BCIC Justice Sample

Justice

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

MICAH 6:8

A SECRET SIN REVEALED

“And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.”

ACTS 5:5

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life SPIRITUAL GIFT: Mercy

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith. This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

The

character of

God

is illustrated in Scripture. May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview

What Is Justice?

Read aloud and discuss what justice means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of justice is “personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws.” The word justice usually brings to mind judges, courtrooms, and police officers. However, justice goes beyond the duty of God-given rulers to govern citizens by man’s law and extends to the duty of every individual to govern himself righteously in light of God’s Law. In order to become familiar with God’s laws and principles, we must diligently read and meditate on His Word. A judge considers all the evidence before him and reaches a verdict, or conclusion, based on the law. In the same way, you can carefully evaluate the factors of each situation you encounter and make your decision according to God’s Word. King Solomon wisely asked God for a heart to judge the people by discerning right from wrong (I Kings 3:9). We can have peace and security knowing that God’s Word does not change as cultural standards, preferences, and even man’s laws, vary over time.

The opposite of justice is corruption. A corrupt judge is one who is willing to allow bribery, partiality, or personal gain influence his decision in a case. Likewise, a person with a lifestyle that violates or distorts God’s laws without remorse or repentance is corrupt. Such a person makes his choices based on that which pleases him rather than on that which pleases the Lord.

A society lacking proper justice tends to oppress the poor and vulnerable because those in power are not held accountable for how they use their authority. You can avoid corruption by living in accordance with God’s laws and being quick to confess and make amends when you disobey His clear direction to you.

Justice is often confused with fairness. While justice is impartial and based on stated standards of expectation, fairness tends to be based on inconsistent emotions, personal experiences, or popular opinions. Justice delivers clearly defined consequences—rewards and penalties—for one’s actions, while fairness may yield the same results for everyone regardless of their actions. For example, when distributing food, fairness would require each person be given an equal share. However, when God gave the Israelites food (manna) in the wilderness, He instructed each person to gather only as much as he could eat. (See Exodus 16:16.) He recognized that each person’s body needs different amounts of food, and any extra would be wasted. Fairness is usually demanded by people who want benefits without accepting the responsibilities that normally yield those benefits. Rather than basing your decisions on the feelings and emotions of fairness, you can base your decisions on what God’s Word says.

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight” (Proverbs 11:1).

4

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

Justice in Scripture

As you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

JUSTICE KEY VERSE

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” MICAH 6:8

Justice in My Life

We see examples of justice in God’s character in the following ways:

• God is an impartial judge Who is just and right in all His judgments.

(See Deuteronomy 32:4, Romans 2:11.)

• God’s justice brings praise and rejoicing to the nations under His rule.

(See Psalm 67:3–4.)

• Jesus explained the correct applications of God’s commands, teaching the spirit, or broader intent, behind the letter of the Law.

(See Matthew 5:20–22.)

• Long before His birth, it was prophesied that Jesus would establish His Kingdom with justice.

(See Isaiah 9:6–7.)

• Jesus did not take matters into His own hands but committed Himself to His Father Who judges righteously.

(See I Peter 2:21–23.)

• Jesus is our Example of the just suffering for the unjust in order to lead them to God.

(See I Peter 3:18.)

• The outpouring of the Holy Spirit results in judgment and righteousness in the land.

(See Isaiah 32:15–16.)

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out justice daily.

• What are the qualities of a good judge?

(See Exodus 18:21–22.)

• How can I gain a true understanding of God’s laws?

(See I Chronicles 22:12, Psalm 119:15.)

• What is my response when I see others opposing authority?

(See Proverbs 24:21–22, II Timothy 2:24–25.)

• What is given to those who take responsibility for their actions?

(See Proverbs 28:13.)

• What will I be able to do for others if I am living according to God’s Word myself?

(See Matthew 7:5.)

• What Biblical truth should I apply to my thoughts, words, and actions?

(See Philippians 4:8, James 1:26, I Timothy 6:11.)

• How should I relate to those in legal authority over me?

(See Titus 3:1.)

5

Realize That I Will Answer to Him

Youhave done something wrong, and Dad will be home soon. What will happen when Dad finds out? You feel dread rising within you because you know your dad will not be pleased. This “fear” can be likened to the “fear of the Lord.” Such a reverence for God and awareness of His holy presence both motivate you to do right and to quickly repent when you do wrong. One day you will give account to God for your words and actions. If by faith you have not accepted that Jesus took God’s judgment for your sins, you will take the penalty yourself for all eternity. If you have accepted Christ as Savior, you will give account for your deeds, both good and bad, and receive your just rewards. (See II Corinthians 5:10.)

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

6

JUSTICE

INTRODUCTION GOD ENABLES ME TO

A Secret Sin Revealed

BIBLE STORY A Secret Sin Revealed

After Peter’s powerful sermon on Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved, baptized, and added to the church in Jerusalem. Soon thereafter, a lame beggar at the Temple gate was miraculously healed in the name of Jesus. Onlookers immediately recognized God’s power, and 5,000 more people believed that day. The church continued to flourish. Each day, believers met in homes to share meals together. They demonstrated their sincere faith in God by selling their land and possessions and giving to those among them who were in need. No one called what he had his own, and as they sold their belongings,

they brought the money to the apostles for distribution. One of those who sold his land was Barnabas, a disciple who would later accompany Paul on his first missionary journey. Two others, a husband and wife in the Jerusalem church, also decided to sell their land and give the money to the Lord. Did this couple truly fear God? Were they aware that He knows and sees everything, even the hidden matters of the heart? Did they realize that they would have to answer to Him for their every word and deed?

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 5:1–11 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What did a couple named Ananias and Sapphira do that appeared good? What were they hiding? (See Acts 5:1–2.)

What is more important than appearing good to others? (See John 12:42–43.)

2. What did Peter ask Ananias? What sin was Ananias guilty of committing? (See Acts 5:3.) Even though someone purposes to hide his sin, what will eventually result? (See Numbers 32:23.)

3. From where did Peter say that Ananias’s idea to lie originate? To Whom did Ananias answer for his deception? (See Acts 5:4.)

Why is it important to deal immediately with sinful thoughts? (See Proverbs 4:23.) To Whom will you one day answer for any lies you have told? (See I Corinthians 3:13.)

4. How did God deal with Ananias’s sin? (See Acts 5:5.)

What are ways you may learn God’s laws so you can do what is right and avoid the consequences of sin? (See Psalm 119:11–18.)

5. What did Peter ask Sapphira when she came? What did she do with her opportunity to tell the truth? (See Acts 5:7–8.)

When you are deciding if you will lie or tell the truth, what would motivate you to do what is right? (See Proverbs 12:13, 16:6.)

6. What happened to Sapphira for participating in her husband’s sin? (See Acts 5:9–10.)

If someone else entices you to sin, will you still be held accountable for what you do? How should you respond to the invitation? (See Proverbs 1:10, 15.)

7. What effect did the consequences of Ananias and Sapphira’s sin have on others? (See Acts 5:11.)

What can you say or do to help others understand that they will someday answer to God?

7

LESSON 1 Realize That I Will Answer to Him

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

SAVE 20% on any individual Biblical Character Illustrated booklets

Use coupon: BCICBOOKLET

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!