Pressure Points – Part 4
One Thing: A Just Society Upholds Righteousness and Actively Opposes Evil
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)
Bible Background: Sin Entered the World, Genesis 3:1-6 (p.4)
Highlighted Alive Church Value: Influence Daily and Serve Selflessly
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Have you ever stood up and defended someone who was somehow slighted, picked on, bullied, or mistreated by others or by society? Why did you do it? How did it go?
WEEKEND REVIEW
A Just Society Upholds Righteousness and Actively Opposes Evil
- Speak up.
- Ensure justice.
- Defend the rights of the poor and helpless.
// Was there anything that stood out to you on A Just Society Upholds Righteousness and Actively Opposes Evil, that challenged you, or maybe even confused you? Explain.
// Was there anything from Scripture this weekend that you had a question about or needed clarification on?
NEXT STEP
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)
// Pastor Jeff shared that we tend to ‘judge others by their actions but ourselves by our intentions’. Where do you see yourself doing that?
// You heard about Convoy of Hope and their efforts with Hurricane Helene and our efforts, Serve Our Church, and Serve Our City which one can you commit to so you can live out the value of Serve Selflessly?
EXPLORING SCRIPTURE
// Read Genesis 3:1-6 (p.4)
- How did eating the fruit and sin entering our life impact our connection with a just and righteous God?
// Read Leviticus 19:11-18 (p.94)
- What do these verses have to do with us? How does that make you feel?
- In the weekend talk we also heard about justice and righteousness. How would you describe biblical justice? How would you define the idea of righteousness?
- Do you feel that you judge people fairly according to God’s standard?
- How does it feel to be judged by a standard other than God’s?
// Read Matthew 5:17-20 (p.736)
- After Jesus talked about his followers being the ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world’ he shared what he came to do here on earth. What are we called to do as his followers?
- So if we ‘let our good deeds shine out for all to see’ then how can I, in my own life, then actively oppose evil and promote justice?
- What questions do you still have after reading this that you would ask Jesus?
DIGGING DEEPER
The purpose of digging deeper is to challenge you to continue learning and asking God for guidance as you take your next step this week.
Application:
// Read Revelations 7:9-10 (p.953)
The end result is decided. We know what will happen but what is our part as followers of Jesus?
Prayerfully create a plan for how you can now live out the values of Serving Selflessly and Influencing Daily bringing about justice for those that cannot defend themselves in an unjust and sinful society. What can you do to help ensure justice and defend their rights?