Justice by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Justice INTRODUCTION

ou have 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.) A Secret Sin Revealed

JUSTICE Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws 1

Justice Overview What is Justice? Read aloud, study, and discuss what justice means and how it applies to life.

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 our decisions on the feelings and emotions of fairness, “A false balance is abomination you can base your decisions to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight” (Proverbs 11:1). on what God’s Word says.

he operational definition of justice is “personal responsibility to 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, “Judge not according to the appearance, based on the law. but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). 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.

Justice in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept. the unjust in order to lead them to God.

my words, and hide my commandments with

(See I Peter 3:18.)

thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and

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The outpouring of the Holy Spirit results in

apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest

judgment and righteousness in the land.

after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for under-

(See Isaiah 32:15–16.)

standing; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand

JUSTICE IN MY LIFE

the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh

out justice daily.

knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you,

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(See Exodus 18:21–22.) •

THE CHARACTER OF GOD We see examples of justice in God’s character in the

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God is an impartial judge Who is just and right

II Timothy 2:24–25.) •

What is given to those who take responsibility for their actions? (See Proverbs 28:13.)

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What will I be able to do for others if I am living according to God’s Word myself? (See Matthew 7:5.)

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What Biblical truth should I apply to my

in all His judgments. (See Deuteronomy 32:4;

thoughts, words, and actions? (See Philippians 4:8;

Romans 2:11.)

James 1:26; I Timothy 6:11.)

God’s justice brings praise and rejoicing to the nations under His rule. (See Psalm 67:3–4.)

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What is my response when I see others opposing authority? (See Proverbs 24:21–22;

following ways: •

How can I gain a true understanding of God’s laws? (See I Chronicles 22:12; Psalm 119:15.)

your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

What are the qualities of a good judge?

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How should I relate to those in legal authority over me? (See Titus 3:1.)

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.)

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

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;

(See Isaiah 9:6–7.)

and what doth the Lord require of thee, but

Jesus did not take matters into His own hands

to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk

but committed Himself to His Father Who judges righteously. (See I Peter 2:21–23.) •

JUSTICE KEY VERSE

humbly with thy God?” MICAH 6:8

roverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive

Jesus is our example of the just suffering for

Bible Story A SECRET SIN REVEALED

fter Peter’s powerful sermon on Pentecost, 3,000

he had his own, and as they sold their belongings,

people were saved, baptized, and added to the

they brought the money to the apostles for distribu-

church in Jerusalem. Soon thereafter, a lame beggar

tion. One of those who sold his land was Barnabas, a

at the Temple gate was miraculously healed in the

disciple who would later accompany Paul on his first

name of Jesus. Onlookers immediately recognized

missionary journey. Two others, a husband and wife

God’s power, and 5,000 more people believed that

in the Jerusalem church, also decided to sell their

day. The church continued to flourish. Each day,

land and give to the Lord. Did this couple truly fear

believers met in homes to share meals together.

God? Were they aware that He knows and sees every-

They demonstrated their sincere faith in God by

thing, even the hidden matters of the heart? Did they

selling their land and possessions and giving to those

realize that they would have to answer to Him for

among them who were in need. No one called what

every word and deed?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read Acts 5:1–11 together and discuss the following questions:

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’ 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’ sin? (See Acts 5:5.)

What are ways you may learn God’s laws so you 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; Proverbs 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?

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

Memory Verse MICAH 6:8

Play the game together to help the children commit Micah 6:8 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“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.”

MEMORY VERSE GAME

DOERS OF THE WORD

Hand Motions

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

Work with the children to think of hand motions to illustrate the meaning of the verse. A suggestion is as follows:

applied in your life, e.g., “make the right choices,” or “show kindness to my little brother,” or “be willing to learn from God’s Word.”

“He hath shewed thee, O man”— Put forth your hands as if you are holding something to show others.

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to

“what is good”— Turn hands to give two thumbs up.

__________________________________________

“and what doth the Lord require of thee”— Point upward toward heaven and then outward toward others.

��.

