Queen's Road Cell

  8  If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9  But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields. 10  He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11  When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12  Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. 13  There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14  and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15  As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked...

 1.a) What do you learn about Paul's needs from 1:16-18 and 4:9-13, 16  Paul  is short of faithful visitors, Christian fellowship and encouragement (1:16-18) misses companionship (" Do your best to come to me soon", v.9) needed ministry workers (v.11)  is cold ("bring the cloak", v.13b) lacks mental stimulation ("also the books, and above all the parchments" (v.13b) lacks a sense of closure in this life ("t he Lord will repay [Alexander] according to his deeds"  v.14) lacks moral support (" At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me" (v.16)  b) Do you have similar needs? Does someone you know have these needs? If so, how might you help see that they are met? 2. What attitudes towards people and circumstance does Paul show in v.14-18?  Calm acceptance of abandonment (v.10, and need of the ministry as opposed to need of self. Ability to change opinions of people (v.11). Trust that the Lord will deal with evi...