Intro:
Good morning! Matt Flummer teaches today on a challenging, crucial topic: justice. In our Proverbs series, we'll explore biblical justice, contrasting it with secular views to find profound clarity.
Scripture References: Proverbs 1:1-3, 17:23, 29:4, James 2:1-4, Proverbs 18:5, 24:23-24, Isaiah 5:20, Proverbs 11:1, 20:10, 16:8, 16:11, 28:16, Leviticus 19:35-36, Proverbs 6:10-11, 10:4, 13:18, 13:23, 14:21, 14:31, 19:17, 21:26, 31:8-9, Deuteronomy 10:18, Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 21:11-12, Proverbs 21:3, Micah 6:8, Romans 3:10-26
Key Points:
- Defining Justice: Proverbs links justice (Mishpat) and righteousness (Sadech) as inseparable. Secular views often split, focusing on either fairness/equity or freedom/individualism.
- Injustice in Proverbs:
- Bribery (Prov 17:23): Using influence for personal gain, treating people as means.
- Partiality to Wicked (Prov 18:5): Refusing to confront evil within one's "team" for perceived unity.
- Justice in Proverbs:
- Business Dealings (Prov 11:1): Fair measures, honest gain, opposing dishonest practices.
- Treatment of the Poor: Poverty is complex—caused by laziness/foolishness (Prov 6:10-11) AND injustice/oppression (Prov 13:23). Proverbs commands radical generosity regardless of cause (Prov 14:21), honoring God. We must also defend the oppressed (Prov 31:8-9), as God aligns with the vulnerable. Jesus himself identified with the poor.
- Three Takeaways:
- "I and my things are not my own." Our wealth is God's and partly for the poor (gleaning laws). We are stewards; be radically generous.
- Corporate & Individual Responsibility. Bible shows both: families/nations accountable for others' sins, but also individual accountability before God. Hold both truths.
- Justice Linked to Worship. Justice is giving each their due, including God. "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice" (Prov 21:3).
- The Way of Justice: Through the Cross:
- "No one is righteous" (Rom 3:10). We can't be just on our own.
- God's righteousness is manifested through faith in Jesus (Rom 3:21-26). He is both just and our justifier. The cross is ultimate justice.
Conclusion:
We can't achieve justice alone. Trust Jesus, who is just and justifies us. Practicing justice pleases God, made possible by Him.
Call to Action:
At worship, ask the Spirit to reveal injustice in your life (e.g., treating people as means). Submit to Jesus. The communion table symbolizes His ultimate act of justice. Come and receive His body broken and blood shed for you.
Support the show
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.
