home. True; but it should not end there. 3. I have a right to do what I will with my own. But what is your own? Are you not a steward merely of God's goods? Will He not call you to account? 4. The poor do not deserve to be remembered. God thinks they do; that is enough. What if He dealt with us according to our deserts? (Theological Sketch-book.) Parallel Verses KJV: Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.WEB: They only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do. |
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