Living Out God's Justice Through Generosity and Advocacy
Summary
### Summary
In our ongoing series, "A New Life Under Construction," we are exploring how our salvation leads us to a new life guided by the Holy Spirit. Today, we delved into the concept of God's justice, focusing on how we can execute it in our lives. We began with Micah 6:8, which calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. This justice is not political or social but deeply rooted in biblical principles.
We examined the traditional view of justice, often seen as punitive, and expanded it to include the just distribution of God's blessings. God's justice is both a standard for punishment and benefits, aiming to restore people to community and meet their needs. Injustice, therefore, is not just about committing wrongs but also about failing to correct them.
We discussed the importance of radical generosity, where we are called to give out of a spirit of generosity, leaving behind resources for those in need. This is not about selling everything but about consistently providing for others. We also touched on universal equality, emphasizing that every person should be treated with the same respect and standards, regardless of their background.
Life-changing advocacy was another key point, where we are called to actively understand and address the needs of the weak and oppressed. This is not charity but a recognition of their human rights. Finally, we talked about shared responsibility, where the church provides immediate relief and empowers people to become self-sufficient.
In conclusion, we are called to live out God's justice by being generous, treating everyone equally, advocating for the oppressed, and sharing the responsibility of helping those in need. This is how we can truly reflect God's justice in our community and the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Biblical Justice vs. Political Justice: Biblical justice is rooted in God's unchanging nature and is not influenced by political or social agendas. It calls us to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God, focusing on both punishment and the distribution of blessings. This justice restores people to community and meets their needs, reflecting God's love and grace. [01:42]
2. Radical Generosity: We are called to give out of a spirit of generosity, leaving resources for those in need. This is not about selling everything but about consistently providing for others. God's justice involves meeting the needs of the alien, orphan, and widow, reminding us that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. [18:35]
3. Universal Equality: God's justice requires that every person be treated with the same respect and standards, regardless of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, or gender. This equality reflects the image of God in every human being and shows that we honor our Creator by treating others fairly. [27:16]
4. Life-Changing Advocacy: Christians are called to actively understand and address the needs of the weak and oppressed. This involves significant time and energy to change their life situations, recognizing that justice is a human right, not just charity. We must advocate for others as if we were in their place, showing mercy and compassion. [32:45]
5. Shared Responsibility: The church must provide immediate relief and empower people to become self-sufficient. This involves teaching and investing in ways that help people gain resources and capital, enabling them to break free from constant need. Our ministries should focus on empowering individuals to live out their God-given potential. [40:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Introduction to Biblical Justice
[02:23] - Lady Justice and Misconceptions
[03:16] - Definition of God's Justice
[05:06] - Sin and Punitive Justice
[05:54] - Distribution of Blessings
[06:48] - Justice and Community
[07:46] - Injustice and Oppression
[08:41] - Active Role in Justice
[09:42] - Justice Restores Community
[10:32] - Living Out Justice in Community
[11:21] - Old Testament Examples
[12:38] - Isaiah 56 and Church's Role
[13:46] - Justification and Righteousness
[14:51] - Faith and Works
[15:39] - Practical Application of Justice
[16:40] - Engaging with the World
[17:30] - Radical Generosity
[18:35] - Deuteronomy 24 and Generosity
[19:34] - Leaving Resources for Others
[20:15] - Justice for All
[21:15] - Rights of the Blessed
[22:15] - Protecting Those with Much
[22:56] - Rules for the Needy
[23:50] - Disadvantaging Ourselves
[24:42] - Spirit of Generosity
[25:33] - Tithing and God's Kingdom
[26:05] - God's Generosity
[26:43] - Universal Equality
[27:16] - Leviticus 19 and Fair Judgment
[28:02] - Creation and Equality
[28:51] - Contempt for the Creator
[29:45] - John Calvin on Justice
[30:27] - Practical Application
[31:16] - Seeing the Image of God
[31:54] - Life-Changing Advocacy
[32:45] - Active Consideration
[33:41] - Understanding the Oppressed
[34:14] - Personal Story of Advocacy
[35:02] - Justice as a Human Right
[35:43] - Advocating in the Bible
[36:25] - Jeremiah's Advocacy
[36:54] - God's Command for Justice
[37:31] - Actively Seeking Injustice
[38:16] - Open Eyes for Justice
[38:52] - Ignoring Injustices
[39:43] - Providing Nutritious Food
[40:33] - Shared Responsibility
[41:17] - Direct Relief and Generosity
[41:48] - Give to the Magi
[42:17] - Temporary Fixes
[42:57] - Empowering People
[43:29] - Forms of Capital
[44:07] - Empowering Through Ministries
[44:41] - Children's Ministry
[45:15] - Communion Introduction
[45:55] - Paul's Teaching on Communion
[46:23] - Examining Ourselves
[46:54] - Spiritual Maturity
[47:28] - Weak, Sick, and Asleep
[48:51] - Living with Faith
[49:27] - Avoiding Spiritual Sleep
[50:08] - Reflecting on Justice
[50:47] - Receiving Communion
[51:38] - Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
2. James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
3. Deuteronomy 24:19-21 (ESV): "When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Micah 6:8, what three actions does the Lord require of us? How do these actions relate to the concept of justice discussed in the sermon? [01:42]
2. In James 2:14-17, what is the relationship between faith and works? How does this passage challenge the idea of faith without action? [15:39]
