Understanding Justice: A Biblical Perspective on Righteousness
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we had the privilege of honoring Dwayne and Jackie Anderson, who have spent the last 19 years serving as missionaries in Ethiopia. They left behind a comfortable life to train surgeons and disciple them, impacting not just Ethiopia but the entire continent of Africa. Their work has opened doors for us to further engage in Ethiopia and Uganda, where we are now invited to train pastors and plant churches. In a couple of weeks, we will be taking a special offering to support these initiatives.
We also began a new series titled "Lost in Translation," focusing on biblical words whose meanings have been altered by culture. Today, we explored the word "justice." In our society, terms like "social justice" are often used without a clear understanding of their biblical roots. Justice, in its true sense, is deeply connected to righteousness. A just person is a righteous person, and justice involves righteous consequences for wrongdoing.
We live in a world that often denies absolute truth, making the concept of justice confusing. Without an objective standard of right and wrong, social justice becomes arbitrary. However, as Christians, we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, which provides us with God's unchanging standards of righteousness and justice.
God created a perfect world, but human sin introduced injustice. Despite this, God has a plan to bring ultimate justice. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins, offering us righteousness through faith. This divine intervention allows us to be justified and transformed by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to contribute positively to society.
As Christians, we are called to be agents of biblical social justice. This means not only addressing the symptoms of injustice but also pointing people to the ultimate source of justice and righteousness—Jesus Christ. We are to speak up for the marginalized, defend the rights of the poor, and bring the message of reconciliation to a broken world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Sacrifice and Faith: Dwayne and Jackie Anderson's decision to leave a comfortable life to serve in Ethiopia exemplifies the power of sacrifice and faith. Their work has had a ripple effect, impacting not just Ethiopia but the entire continent of Africa. This reminds us that stepping out in faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. [25:56]
2. The Importance of Biblical Definitions: Words like "justice" and "righteousness" have specific meanings in the Bible that are often lost in cultural reinterpretations. Understanding these words in their original biblical context is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith and ensuring that we live according to God's standards. [30:54]
3. Objective Truth and Justice: In a world that often denies absolute truth, the concept of justice becomes confusing and arbitrary. As Christians, we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, which provides us with an objective standard of right and wrong. This belief anchors our understanding of justice and guides our actions in a morally relativistic society. [40:55]
4. God's Plan for Ultimate Justice: Despite the presence of injustice in the world, God has a plan to bring ultimate justice. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins, offering us righteousness through faith. This divine intervention allows us to be justified and transformed by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to contribute positively to society. [53:13]
5. Biblical Social Justice: True social justice, according to the Bible, involves more than just addressing the symptoms of injustice. It requires pointing people to Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of justice and righteousness. As Christians, we are called to speak up for the marginalized, defend the rights of the poor, and bring the message of reconciliation to a broken world. [01:03:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:56] - Honoring Dwayne and Jackie Anderson
[27:42] - Impact of Their Work in Ethiopia
[29:20] - Upcoming Special Offering
[30:54] - Introduction to "Lost in Translation" Series
[32:27] - The Inerrancy of Scripture
[34:01] - The Danger of Changing Biblical Words
[35:24] - 2 Timothy 3:14-17
[37:11] - Understanding Justice and Righteousness
[40:55] - The Confusion of Social Justice
[43:54] - The Need for Boundaries in Inclusivity
[45:17] - The Objective Standard of God's Truth
[46:52] - The Origin of Injustice
[50:04] - God's Patience and Justice
[53:13] - God's Plan for Ultimate Justice
[01:03:21] - Biblical Social Justice
[01:09:20] - Communion and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:14-17: "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2. Romans 3:19-26: "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
3. Proverbs 31:8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
### Observation Questions
1. What sacrifices did Dwayne and Jackie Anderson make to serve as missionaries in Ethiopia? [25:56]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture?
