4-19-26//CONTRIBUTING TO THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS

Rom 12:9-13 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Let’s give other people a reason to rejoice in hope

Phil 2:1-11 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

"Contributing to the needs of the saints" (Romans 12:13) is a biblical command for Christians to actively share resources, time, and hospitality with fellow believers facing hardships. It implies a partnership where one believer's burden becomes another's, going beyond mere charity to foster deep community and support.

·       Active Sharing: It means entering into fellowship with other believers and sharing in their necessities, including food, clothing, and shelter.

Acts 2:43-47 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Isa 58:10 And if you give yourself to the hungry And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday.

Practical Applications

·       Supporting the Persecuted: Assisting brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith.

·       Local Church Care: Supporting members within one’s own local church community who are in need.

·       Hospitality: Opening homes to fellow believers, especially those traveling or in distress.

·       Active Ministry: Engaging in practical service, such as helping with food, housing, or necessities for those in need.

·       Prayer: Praying for the members of the church.