True Justice: Rooted in God, Not Human Efforts
Summary
Today’s focus is on the deep longing for justice and meaning in a world that is so often marked by brokenness, oppression, and disappointment. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3–5, we are confronted with the sobering reality that, under the sun, even our best efforts at justice, activism, and reform are ultimately fleeting if they are not rooted in God. Solomon, despite his wisdom and power, saw that even the courts—places meant for righteousness—were filled with wickedness. This is not just a lament, but a warning: human systems, no matter how noble, cannot deliver the justice our hearts crave apart from the Author of life.
We are reminded that our definitions of fairness and justice are limited and ever-changing, shaped by our own experiences and desires. Like a child crying, “That’s not fair,” we often pursue justice that serves ourselves. Solomon’s words challenge us to see that, without God, our striving is vanity—chasing after the wind. True justice, he says, belongs to God alone. Human courts and governments are temporary, but God’s judgment is sure and eternal. Our hope must be anchored in His sovereignty, not in the shifting sands of human effort.
But this is not a call to apathy. Scripture is clear: God loves justice, and we are called to act, to defend the vulnerable, and to care for the oppressed. Yet, even our compassion can become vanity if it is not rooted in the gospel. We are not called to be saviors, but servants—bearing witness to the only One who can bring perfect justice. Our activism must be soaked in humility, our compassion fueled by Christ’s love, and our actions anchored in the Word.
Solomon’s final challenge is to examine how we use whatever power or influence we have. Are we using it to serve others, as Christ did, or to secure our own place? Politics and systems can restrain evil, but they cannot produce good hearts. Only the gospel can do that. In the end, all human efforts will fade, but the Lamb who was slain and the Lion who reigns will endure. Our hope is not in donkeys or elephants, but in Jesus. Until He returns, let us use our power for people, not politics, and let our lives proclaim the justice and mercy of the gospel.
Key Takeaways
- Justice Without God Is Vanity
Solomon’s wisdom reveals that all human efforts at justice, activism, and reform are ultimately empty if they are not rooted in God’s character and sovereignty. Our definitions of fairness are limited and self-serving, and even the best systems are corrupted by fallen hearts. True and lasting justice can only be found in God, whose judgment is perfect and whose timing is sure. [45:32]
- Compassion Must Lead to Gospel Action
It is not enough to simply see or feel the pain of the oppressed; we are called to act. Yet, if our compassion is not anchored in the gospel, it becomes self-righteousness or another form of idolatry. Real care for the oppressed means moving beyond slogans and protests to sacrificial, gospel-driven action that points people to the true Comforter. [01:06:10]
- Power Is for Service, Not Self-Advancement
Whatever influence or authority we have is a gift to be used for the good of others, not for building our own name or securing our place in the system. Christ modeled this by using His power to serve, suffer, and save. We are called to follow His example, using our resources and positions to cultivate, bless, and point others to the King. [01:14:26]
- The Gospel Alone Heals the Root Problem
All human systems—politics, activism, social reform—can only patch the surface of injustice. They cannot heal the heart or produce true righteousness. Only the gospel, where justice and mercy meet at the cross, can transform hearts, forgive sin, and bring lasting hope. Our activism must always be paired with the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel. [01:19:52]
- Hope in Christ, Not in Human Systems
We live in a world that is deeply broken, and we are part of the problem. But God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to bear the ultimate injustice so that we could be forgiven and made new. Our hope is not in political parties, activism, or our own goodness, but in the Lamb who was slain and the Lion who reigns. Until He returns, let us be marked by gospel truth, sacrificial service, and a heavenly hope. [01:21:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:37] - Praying for the Sick and VBS
[22:05] - Lifting Up Those Who Grieve
[23:24] - Dependent Prayer and God’s Faithfulness
[39:43] - Honoring Fathers and Introduction to Ecclesiastes
[41:22] - The Reality of Injustice and Human Limitation
[43:06] - The Vanity of Justice Apart from God
[45:32] - Where Is Your Hope Rooted?
[46:51] - Do We See the Injustice Around Us?
[49:22] - The Corruption of Human Systems
[52:27] - The Limits of Human Justice
[56:16] - The Mission: Gospel Over Activism
[01:03:03] - Do We Care About the Oppressed?
[01:12:38] - Are We Using Power to Serve Others?
[01:19:19] - The Gospel: The Only Lasting Solution
[01:23:21] - Responding to God’s Call
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Justice, Compassion, and the Gospel (Ecclesiastes 3–5)
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### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 3:16–22; 4:1–3; 5:8–9
(Main text: Solomon’s reflections on injustice, oppression, and the limits of human systems)
- Micah 6:8
(“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?”)
