Pressure Points – Part 4: Social Justice
Genesis 3:1-6
Biblical vs. political: Equal justice for all people under the law vs forceful redistribution of wealth.
The Bible calls for justice:
“Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.” Leviticus 19:15 (p.94)
- A Just Society Upholds Righteousness And Actively Opposes Evil.
What’s the problem? Genesis 3:1-6 sin entered the world.
We are not God:
“For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3 (p.457)
We are all equally His creation, created in His image:
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (p.3)
We are not created the same as others:
“I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives…” Ecclesiastes 9:11 (p.509)
Series Memory Verse: “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”
Romans 12:16 (p.866)
What should we do?
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8–9 (p.503)
- Speak up.
- Ensure justice.
- Defend the rights of the poor and helpless.
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (p.892)
My Next Step This Week: ____ I will pray daily, “Lord, help me, as a follower of Jesus, to live out your principles of loving my neighbor, the one in need, as I love myself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)