CENTRAL THOUGHT
Believers are expected to do good to all men.
HYMN: FADING AWAY LIKE THE STARS OF THE MORNING.
INTRODUCTION
As human beings we are faced with needs at one time or the other; some we can handle on our own, but others can be overwhelming, needing someone to give a helping hand, divine intervention, or man. Our Christian confession and practice should not stop in the church; rather we are expected to extend our care to persons around us who are in need. Needs may be spiritual, physical, material, and emotional. God ultimately is the one that meets all needs, even when done through man as an instrument. In this study we will be examining two outstanding characters in the scripture the Good Samaritan who halted (suspended) his journey to take care of a wounded man and Dorcas who made remarkable impact in the life of the needy in the church.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) To identify who is a neighbor.
2.) To understand the correct attitude to a neighbor in need.
3.) To appreciate the exemplary roles of some Biblical characters in meeting other people’s need.
4.) To challenge ourselves to identify with the needy in our midst.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1.) WHO IS A NEIGHBOR?
According to the Great Illustrated Dictionary, a neighbor is one who lives near or next to another, or a person like yourself or a fellow human being living or situated near another. In other words, a neighbor is one we may live close to or have contact with in the process of our day to day living. The neighbor could therefore be someone in your neighborhood, at workplace, church, and in the larger society.
Q2A.) WHAT MADE THE PRIEST AND THE LEVITE TO AVOID THE WOUNDED MAN?
In the Old Testament era, Priests and Levites were God’s elects who were supposed to carry out priestly duties. By virtue of this office they were expected to show example in caring for the wounded man; contrary to this, they avoided the man. Let us look at some reasons one may think led to their negligence.
- They might have thought that the man was an armed robber, beaten and left half dead by a mob.
- To them, the wounded man may be victim of robbers. And for them to show concern and care for such a man may result in endangering their own lives.
- It might be as a result of having limited time. They may be in haste in order to meet up with the temple obligations or assignments (the class may suggest other reasons).
However, whatever may be their reason or reasons, their attitude towards the man would be considered ungodly. They failed to demonstrate love which is one of the elements of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. A child of God is expected to respond to people’s need especially those around him irrespective of their faith, tribe, color, denomination etc. (Romans 12:9-10).
Whatever help one gives to someone in need that individual has done it to God and will definitely receive his or her reward from God. For He (God) will never forget the labor of love one renders (Matt. 25:31-40).
Q2B.) IDENTIFY IN SPECIFIC TERMS THE VARIOUS SACRIFICES MADE BY THE GOOD SAMARITAN TO SAVE THE MAN. LUKE 10:33-35
The Good Samaritan (the vessel God used in saving the man) made a lot of sacrifices worthy of emulation.
- The Good Samarian sacrificed his own life. He did not mind if the man was victim of robbers or whether the robbers were still around to attack him.
- His journey was halted. The said journey might be the urgent type but he temporarily suspended the trip to give attention to someone whose life was in danger thereby sacrificing his own time.
- He used his resources-oil, wine, bandage, money to help the man. This is a true demonstration of love. Scriptures says the Samaritan “put the man on his own beast/donkey and brought him to an inn”.
Q2C.) WHAT CHALLENGES CAN WE TAKE FROM THE LIFE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN?
There are a lot of challenges we are to take from the life of the Good Samaritan. Firstly, we should be ready at times as children of God to help our neighbors who may at one time or the other find themselves in need. These neighbors may include co-tenants, a dweller nearby, an associate, a companion, an intimate acquaintance or a friend, a stranger etc. The Bible throughout, instructs the believers to exercise love, kindness, generosity, and helpfulness towards one’s neighbor. So as Good Samaritans we should be ready at all times to sacrifice our time, resources for our neighbors in need, for in doing this the love of Christ is demonstrated.
Q3A.) WHO WAS DORCAS AND WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DID SHE CARE FOR? ACTS 9:36-39
Dorcas was a Christian woman found in the church of Christ in Joppa. She was full of good deeds and alms giving particularly towards the widows.
This shows that this woman identified with their needs. Jesus said, for doing it for one of these little ones you have done it for me (Matt. 25:40).
Q3B.) WHAT RESULTS WERE PRODUCED BY HER ACTIONS?
ACTS 9:36-42
Firstly, the material needs of the needy widows in the congregation were met. Dorcas exhibited love and concern for the needy ones around her while she lived. When she died and the disciples sent for Peter, the widows couldn’t hold their peace, they came weeping and showing the dresses she made for them. This is a true demonstration of love and is worthy of emulation.
Secondly, this may have a way of helping in sustaining the numerical strength of the church. When brethren care for one another in love, nobody thinks of looking outside but when members are left alone with their needs the tendency of leaving the church is always there.
Q3C.) IN WHAT WAYS CAN WE EMULATE DORCAS TODAY?
There are several ways the believer of today can emulate the life of Dorcas. First, Dorcas was a Christian woman who showed concern for the needy ones around her. She was moved by their state of lives and she acted.
Believers of today must not close their eyes towards the needs of the less privileged around them. Prov. 14:21B “but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he”. For believer’s joy to be full, he or she must not withhold his or her material blessings from the poor but she should be ready at all times to open his hand towards them in love and sharing. Secondly, Dorcas had compassion on the poor. She wanted to see these ones happy as herself, so she rose up in helping to address the issue (poverty). Our Lord Jesus was also a perfect example. He had compassion on us that is why we are where we are today in Him. Born Again believers are to be compassionate towards the needy in church, neighborhood and society at large. Thirdly, this woman of God made a lot of sacrifices. Dorcas may not be too buoyant or rich as we may think. She saw needs she couldn’t over look than to make sacrifices.
We must not wait to have enough before remembering others. There are needy ones around, let us identify them and provide for their needs; and the church will prosper.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Showing concern, for the needy and oppressed is a great service before God. The action of the Good Samaritan and Dorcas is worthy of emulation. As believers in the Lord, we should be ready at all times to honor and answer God’s call to render help to those in need.
We have responsibility from God to show love and concern for the wellbeing of one another. This involves catering for the needs of each other. In this regard we must count ourselves privileged to be vessels in God’s hand. Those who help the needy will be rewarded by God.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Corin. 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, un- moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Who is my neighbor?
Luke 10:29-37
Tuesday: Dorcas, a neighbor in the church.
Acts 9:36-41
Wednesday: Some brethren in need.
Matt. 25:37-40
Thursday: Neighborliness is of God.
Rom. 12:9-13
Friday: Sacrifice is needed in Neighborliness.
Lk 10:33-35
Saturday: Maintain good works.
1 Cor. 15:58, Rom. 12