3. How does Romans 3:19-26 describe the process of being justified by faith?
4. What actions does Proverbs 31:8-9 encourage us to take on behalf of the marginalized?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Dwayne and Jackie Anderson illustrate the power of sacrifice and faith in a Christian's life? [25:56]
2. In what ways can the cultural reinterpretation of biblical words like "justice" and "righteousness" impact our understanding of Scripture? [30:54]
3. How does the belief in the inerrancy of Scripture provide an objective standard for justice and righteousness in a morally relativistic society? [40:55]
4. What does it mean to be agents of biblical social justice, and how does this differ from secular views of social justice? [01:03:21]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a significant sacrifice for your faith. How did it impact you and those around you? [25:56]
2. How can you ensure that your understanding of biblical terms like "justice" and "righteousness" remains true to their original meanings? [30:54]
3. In what ways can you actively defend the rights of the poor and needy in your community, as encouraged in Proverbs 31:8-9?
4. How can you use your belief in the inerrancy of Scripture to navigate conversations about justice in a world that often denies absolute truth? [40:55]
5. Identify a specific area of injustice in your community. What steps can you take to address it while pointing people to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of justice and righteousness? [01:03:21]
6. How can you balance speaking up for the marginalized with the need to maintain biblical truth and righteousness in your actions and words? [01:06:18]
7. Think of a person or group in your life who is marginalized or facing injustice. What practical steps can you take this week to support and advocate for them in a way that reflects Christ's love and justice? [01:04:48]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Sacrifice and Faith
Dwayne and Jackie Anderson's decision to leave behind a comfortable life to serve as missionaries in Ethiopia is a powerful testament to the impact of sacrifice and faith. Their work in training surgeons and discipling them has not only transformed lives in Ethiopia but has also had a ripple effect across the entire continent of Africa. This example reminds us that stepping out in faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. Their story encourages us to consider what sacrifices we might be called to make in our own lives to further God's kingdom. [25:56]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a tangible step towards that calling today?
Day 2: The Importance of Biblical Definitions
Words like "justice" and "righteousness" have specific meanings in the Bible that are often lost in cultural reinterpretations. Understanding these words in their original biblical context is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith and ensuring that we live according to God's standards. In today's society, terms like "social justice" are frequently used without a clear understanding of their biblical roots. As Christians, it is essential to ground our understanding of these concepts in Scripture to avoid being swayed by cultural trends. [30:54]
Isaiah 1:17 (ESV): "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of biblical justice and righteousness? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions align with these biblical principles?
Day 3: Objective Truth and Justice
In a world that often denies absolute truth, the concept of justice becomes confusing and arbitrary. As Christians, we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, which provides us with an objective standard of right and wrong. This belief anchors our understanding of justice and guides our actions in a morally relativistic society. Without an objective standard, social justice can become subjective and inconsistent. By adhering to the unchanging standards of God's Word, we can navigate the complexities of justice with clarity and conviction. [40:55]
Psalm 119:160 (ESV): "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."
Reflection: In what ways do you see the denial of absolute truth affecting society's understanding of justice? How can you uphold and promote God's objective truth in your daily interactions?
Day 4: God's Plan for Ultimate Justice
Despite the presence of injustice in the world, God has a plan to bring ultimate justice. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins, offering us righteousness through faith. This divine intervention allows us to be justified and transformed by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to contribute positively to society. God's plan for justice is not limited to addressing immediate wrongs but encompasses the ultimate restoration of all things. As believers, we can find hope and motivation in knowing that God's justice will prevail. [53:13]
Romans 3:25-26 (ESV): "Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
Reflection: How does understanding God's plan for ultimate justice influence your perspective on current injustices? What role can you play in reflecting God's justice in your community?
Day 5: Biblical Social Justice
True social justice, according to the Bible, involves more than just addressing the symptoms of injustice. It requires pointing people to Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of justice and righteousness. As Christians, we are called to speak up for the marginalized, defend the rights of the poor, and bring the message of reconciliation to a broken world. This holistic approach to justice not only seeks to alleviate immediate suffering but also aims to transform hearts and minds through the gospel. [01:03:21]
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: Who are the marginalized individuals in your community that you can advocate for? How can you incorporate the message of Jesus Christ into your efforts for social justice?