3. Deuteronomy 24:19-21 outlines specific instructions for leaving resources for others. Who are the intended beneficiaries of these actions, and why is this significant in the context of biblical justice? [18:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon distinguish between biblical justice and political or social justice? Why is it important to understand this distinction? [01:42]
2. What does the concept of "radical generosity" entail according to the sermon, and how does it differ from simply giving away all possessions? [18:35]
3. The sermon emphasizes "universal equality." How does this principle reflect the image of God in every human being, and why is it crucial for executing God's justice? [27:16]
4. How does the idea of "life-changing advocacy" go beyond charity, and what does it mean to recognize justice as a human right? [32:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How can you practice "doing justice" in your daily interactions with others? Are there specific areas where you can improve? [01:42]
2. Think about a time when you saw someone in need but did not take action. What prevented you from helping, and how can you overcome such barriers in the future? [15:39]
3. The sermon talks about leaving resources for those in need. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are consistently providing for others without depleting your own resources? [18:35]
4. How can you actively promote universal equality in your community? Are there specific actions you can take to treat everyone with the same respect and standards? [27:16]
5. Consider the concept of life-changing advocacy. Is there a particular group or individual you feel called to advocate for? What steps can you take to understand and address their needs? [32:45]
6. The sermon mentions shared responsibility within the church. How can you contribute to providing immediate relief and empowering others to become self-sufficient? [40:33]
7. Reflect on the idea of seeing the image of God in every person you encounter. How can this perspective change the way you interact with others, especially those in need? [31:54]
Devotional
### Day 1: Biblical Justice Reflects God's Nature
Biblical justice is rooted in God's unchanging nature and is not influenced by political or social agendas. It calls us to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God, focusing on both punishment and the distribution of blessings. This justice restores people to community and meets their needs, reflecting God's love and grace. [01:42]
Biblical justice is a reflection of God's character, which is unchanging and perfect. Unlike political or social justice, which can be swayed by human agendas and biases, biblical justice is grounded in the eternal principles of God's Word. It calls us to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. This form of justice is not just about punishment for wrongdoing but also about the equitable distribution of God's blessings. It aims to restore individuals to their communities and meet their needs, thereby reflecting God's love and grace.
Injustice, therefore, is not merely the act of committing wrongs but also the failure to correct them. When we live out biblical justice, we are participating in God's redemptive work in the world. We are called to be agents of change, bringing about restoration and healing in our communities. This involves both addressing the wrongs and ensuring that blessings are shared equitably among all people. By doing so, we reflect the heart of God and His desire for a just and loving world.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God in your daily interactions this week?
### Day 2: Radical Generosity
We are called to give out of a spirit of generosity, leaving resources for those in need. This is not about selling everything but about consistently providing for others. God's justice involves meeting the needs of the alien, orphan, and widow, reminding us that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. [18:35]
Radical generosity is a key aspect of living out God's justice. It goes beyond the mere act of giving; it is about cultivating a spirit of generosity that consistently seeks to provide for those in need. This does not mean that we are required to sell everything we own, but it does call us to be mindful of how we can use our resources to bless others. God's justice involves meeting the needs of the alien, orphan, and widow, reminding us that we are blessed to be a blessing to others.
In Deuteronomy 24, we see God's command to leave behind resources for the poor and the marginalized. This principle of leaving the edges of the field unharvested for the needy is a powerful reminder that our blessings are not just for our own consumption. We are called to share what we have, ensuring that those who are less fortunate are also provided for. This radical generosity is a tangible expression of God's love and justice in our communities.
Deuteronomy 24:19 (ESV): "When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."
Reflection: What resources can you intentionally set aside this week to bless someone in need?
### Day 3: Universal Equality
God's justice requires that every person be treated with the same respect and standards, regardless of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, or gender. This equality reflects the image of God in every human being and shows that we honor our Creator by treating others fairly. [27:16]
Universal equality is a fundamental aspect of God's justice. It requires that every person be treated with the same respect and standards, regardless of their background. This principle is rooted in the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God. When we treat others fairly and with respect, we honor our Creator and reflect His character in our interactions.
Leviticus 19 emphasizes the importance of fair judgment and equal treatment. It calls us to avoid partiality and to judge our neighbors righteously. This means that our actions and decisions should not be influenced by a person's social status, race, or gender. By upholding universal equality, we create a community that reflects God's justice and love, where everyone is valued and treated with dignity.
Leviticus 19:15 (ESV): "You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor."
Reflection: How can you ensure that you are treating everyone you encounter with the same respect and fairness, regardless of their background?
