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

poor were called by God and their salvation brought glory to him (1 Cor. 1.26–31). The material wealth of the church of Laodicea was in sad contrast with her spiritual poverty (Rev. 3.17). The most systematic exposition about poverty and wealth in the Epistles is found in 2 Cor. 8–9, where Paul sets the idea of Christian charity in the context of the gifts of God and especially that of his Son who, ‘though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich’. In the light of that, running the risk of material poverty will lead to spiritual blessing, just as the apostles were poor but made many rich (2 Cor. 6.10). ~ R. E. Nixon. “Poverty.” The New Bible Dictionary . D. R. W. Wood, ed. 3rd ed. (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996. p. 945. This lesson focuses upon the relationship of the poor and Christian mission. We explored this concept through the lens of God’s shalom , mentioned first in the OT in terms of God’s covenant community Israel and its dealings with the poor, and expanded our discussion to the role of the Church. The following concepts highlight the key insights in this lesson. The concept of the poor is built on the biblical vision of shalom , or wholeness: shalom is the Hebrew term for “fullness of human community in fellowship with God and with one another.” The biblical elements of shalom include the experience of health and wellness, safety and protection from harm, harmony between neighbors, prosperity and material sufficiency, and the absence of malice and conflict–genuine peace. It also includes the idea of shalom as God’s gracious provision, as is connected with the coming of the Messiah who is the Prince of shalom , as well as shalom as the standard for the people of God. Poverty is the denial of God’s shalom ; his blessing and provision were given to prevent the occurrence of poverty, and the commands to the covenant community were designed to ensure justice and righteousness among Yahweh’s people. Faithfulness to the covenant was designed for the continuation of shalom among Israel as they obeyed his voice and met its conditions.

Summary of Key Concepts

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