Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

A. God’s people are to reflect God’s own identification with the poor, informed by their historical experience in the Exodus event.

B. God will demonstrate shalom as we follow the Lord and his commands.

Conclusion

» The concept of poverty can be understood through the biblical lens of shalom , or the wholeness of God’s covenant community. » Although Israel was unfaithful in demonstrating God’s justice and righteousness, the biblical foundation reveals that God identified with the poor in their plight, and asked his people to demonstrate that shalom in their dealings with one another as a light to the nations.

Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. In this section we saw how the concept of poverty is related to the biblical notion of shalom , or the wholeness of God’s covenant community. In all of God’s covenant demands and stipulations, he desired that his people demonstrate his own deep love and commitment to the poor. While Israel did not always obey his will in demonstrating justice and righteousness to the poor, his demands were plain. God identified himself with the poor in their plight, and demanded that his people demonstrate his love for justice, his shalom , in their dealings with one another as his covenant community. Review these important truths, and their implication for mission, by answering the questions below. 1. What is the definition of shalom , and how does it relate to the biblical definition and understanding of poverty? 2. What are some of the critical biblical elements that fill out the concept of shalom in the midst of God’s people? Why can shalom never be understood as the work of people alone, but always as a product of God’s gracious provision? How is it connected with the coming of the Messiah?

Segue 1

Student Questions and Response

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