Living Righteously Amidst Delayed Justice and Prosperity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Ecclesiastes 8:10-13, exploring the perplexing reality of why bad things happen to good people and why the wicked often seem to prosper. Solomon's observations remind us that justice is often delayed, and this delay can lead people to continue in their wicked ways. However, Solomon assures us that it will ultimately be well with those who fear God, even if they don't see immediate rewards.
The essence of our discussion is the call to do right for the sake of doing right, not for any perceived benefits or rewards. This is a challenging concept in a world that often values shortcuts and immediate gratification. We are encouraged to live righteously because it is what God commands, and it reflects His character. This kind of living is not about earning God's favor but about responding to His grace and goodness.
We also touched on the broader societal issues that reflect the brokenness of our world—inequality, injustice, and the constant struggle for a fair and just society. These issues remind us that our ultimate hope and justice are found in God. The awareness of what is wrong in the world points us to the existence of an absolute right, which is rooted in God's perfect nature.
In conclusion, our motivation to live rightly should stem from a desire to glorify God and reflect His image, not from a desire for personal gain. This is a call to a deeper, more genuine faith that stands firm even when the rewards are not immediately visible.
### Key Takeaways
1. Delayed Justice and Human Behavior: Solomon observes that because justice is not executed speedily, people are emboldened to continue in their wicked ways. This delay in justice can be frustrating, but it serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and ultimate justice will prevail. Our role is to remain steadfast in doing right, trusting that God sees and will act in His time. [01:09:42]
2. The True Reward of Fearing God: The real benefit of fearing God is not in the tangible rewards we might receive but in the reverence and relationship we develop with Him. This fear is about holding God in high esteem and living in a way that honors Him, regardless of the immediate outcomes. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly rewards to eternal values. [01:11:21]
3. Living Right in a Broken World: The awareness of the world's brokenness and our yearning for justice point to the existence of an absolute right, which is rooted in God's nature. This understanding should drive us to live rightly, not because of the benefits we might receive, but because it aligns us with God's perfect will and character. [01:07:36]
4. Doing Right for the Sake of Right: Our motivation to do right should be grounded in the desire to glorify God and reflect His image. This means living righteously even when it is inconvenient or when the rewards are not immediately visible. It is about embodying the character of God in our daily lives and interactions. [01:18:16]
5. Reflecting God's Image: We are created in the image of God, and our good works should reflect His character. This involves living contrary to the evil around us and making choices that honor God. Our actions should be a response to God's grace, not an attempt to earn His favor. This genuine faith and obedience glorify God and make Him known to others. [01:20:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[56:48] - Marvel Movie Mention
[57:27] - Upcoming Christian Hip-Hop Event
[58:11] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 8:10-13
[59:49] - The Problem of Delayed Justice
[01:00:40] - Doing Right for the Sake of Right
[01:01:02] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:02:30] - Current Events and Injustice
[01:03:40] - Living in Light of Eternity
[01:04:12] - Understanding Solomon's Perspective
[01:05:15] - The Reality of Inequality
[01:06:28] - The Evidence of Absolute Right
[01:07:02] - The Existence of a Perfect God
[01:08:13] - Solomon's Advice on Righteous Living
[01:09:16] - The Vanity of Wickedness
[01:10:26] - The Hypothetical Sinner
[01:11:21] - The True Reward of Fearing God
[01:12:31] - Reverence and Holiness
[01:13:13] - Cultural Opposition to Reverence
[01:14:26] - The Fate of the Wicked
[01:15:52] - False Prophets and True Motivation
[01:17:01] - The Rich Young Ruler
[01:18:16] - Doing Right for the Sake of Right
[01:19:33] - Created for Good Works
[01:20:59] - Reflecting God's Image
[01:22:09] - Jesus' Teaching on Good Works
[01:23:30] - Final Exhortation to Do Right
[01:24:59] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 (ESV): "Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily. The heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 8:10-13, what is Solomon's observation about the wicked and their fate?
2. What does Solomon say about the behavior of people when justice is delayed? ([59:08])
3. How does Solomon describe the ultimate outcome for those who fear God versus those who do not? ([01:11:21])
4. What does the sermon suggest is the primary motivation for living righteously? ([01:00:40])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon believe that delayed justice leads people to continue in their wicked ways? ([01:09:42])
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of fearing God and its true reward? ([01:11:21])
3. In what ways does the awareness of the world's brokenness point to the existence of an absolute right, according to the sermon? ([01:07:36])
4. How does the sermon challenge the common belief that good deeds should be done for tangible rewards? ([01:18:16])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt frustrated by delayed justice. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Solomon's observations? ([59:49])
2. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a reverence for God in your daily life, even when immediate rewards are not visible? ([01:11:52])
3. Think about a societal issue that deeply troubles you. How can your awareness of this issue drive you to live in a way that reflects God's perfect will and character? ([01:07:36])
4. Identify an area in your life where you are tempted to take shortcuts or seek immediate gratification. How can you commit to doing right for the sake of glorifying God instead? ([01:00:40])
5. Consider a situation where you have done the right thing but did not receive any recognition or reward. How can you find motivation in knowing that your actions reflect God's image? ([01:20:59])
6. How can you encourage others in your community to live righteously, not for personal gain, but to glorify God? ([01:18:16])
7. Is there a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to live rightly, even though it may be inconvenient or challenging? How can you take a step towards obedience this week? ([01:24:59])
Devotional
Day 1: The Challenge of Delayed Justice
Description: Solomon's observation in Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 highlights a perplexing reality: justice is often delayed, and this delay can embolden people to continue in their wicked ways. This can be frustrating and disheartening, especially when we see the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. However, Solomon assures us that God's timing is perfect, and ultimate justice will prevail. Our role is to remain steadfast in doing right, trusting that God sees and will act in His time. This perspective requires faith and patience, as we may not see immediate rewards for our righteous actions. Instead, we are called to trust in God's perfect timing and His promise of ultimate justice. [01:09:42]
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (ESV): "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt frustrated by the delay of justice. How can you trust in God's perfect timing and continue to do right despite not seeing immediate results?
