General principles from the Bible for supporting the poor in the church:

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        From Guzman on studylight.org 
      
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        General principles from the Bible for supporting the poor in the church:
      
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        i. Benevolence distribution is a potential source of conflict and division, and it is the 
        job of deacons to prevent such problems by their wise, Spirit-led actions (Acts 6:1-7).
      
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        ii. The church has an absolute obligation to help the truly needy (James 1:27).
      
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        iii. The church must discern who the truly needy are (1 Timothy 5:3).
      
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        iv. If one can work to support himself, he is not truly needy and must provide for his own 
        needs (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:11).
      
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        v. If one can be supported by their family, he is not truly needy, and should not be 
        supported by the church (1 Timothy 5:3-4).
      
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        vi. Those who are supported by the church must make some return to the church body (1 
        Timothy 5:5, 10).
      
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        vii. It is right for the church to examine moral conduct before giving support (1 Timothy 
        5:9-13).
      
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        viii. The support of the church should be for the most basic necessities of living (1 
        Timothy 6:8).
      
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