- Philippians 2:5–8
(Jesus’ example of using power to serve and sacrifice for others)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 3:16–17, where does Solomon see wickedness and injustice taking place? What is his response to this? [41:22]
2. In Ecclesiastes 4:1, what does Solomon notice about the oppressed and those in power? What is missing for the oppressed? [01:03:03]
3. In Ecclesiastes 5:8–9, what does Solomon say about the presence of oppression and the structure of power? How does he describe the cycle of authority? [01:12:38]
4. According to Micah 6:8, what three things does God require of His people?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon say that even the courts—places meant for justice—are filled with wickedness? What does this reveal about the limits of human systems? [49:22]
2. The sermon says our definitions of fairness and justice are limited and self-serving, like a child crying “That’s not fair.” How does this perspective challenge the way we pursue justice? [46:51]
3. The pastor said, “Justice apart from God, it’s vanity. It’s like chasing after the wind.” What does it mean for justice or activism to be “vanity” if not rooted in God? [45:32]
4. How does Jesus’ example in Philippians 2 challenge the way we use whatever power or influence we have? [01:17:24]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warns against putting our hope in human systems, politics, or activism. Where do you find yourself tempted to place your hope for justice or change? How can you shift your hope to God’s sovereignty instead? [45:32]
2. The pastor shared that sometimes we care more about being right or about our own glory than about God’s mission. Can you think of a time when your pursuit of justice or “rightness” was more about yourself than about serving others or honoring God? What would it look like to repent and change in that area? [56:16]
3. The sermon challenged us to move beyond slogans and protests to sacrificial, gospel-driven action. Is there a specific injustice or need (like foster care, poverty, or loneliness) that you feel burdened about? What is one concrete step you could take this month to serve or advocate for the vulnerable in a way that points to Jesus? [01:07:31]
4. The pastor said, “We’ll ride on a bus to D.C. but won’t cross the street to help a neighbor.” What are some practical barriers that keep you from serving those in need nearby? How can you overcome one of those barriers this week? [01:08:36]
5. Are there ways you have used your influence, resources, or authority to secure your own place or reputation, rather than to serve others? What is one way you can intentionally use your power to bless someone else this week? [01:14:26]
6. The sermon said, “Only the gospel can truly comfort the afflicted.” When you see brokenness or injustice, do you tend to respond with gospel hope, or with cynicism or despair? How can you remind yourself of the hope of Christ in those moments? [01:19:52]
7. The pastor closed by saying, “Let your compassion lead to action. Let your actions be soaked in scripture.” What is one area of your life where you need to move from good intentions or feelings to actual gospel-shaped action? [01:22:13]
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Close in prayer, asking God to anchor your hope in Him, to give you humility, and to empower you to serve others with gospel-driven compassion and justice.
Devotional
Day 1: Ultimate Justice Belongs to God, Not Human Systems
Solomon reminds us that while we long for justice and strive to build systems that are fair, human efforts are always limited and tainted by our own fallen nature. Even the best courts and leaders can become corrupt, and our definitions of fairness shift with our own desires and experiences. True and lasting justice is not found in human institutions but in the hands of God, who alone judges righteously and perfectly in His time. Our hope must be rooted in His sovereignty, trusting that even when justice seems delayed or absent, God is orchestrating all things for good and will ultimately make all things right. [50:51]
Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 (ESV)
"Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work."
Reflection: Where in your life have you been tempted to put your hope in human systems or leaders for justice, and how can you intentionally shift your trust to God’s perfect judgment today?
Day 2: Justice Without the Gospel Is Vanity
Pursuing justice apart from God’s purpose and the gospel leads only to frustration and emptiness. Our efforts, no matter how noble, cannot solve the root problem of injustice because they are shaped by our limited understanding and fallen hearts. True justice is only possible when it is anchored in the gospel, pointing people to the only One who is truly just. Without the transforming power of Christ, our activism becomes another form of idolatry, serving our own pride rather than God’s glory. [01:00:25]
Romans 9:14-16 (ESV)
"What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."
Reflection: Think of a cause you care deeply about—how can you ensure your pursuit of justice in this area is rooted in the gospel and not just in your own effort or emotion?
Day 3: Caring for the Oppressed Requires Gospel-Driven Action
It is not enough to simply see or speak about injustice; God calls us to act with compassion that is rooted in His truth. True care for the oppressed means moving beyond words to sacrificial, gospel-driven action—serving, comforting, and advocating for those in need, not for our own recognition but to reflect Christ’s love. When our compassion is fueled by the Spirit and anchored in Scripture, it brings real hope and healing; otherwise, it becomes empty self-righteousness. [01:07:31]
James 1:27 (ESV)
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: Who is someone in your community or circle who is hurting or overlooked? What is one concrete step you can take this week to bring comfort or support to them in the name of Jesus?
Day 4: Use Power and Influence to Serve, Not Dominate
God entrusts each of us with some measure of influence or authority, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. The biblical model of leadership is not about self-promotion or control, but about using power to serve, bless, and cultivate good for others—just as Jesus did. When our hearts are aligned with God’s purposes, our leadership becomes a gift; when we seek our own gain, it becomes another form of vanity. [01:14:26]
Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 (ESV)
"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. But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you have influence or authority, and how can you intentionally use it this week to serve and lift up others rather than seeking your own advantage?
Day 5: The Gospel Is the Only Lasting Solution to Brokenness
All human efforts to fix injustice, oppression, or brokenness are ultimately limited by sin and mortality. The good news is that God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to bear the ultimate injustice on our behalf, offering forgiveness, new life, and a heart transformed by grace. Only the gospel can heal hearts, bring true justice, and give hope that endures beyond this world. As believers, we are called to step into the world’s brokenness with humility, proclaiming and living out the gospel, trusting that Jesus alone will make all things right. [01:21:35]
Romans 3:23-24 (ESV)
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness or injustice you see around you that feels overwhelming? How can you bring the hope of the gospel into that situation, trusting Jesus to do what only He can do?
Quotes
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