Justice
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
I want justice.
We want justice.
How will we get it?
Introduction
• In light of recent events, it is appropriate
to devote our attention to the theme of
justice.
• What is said herein is applicable during
most cases of civil unrest.
• We will not dwell on the particulars of
who perpetrated what against whom, or
why; we’ll simply address the theme.
CIVIL RIGHTS SHOULD BE ADVOCATED
• Acts 22:22-29
Paul once invoked his rights as a Roman citizen to
spare himself from unnecessary harm.
• Acts 16:16-24, 35-39
On another occasion, the apostle had already
suffered illegitimate oppression when he
mentioned his civil rights, demanding a personal
appearance from the magistrates before
cooperating with them.
• Proverbs 29:2
It is appropriate to express disapproval with
government corruption.
AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE RESPECTED
• Romans 13:1-7
Despite the fact that Paul had suffered the violation
of his rights on multiple occasions, he still insisted
that governing authorities be submitted to because
God has ordained them.
• 1st Peter 2:13-17
Peter echoed his fellow apostle, teaching that honor
is owed to those in power. Accordingly, breaking
the law must not be tolerated.
RIOTS ARE INEXCUSABLE
• Ephesians 4:26-27, 31
Anger should be controlled.
• Genesis 6:11-13; Romans 1:30
Violence is unconscionable. It is the very
reason God once destroyed the world.
• Exodus 23:2
It is stupid and dangerous to follow the
crowd.
RIOTS ARE INEXCUSABLE
• Acts 19:23-31--Scripture does record a riot occurring
once in Ephesus.
• It was quelled through calm reasoning.
• The city clerk reminded the rioters that if their case was
so obviously true, then nothing could successfully
oppose it.
• He told the mob that if their case was valid, then the
courts were the appropriate recourse.
• He further informed them that their gathering in such a
fashion was, itself, illegal.
• Leaders like this man should apply the same rationale
in modern circumstances.
RIOTS ARE INEXCUSABLE
• Matthew 27:22-26; Mark 15:15
Unfortunately, few civic leaders are as wise as was the
clerk in Ephesus.
• Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, was a coward, willing
to capitulate to the bloodthirsty crowd.
• Fearing the tumult that was rising, he gave up Jesus
Christ to crucifixion.
• This is the danger of a riot – that innocents will suffer,
and not just directly at the hands of the rebels, but by
the acquiescence of those charged with leading.
CRIMINALS DESERVE PUNISHMENT
• 1st Peter 2:20
Those who have committed crimes have no reason
to complain when they are punished.
• Acts 25:11
Those who haven’t perpetrated evil do not deserve
punishment, but that possibility doesn’t make
criminal prosecution invalid.
• Ecclesiastes 8:11
In fact, punishment against wickedness must be
swift to serve as a deterrent for others.
AUTHORITIES ARE NOT ABOVE THE
LAW
• Luke 3:7-14
When John preached repentance, sinners wanted to
hear applications.
• Specifically, civil servants inquired about their own
circumstances. Tax collectors were told to be
honest, and soldiers were told not to intimidate.
• This very teaching implies there is a tendency on
the part of those in power to abuse such power.
• Leviticus 19:15; Proverbs 24:23-24
Partiality must not enter into the administration of
justice. Facts should prevail, not sentiment.
AUTHORITIES ARE NOT ABOVE THE
LAW
• Deuteronomy 19:15-21
A guilty verdict requires the testimony of no less than
two witnesses.
• It is a shame that crimes are prosecuted in modern
times on circumstantial evidence, single witness
testimony, or the testimony of so-called “expert
witnesses” who are not “witnesses” in the strict
definition of being “eyewitnesses”.
• In the event of false testimony, the perjurer must be
sentenced to the punishment that would have befallen
the accused.
RACISM IS INEXCUSABLE
• Genesis 1:26-27; Acts 17:26-28
Because God made all men and women in His own
image and likeness, it necessarily follows that every
man and woman is deserving of the respect
afforded their origin.
• God made us all of one blood, and simply expects
us all to seek Him out.
• This is what matters – that we all search God out.
• Larry King—radio talk show host: “racism is dumb”.
RACISM IS INEXCUSABLE
• Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28
In Christ it matters not that we are of different races,
cultures, genders, or socio-economic status.
• Having Christ in common is all we should care about.
• Acts 8:26-40
Notice that one early convert to the gospel was an
Ethiopian.
• His skin had no bearing on his obedience to the gospel.
• Numbers 12:1; Jeremiah 13:23
Moses was in an interracial marriage.
• It upset his family, but they were wrong.
JUSTICE WILL TRIUMPH IN THE END
• Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Regardless of what justice or injustice occurs
under the sun, God will ultimately judge every
secret.
• Romans 2:16
No one will get away with their crimes or any
sins when Christ has the final say.
• 1st Corinthians 4:5
May we all rely on God’s justice to prevail.
Conclusion
• It seems there is no end to those willing to
cause conflict.
• Especially when it is underserved.
• There will always be agitators to provoke
crowds to do things in the name of justice.
• A Christian cannot and should not participate
in such actions.
• God will sort it out in the end.