“but to do justly”— Make a fist and pound it once on your open palm, like a gavel. “and to love mercy”— Make a heart with your hands. “and to walk humbly with thy God”— Walk two fingers of one hand across the palm of your other hand.

apply this verse. Help me to _________________

I ask that You would develop justice in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

MICAH 6:8

Activity GOD SEES EVERYTHING INTRODUCTION During this character study we are asking the Lord to develop justice in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! When we realize that we will answer to God, we will be motivated to do what is right in His eyes. Today we are going to see that everything—each thought, motive, attitude, word, and action—is seen and known by the Lord.

Supplies:

and you know that because God is perfect and holy,

Small blocks

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Masking tape

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Permanent marker

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Plastic wrap

He must render the consequences that sin requires.

Instructions Use the permanent marker and masking tape to label one block “obedience” and place it on the table. This block represents what we do in obedience to God. When you are doing what is right, God’s presence is a delight, strength, and comfort. You can be assured that your obedience will be rewarded, and you can be glad for Him to see what you are doing! Label the other block “sin” and place it on the table. When you do what you know is wrong and remember that God is watching you, feelings of guilt and dread rise within you. Your fellowship with God is broken,

Cover each block with plastic wrap as if trying to hide them. Trying to hide your sin from God to escape punishment would be like trying to hide the “sin” block under plastic wrap. God can see it anyway! Nothing can be hidden from God. He knows everything, even your thoughts. When we realize that we must answer to Almighty God for what we think, say, and do, we will be motivated to do what is right. This awareness that God is holy and just and must judge sin is called “the fear of the Lord.” Proverbs 16:6 says that “by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” I’m going to write some specific wrongs on more sin blocks. You may write the opposite, right action on more obedience blocks. (Examples may be speaking harsh/kind words, ignoring/helping a neighbor, thinking vengeful/forgiving thoughts, telling a lie/telling the truth.) Let’s place the blocks under the plastic wrap as a reminder that God sees everything—both the good and the bad! Now look up the following verses to find other benefits of fearing the Lord: II KINGS 17:39

PSALM 103:11–13

PROVERBS 14:26

PSALM 25:12–14

PSALM 128:1–4

PROVERBS 19:23

PSALM 31:19

PROVERBS 9:10

PROVERBS 22:4

PSALM 34:9

PROVERBS 10:27

MALACHI 3:16–17

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

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Craft FIGHT EVIL, NOT PEOPLE INTRODUCTION During this character study we are asking the Lord to develop justice in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to play a game to remind us that our goal is to fight sin, not people.

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Small plastic ball

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Large cardboard box

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4 small paper or styrofoam cups

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Black permanent markers

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Yarn

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Scissors

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Score pad and pen

Instructions On one long side of the box, cut off the flap. Set the box with the “flapless” side up. Cut four slits, about five inches long, in the top side of the box. Next have the children color the outside of two of the cups with the black markers. These cups represent sin, evil, and the darkness of this world. On the other two cups, have the children draw a stick person. Cut a small slit in the bottom of each of the four cups. Insert one end of the yarn through the bottom of a cup and tie a knot on the inside of the cup so that the yarn will not slip back through. Thread the other end of the yarn through the first slit in the topside of the box. Tie a knot in the yarn on the outside of the box, so that the cup is now hanging in the box. Repeat with each cup, alternating the dark and “people” cups. Set your box on a table holding your “targets.” Use tape to mark a line on the floor two to three feet from

Stand behind this line and throw the ball, but be careful that you aim at the right target! If you hit a “darkness of this world” cup, you gain 100 points. If you hit a “people” cup, then you lose 100 points. Whoever gets the most points wins. We often think that people are the cause of our problems. When we think people are the problem, we can become angry or resentful toward them when they do wrong against us or others. We may want to get revenge or fight against them and not see their need to be restored to God. Even though people may misunderstand us, rob us, slander us, or attack us, they are not the real enemy! God tells us in Ephesians 6:12–13 that people are not the problem; Satan, sin, and darkness are! We must fight the real enemy with our weapons of prayer and truth, and desire to see people find life in Christ. Remember: Satan is the real enemy! Take aim and fight evil, not people!

Supplies:

the table.

