Question 1

What are some of the ways God supports me?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 33:27“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’”Psalm 69:16Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.Psalm 86:5O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.Psalm 94:18I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.We are supported by the very character and power of God. When we know God loves us unconditionally, that he wants what is good for us, that he forgives our sins, and that he is merciful to us even when we mess up, we should feel truly safe and supported.Exodus 4:12“Now go! I [the Lord] will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”Psalm 32:8The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”Psalm 138:3As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.Psalm 119:50, 52Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. . . . I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me.God supports us by answering our prayers and by giving us advice for living in his Word.Exodus 19:4“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”Exodus 33:14The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”Deuteronomy 1:31“And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.”Psalm 55:22Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Psalm 94:19When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.Psalm 119:76Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.Isaiah 33:22The Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us.Isaiah 51:12“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?”Matthew 6:30“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”Matthew 11:28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”Luke 12:28“If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”2 Corinthians 1:3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.2 Thessalonians 2:16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,Hebrews 1:14Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.God’s present care and comfort are there to support us. When someone cares enough to also bring us comfort, we have legitimate grounds for hope and joy in our lives.Exodus 33:14The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”Psalm 65:9You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so.We are supported by God’s provision. He knows what we need before we ask and already has plans to meet our needs at the perfect time.Deuteronomy 33:27“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you.”Psalm 3:3You, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.Psalm 18:35You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.Psalm 37:17The strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.Isaiah 41:10“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”God’s help and protection are always there to support us. In all that we do and in all that we face, we can be confident that God will strengthen us for the task and help us through it.Isaiah 46:4“I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”Isaiah 63:9In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.Jeremiah 1:8“And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”John 14:16-17, 26“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. . . . But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”We are constantly supported by the Holy Spirit. Even during our most difficult times, the Holy Spirit’s friendship and wisdom can encourage and direct us.Matthew 7:21-29“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.The reality of God’s support in our lives and the foundation we have through our relationship with him means little if we fail to hear and obey the teachings of Jesus. He models confidence in God’s promises and demonstrates that he is the guarantee of God’s saving support—demonstrated by his willingness to be sacrificed for us.

Question 2

Who am I expected to support?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 31:8-9Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.Acts 20:35“I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.The poor, helpless, and weak need to experience God’s love through the giving of our time and resources.1 Timothy 5:3Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.James 1:27Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.All of us are called to lend support to orphans and widows. We dare not overlook categories of people God has singled out for special attention.1 Timothy 5:8Those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.We have a special job to care for and support our family members, just as God supports us as his own children.3 John 1:5Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.We are called to be hospitable toward travelling teachers who effectively expand our knowledge of God’s Word.Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.Believers need to support one another in the task of serving God. The only way to improve our hospitality is to practice it on a regular basis.Matthew 25:34-40“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”Colossians 3:16-17Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.2 Corinthians 5:16-21So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.As children of God we are to be especially sensitive toward helping people in need. We have the distinct opportunity to represent the presence of Christ in the lives of others.

Question 3

How can I support others?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 27:10Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.We can support others by being a kind and enduring friend, family member, and neighbor.Hebrews 12:15Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.We can support others by being involved in and concerned about their lives.1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.We can support others by being sympathetic, loving, and humble.James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.We can support others through prayer.Job 42:11Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.Psalm 69:20Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 6God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. . . . Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.1 Thessalonians 4:18So encourage each other with these words.1 Thessalonians 3:7So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.Philemon 1:7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.We can support others by comforting them. In the same way that we forgive because God has in Christ forgiven us, we support others because we have God’s support.1 Samuel 23:16Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.Acts 14:22They [Paul and Barnabas] encouraged them [the believers] to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.We can support others by encouraging them.Exodus 17:12Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.We can support others by giving them physical assistance.Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.2 Corinthians 8:14Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.We can support others by practically and unselfishly sharing what we have. We cannot expect others to support us in our time of need if we have failed to support others when we had the means to do so.

Question 4

How can I support my spouse?

Accepted Answer

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.Matthew 19:4-6“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”We show support for our spouse by being united in purpose and spirit.Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”Proverbs 31:11-12Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.Ephesians 5:21-24, 31-33Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. . . . As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.A wife can support her husband by being a helpful, trustworthy, lifelong companion. Paul uses the synonym of respect to indicate the nature of submission on the part of a wife. A husband is challenged to move past selfishness to truly love his wife in a sacrificial way—to the point of being willing to lay down his life for her.Proverbs 31:28-31Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.1 Peter 3:7In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.A husband can support his wife by valuing, respecting, and praising her. While women in general may remain a mystery, he is called to the privilege of understanding one woman, which will be enough to keep him busy for a lifetime.Genesis 24:67Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.2 Samuel 12:24Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. The Lord loved the child.We are called to comfort our spouse. Both respect on the part of a wife and understanding on the part of a husband begin with the question: “How can I comfort you?”

Question 5

What is God’s plan for the support of his work in the world?

Accepted Answer

Acts 15:35Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. They and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord there.Galatians 6:6Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.Ephesians 4:11-13Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.Hebrews 13:17Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.1 Peter 5:2Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.God himself supports his work by providing gifted people to carry out various functions in the life of the body of Christ. The whole body is responsible to facilitate the work of those gifted to serve among them, even as those gifted to serve are called to be faithful in their roles.Leviticus 27:30“One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.”Numbers 18:9, 12, 21“You are allotted the portion of the most holy offerings that is not burned on the fire. This portion of all the most holy offerings—including the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings—will be most holy, and it belongs to you and your sons. . . . I also give you the harvest gifts brought by the people as offerings to the Lord—the best of the olive oil, new wine, and grain. . . . As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.”Numbers 35:2-3“Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites from their property certain towns to live in, along with the surrounding pasturelands. These towns will be for the Levites to live in, and the surrounding lands will provide pasture for their cattle, flocks, and other livestock.”Ezekiel 44:28-29“The priests will not have any property or possession of land, for I alone am their special possession. Their food will come from the gifts and sacrifices brought to the Temple by the people—the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. Whatever anyone sets apart for the Lord will belong to the priests.”Malachi 3:10“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”1 Corinthians 9:10-11, 13-14Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? . . . Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.2 Corinthians 8:1-5Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.2 Corinthians 9:7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”1 Timothy 5:17-18Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”God planned that pastoral care and teaching should be supported by congregational obedience and financial support. The basic difference in the Old Testament and New Testament directives is a prescribed amount versus an open amount of support. The challenge of New Testament freedom from prescribed giving should never be seen as permission to give less but an invitation to trust God and give more.

Support