Quotes
1. "We believe in the inerrancy of scripture. What that means is, is that we believe God inspired the word of God, protected the word of God. He used human authors, but as they were writing, he was interjecting and working with them to create the scriptures. We believe that because that's what the Old Testament that the Jews believed about the Old Testament, including Jesus, the son of God said about the Old Testament." [32:27] (27 seconds)
2. "The devil doesn't mind if we use the word church, for instance, as long as we don't define that word the way God defined it. The devil will take that word, make it mean something that the New Testament doesn't, that the scriptures don't imply or teach, or that the Holy Spirit didn't speak about. He doesn't mind. He doesn't mind if we use the word, change the meaning, because the word loses its power and significance when the definition of the word is changed." [34:01] (60 seconds)
3. "All scripture is God-breathed and it's useful for what? What? Teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in what? Righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. So here's what scripture does. It points you to salvation in Christ, but it tells you what is right and what is wrong according to God. All scripture, that's where, he supplied that for us. What does it do? It corrects us, trains us, teaches us in righteousness." [36:30] (36 seconds)
4. "We live in a world right now that says, what is true for you is true for you. And what is true for me is true for me. Would you agree with that? That's what we believe, you know, you have your truth. I have my truth and that's always been true subjectively, meaning I like to go hunting. You don't like to go hunting. For me, hunting is great. For you, hunting may not be great. So, you know, that's a subjective truth. But when you're talking about objective truth, that which is just or righteous, now we're talking about something that is right." [40:07] (40 seconds)
5. "There is a standard, an objective standard of that which is right and wrong. And we Christians believe that there is. We Christians believe that, at least historic Christians, I get there are people that call themselves Christians, but they don't get their definitions from the Bible. But historic Christians, those who believe in historic Christianity as it was given to us, believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. And we believe that it contains the truth. And we believe that it contains the truth. And we believe that it contains the objective standards of God, the absolute moral truths that are true for everybody in all seasons and times." [45:17] (38 seconds)
6. "God is a God of righteousness and holiness and love and every command he's ever given. Actually, if you break it, it comes with a consequence to yourself and to others. And God's standards are built in based on his character, and they are unchanging because he is unchanging. As you start to unpack this with me, let's look into the question of where did injustice come from? Where did injustice come from? Where did injustice come from? Where did injustice come from?" [46:52] (33 seconds)
7. "Just because God doesn't do something immediately doesn't mean he's not going to do something. And the Bible is very clear that God allows the world to continue on in this state for several different reasons. Let me just give you a couple. First, sometimes for many of us, for me, my parents could say all the right things. But as I grew, I had the ability to make choices, and I chose not to believe them. I chose to decide that I was going to make up my own. I chose to make up my own. I chose to make up my own. I chose to make up my own rules and do my own thing." [48:32] (32 seconds)
8. "God has intervened into the world and he has sent his only son. I want you to read with me. In Romans chapter three, verse 19, listen to this, Romans 3, 19. It says, Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. So he goes on, So here's what Paul's saying. The lawgiver who gave the righteous law, and again, I'm not saying he gave the righteous law, but he gave the righteous law, but he gave the righteous law." [54:46] (39 seconds)
9. "When you think about justice, that which is just, we've been declared unrighteous, but Jesus was just. He was righteous. Justice is the penalty for sin, the consequences for sin have to be paid. Jesus paid those consequences for us, and his grace, by grace, through faith, was poured into our life so that we could be declared righteous or justified. Now, as you start to understand this, what has God been doing? What is he doing? He's declared a day, but he's been making it possible for all of us who sinned, who have come to repentance." [01:00:07] (46 seconds)
10. "There is just righteousness. There is justice consequences. There is a king of salvation and love that wants to take those consequences. There is the Holy spirit who moves into our heart and makes us somebody who sees sin and weeps at it because we see what it's doing to hurt people. And we can step in and be used by God to lift up the hurting, to lift up the broken and point them to there's something bigger and better that God has for all of us. And that's what we're talking about when we're talking about biblical social justice." [01:07:33] (46 seconds)
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