A Secret Sin Revealed

“Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:4). 8

Hymn History “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” Sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and read about the justice proclaimed by the hymn writer, Edward Perronet. Rev. Scott suddenly found himself surrounded by a

and able to pierce men’s hearts. While the Holy

large, hostile group of warriors! Their sharp spears

Spirit uses His Word to convict men of sin, righteous-

were all pointed at him. Expecting to be speared at

ness, and judgment, He sometimes uses other means

any moment, Rev. Scott slowly pulled his violin from

as well. Such was the case of Edward Perronet’s hymn,

his pack, breathed a prayer to the Lord, and with

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”

his eyes closed, began to play his instrument while

Several hundred years ago, India was an unreached

singing Mr. Perronet’s hymn, “All Hail the Power of

land, filled with severe dangers to the missionaries

Jesus’ Name.” As he waited for his death by those

who ventured into its depths to spread the Gospel of

tribesman’s deadly spears, he sang:

Jesus Christ. In the cities, the priests and temples of

Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all Majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all!

the demonic religions put up fierce opposition. In the wild, the tribes of headhunters dwelt in spiritual darkness, threatening those who would come near. Still, missionaries continued to travel to this pagan country, hoping to bring the Good News. Rev. E. P. Scott was one such brave missionary. Edward Perronet (1726–1792)

After seven years ministering in India in the

Rev. Scott slowly opened his eyes and looked around. All the spears were lowered, and some of the savage warriors were even crying! They had been touched by the power of God! Rev. Scott spent the next two years leading them to Christ, showing them how God’s justice and mercy are intertwined to provide us salvation. The hymn writer, Mr. Perronet, also ministered to the unsaved as did Rev. Scott. In his earlier years he worked alongside the Wesleys, preaching the message of God’s justice and salvation.

villages, he encountered a tribesman, and the Holy

Are you willing to let God work through your life to

Spirit filled his heart to go to the man’s tribe. When

make His ways known? May our lives be examples

he announced his decision to visit this savage tribe,

and our words helpful to those who want to know

his friends begged him not to go. However, he knew

how to live in accordance with the unchanging laws

he must. Following several days of strenuous hiking,

of God.

elievers know that God’s Word is living and active

Hymn Sheet Music

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

James Ellor (1819-1899)

       

1.All 2.Ye 3.Let 4.O

hail cho ev that

   

name! race, tribe, throng

 

 

 

Let Ye On We

    

an ran this at

    



an ran this at





 

the sen 'ry with

 

      

    

 



 

 

pros gels somed from ter - res feet His

 



   

pow'r seed kin yon

Je Is ev sa

  





   



 

gels somed ter His

pros - trate from the res - trial feet may

 

 

trate the trial may



of of dred, der

  



fall; fall; ball; fall!

 



 

Bring Hail To We'll

 

sus' rael's 'ry cred





 

fall, fall, ball, fall,



    

forth Him Him join



 

Let Ye On We

 

the who all the



Edward Perronet (1726-1792)

roy saves maj ev

           

crown crown

 -

al you es er

 

di by ty last

 



a His as ing

  -

 

     

 

 



dem, grace, cribe, song,

       

       

Him,

crown

            



    

    

crown Him,

crown

  

And



 

Him,

      

crown Him,

crown

               

crown Him, crown Him, And crown Him Lord

   of

                               crown Him,

Him,

all.

 

     

Word Search Answer Key

V L G D Y Y T S E Q E W A I

Q T N P P T O W E H H B O O

F A T G R I A A H A S Q P A

O H U M B L Y L T S U J L N

E W G G K I E H Z N M A N D

V M R O T B T J C C N D O T

O H T O D I U H G O X G H P

Recommended Resources

L O R D W S A T S J F F W X

T Y P O T N A R H A O B Q U

C W S I G O E Y Z Y F S H I

V Q C I D P E C Y T K W K C

K E N B V S H R H E J W G F

B G P S H E W E D U U M K R

R E Q U I R E M M M C K T Y

Hymn History Bibliography

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2019 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

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Hymns for the Family CDs (“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 4.)

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The Power for True Success

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Character Cards

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Character Cards Memory Game

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Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

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Achieving True Success

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The Unexpected Enemy of Justice and Mercy

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The Overlooked Requirements for Riches, Honor and Life

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“Sinning Against Great Light” (Message by Dr. S. M. Davis, available at embassymedia.com.)

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“Biblical Christian” (Message by Doug Small, available at embassymedia.com.)

BJU Press, Greenville, SC, 1986, pp. 26–27. Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 23–24. Petersen, Randy, Be Still My Soul, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL, 2014, p. 15.

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

Johnson, Guye, Treasury of Great Hymns and Their Stories,