Day 2: The True Reward of Fearing God
Description: The real benefit of fearing God is not found in tangible rewards but in the reverence and relationship we develop with Him. Fearing God means holding Him in high esteem and living in a way that honors Him, regardless of the immediate outcomes. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly rewards to eternal values. It encourages us to live righteously because it aligns us with God's perfect will and character. This kind of living is not about earning God's favor but about responding to His grace and goodness. By fearing God, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, which is the true reward. [01:11:21]
Proverbs 22:4 (ESV): "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking earthly rewards to cultivating a deeper relationship with God? How can you honor Him in your daily actions?
Day 3: Living Right in a Broken World
Description: The awareness of the world's brokenness and our yearning for justice point to the existence of an absolute right, which is rooted in God's nature. This understanding should drive us to live rightly, not because of the benefits we might receive, but because it aligns us with God's perfect will and character. In a world filled with inequality, injustice, and brokenness, our actions should reflect God's nature and His desire for justice and righteousness. By living rightly, we become beacons of hope and examples of God's love and justice in a broken world. [01:07:36]
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 be a beacon of hope and justice in your community? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's nature in a broken world?
Day 4: Doing Right for the Sake of Right
Description: Our motivation to do right should be grounded in the desire to glorify God and reflect His image. This means living righteously even when it is inconvenient or when the rewards are not immediately visible. It is about embodying the character of God in our daily lives and interactions. By doing right for the sake of right, we demonstrate our commitment to God's commands and our desire to honor Him. This kind of living requires a deep, genuine faith that stands firm even when the rewards are not immediately apparent. It is a call to live with integrity and purpose, reflecting God's character in all that we do. [01:18:16]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you find it challenging to do right without expecting immediate rewards? How can you commit to doing right for the sake of glorifying God?
Day 5: Reflecting God's Image
Description: We are created in the image of God, and our good works should reflect His character. This involves living contrary to the evil around us and making choices that honor God. Our actions should be a response to God's grace, not an attempt to earn His favor. By reflecting God's image, we glorify Him and make Him known to others. This genuine faith and obedience demonstrate our commitment to living according to God's will and character. It is a call to live in a way that reflects God's love, justice, and righteousness, making a positive impact on those around us. [01:20:59]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How can your actions today reflect God's character and grace? What specific steps can you take to live in a way that honors God and makes Him known to others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Wrong is happening all around us. Amen? And you got examples that came to your mind instantly without me bringing anything out. And justice never seems fast enough. Can I get another? Another amen. And the challenge is a lot of people struggle. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why, if God is there, does he not just stop this stuff? And why, when you try to live right, is it so hard and sometimes so less rewarding and so fruitless?" [59:49] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Knowing that things are not right is our greatest evidence that an absolute right exists. Knowing that things are not right. When you're bothered, when you see something off, when you see something painful, when something fires you up or brings you to tears or makes you furious, and you know, they're not supposed to be treated like this. This shouldn't happen. They shouldn't treat God's name like this. They shouldn't treat those people like that." [01:07:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do right for the glory of God and for the good of others. That's it. Maybe this is remedial to you. Maybe this is a reminder. Maybe this is refreshing. I don't know. But I just want you to do good for the glory of God and for the good of others." [01:23:30] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We do right because we were created to do right things. We're made in the image of God. We weren't created to live outside of his will in creation, in relationships, in our life. Matter of fact, Ephesians 2.10 says it this way, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good, works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [01:19:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. What is your light? It's living contrary to all of the evil that's around us. To not get frustrated when you see it going left and then decide we got to fight fire with fire and think that's for the glory of God." [01:22:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In a world committed to shortcuts, conveniences, and evils, those who name the name of Christ must be dedicated to doing simple sake of doing right. Not for perceived rewards and not because if I do this, God's going to bless me or this is going to... but it is the thing God told us to do. And that has to be our resolve no matter how hard we try. No matter how inconvenient that may be some days." [01:00:40] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God because they fear before him. He doesn't say because they're going to get longer life, because they're going to be blessed, because they're going to do great things a hundred times over, and they're going to get praised in the holy city. And because they're going to... He doesn't say any of that." [01:11:21] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The tangible benefits of this life seem to swing to the wicked, but Solomon, the richest man on earth at this time, we believe, says despite all this money I have, all these things I've achieved, all this stuff I've amassed, and all the things I've tried to find pleasure in, where I land at the end of this book of wisdom is the best thing for all of us is to fear God and to know him." [01:14:26] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We do right to glorify God and the one who made us, not to earn anything. Now, if there are tangible benefits for some right that you do, praise God, enjoy them. Nothing wrong with that. If you treat somebody right and they take care of you, cool, praise God. That's how my wife and I live. But at the end of the day, that is not the motivation to do that." [01:20:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We do right because that's our created purpose. We do right because we were created to do right things. We're made in the image of God. We weren't created to live outside of his will in creation, in relationships, in our life. Matter of fact, Ephesians 2.10 says it this way, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good, works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [01:19:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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