### Day 4: Life-Changing Advocacy
Christians are called to actively understand and address the needs of the weak and oppressed. This involves significant time and energy to change their life situations, recognizing that justice is a human right, not just charity. We must advocate for others as if we were in their place, showing mercy and compassion. [32:45]
Life-changing advocacy is an essential component of living out God's justice. It calls Christians to actively understand and address the needs of the weak and oppressed. This goes beyond mere acts of charity; it involves significant time and energy to change the life situations of those who are marginalized. Justice is a human right, and we are called to advocate for others as if we were in their place, showing mercy and compassion.
In the Bible, we see numerous examples of advocacy for the oppressed. Jeremiah, for instance, was a prophet who spoke out against the injustices of his time and called for the protection of the vulnerable. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. We must be willing to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, using our voices and resources to bring about change. This is a powerful way to reflect God's justice and love in the world.
Jeremiah 22:3 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place."
Reflection: Who in your community is in need of advocacy? How can you use your voice and resources to stand up for them this week?
### Day 5: Shared Responsibility
The church must provide immediate relief and empower people to become self-sufficient. This involves teaching and investing in ways that help people gain resources and capital, enabling them to break free from constant need. Our ministries should focus on empowering individuals to live out their God-given potential. [40:33]
Shared responsibility is a crucial aspect of living out God's justice within the church. It involves providing immediate relief to those in need while also empowering them to become self-sufficient. This dual approach ensures that we are not just offering temporary fixes but are investing in long-term solutions that help people gain the resources and capital they need to break free from constant need.
The church's role is to teach and invest in ways that empower individuals to live out their God-given potential. This can involve various forms of support, such as educational programs, job training, and financial assistance. By focusing on empowerment, we help individuals build a foundation for a better future, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities. This shared responsibility reflects God's justice and love, as we work together to create a more just and equitable society.
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: How can you contribute to both immediate relief and long-term empowerment for those in need within your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we look at the Bible, maybe we ask, well, who delivers this justice? Well, God does. When we look at the Old Testament, there are stories upon stories of how God renders justice in this aspect I'm talking of distributing benefits upon his children and upon the world. It happens time and time again. And by the time we get to the New Testament, we see Jesus rendering God's justice to those he comes into contact with." [11:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Simply out of love for God and love for neighbor, Christians, those who have been called justified, should be willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community. And we will see that the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves. See, that's what separates us from the world. As Christians, we will disadvantage ourselves." [24:42] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we really hold ourselves accountable as Christians, how we treat other humans, other created beings of God, it will radically change us. So we are to have universal equality. We are also to have life-changing advocacy. We are to advocate for those in need. Psalm 41, 1 begins by saying this, Blessed is the one who gives active consideration to the weak and the poor." [31:54] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are to advocate for the least of us. We are to understand why they are there. We need to be brave enough to ask questions. We are to love on them like Christ loves on us. What's important to understand in this is that Christians are to see the disbursement of justice as a human right and not as charity. This should be how it shapes our view of advocating for people." [35:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We cannot ignore people groups who suffer under no or terrible health care. We cannot ignore people who live in dangerous living conditions. We cannot ignore those who cannot afford not only food, but nutritious food. Let me say that again. Sometimes, man, as a pastor, you see some things, and I know people mean well, but you need to think." [38:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Justice in the Bible very frequently reveals the distribution of benefits based on need. Justice then is very close to love and grace. Various needy groups are the recipients of justice. These groups include widows, fatherless, resident aliens, who are also called sojourners and strangers in the Bible, the poor, the prisoners, slaves, and the sick. Each of these groups have specific needs that keeps its members from being able to participate in aspects of the life of their community." [06:48] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Injustice is depriving others of their basic needs or failing to correct matters when those rights are not met. Injustice is either a sin of commission, or it's a sin of self-righteousness. Injustice is a sin of either commission or omission. Let me say that again. Injustice is a sin of either commission or omission. That means, as we look out into a fallen world, that there are injustices all around us, that there are just some realities in this life, that there are horrible things that occur." [08:41] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If somebody comes to you, somebody comes and wants food or needs clothing, you don't go, you know, I'm going to pray for you and God will deliver. Good luck. But we do that. Church, we do that. Not that harshly, not that rudely. How many times have people come to us and say, you know what, I'll pray for that. And one, we don't pray in that moment. And then two, we don't meet a need." [17:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you give to South Lake, we do things to help people immediately. We have what we call our front door ministry. So we have grocery cards. We have fuel cards. We have ways of helping people who are in dire straits that they are solutions, not to fix the problem, just simply to get them safe and stable. There you go. We've gone that far. That happens because of your generosity. That's why it's radical." [41:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to empower people. And this is very important. You see, if all we do as a church is just, well here's a grocery card, here's a fuel card. And we just give out money. We become socialists. We're just distributing wealth and not actually helping people. In our call as a church, we must empower people. We must help them break the bonds of the things that are holding them down." [42:57] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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