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INTRODUCTION

JUSTICEPersonal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws

INTRODUCTION

Justice

You have done some-thing 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 accept-ed 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

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Justice Overview

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

The 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, 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. Like-wise, 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 expec-tation, 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 differ-ent amounts of food, and any extra would be wasted. Fairness is usually demand-ed by people who want benefits without accepting the responsibilities that normally yield those bene-fits. Rather than basing our decisions on the feelings and emotions of fairness, you can base your decisions on what God’s Word says.

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

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

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Justice in ScriptureRead aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

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

my words, and hide my commandments with

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

apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest

after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for under-

standing; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest

for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand

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

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh

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,

your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He

will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GODWe 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.)

JUSTICE IN MY LIFENow 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.)

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

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Bible StoryA 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 distribu-tion. 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 to the Lord. Did this couple truly fear God? Were they aware that He knows and sees every-thing, even the hidden matters of the heart? Did they realize that they would have to answer to Him for every word and deed?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONSRead Acts 5:1–11 together and 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’ 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?

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Memory VerseMICAH 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.”MICAH 6:8

DOERS OF THE WORDIn the blank below, write how this verse could be 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.”

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

MEMORY VERSE GAME

Hand MotionsWork with the children to think of hand motions to illus-trate the meaning of the verse. A suggestion is as follows:

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

“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.

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Activity GOD SEES EVERYTHING

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

INTRODUCTIONDuring 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:• Small blocks• Masking tape• Permanent marker• Plastic wrap

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,

and you know that because God is perfect and holy, He must render the consequences that sin requires.

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 every-thing, 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, think-ing 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 25:12–14

PSALM 31:19

PSALM 34:9

PSALM 103:11–13

PSALM 128:1–4

PROVERBS 9:10

PROVERBS 10:27

PROVERBS 14:26

PROVERBS 19:23

PROVERBS 22:4

MALACHI 3:16–17

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CraftFIGHT EVIL, NOT PEOPLE

INTRODUCTIONDuring 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.

Supplies:• Small plastic ball• Large cardboard box• 4 small paper or styrofoam cups• Black permanent markers• Yarn• Scissors• 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 the table.

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 prob-lem; 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!

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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).

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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.

Believers know that God’s Word is living and active and able to pierce men’s hearts. While the Holy

Spirit uses His Word to convict men of sin, righteous-ness, and judgment, He sometimes uses other means as well. Such was the case of Edward Perronet’s hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”

Several hundred years ago, India was an unreached land, filled with severe dangers to the missionaries who ventured into its depths to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the cities, the priests and temples of

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. After seven years min-istering in India in the

villages, he encountered a tribesman, and the Holy Spirit filled his heart to go to the man’s tribe. When he announced his decision to visit this savage tribe, his friends begged him not to go. However, he knew he must. Following several days of strenuous hiking,

Rev. Scott suddenly found himself surrounded by a large, hostile group of warriors! Their sharp spears were all pointed at him. Expecting to be speared at any moment, Rev. Scott slowly pulled his violin from his pack, breathed a prayer to the Lord, and with his eyes closed, began to play his instrument while singing Mr. Perronet’s hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” As he waited for his death by those tribesman’s deadly spears, he sang:

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

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.

Are you willing to let God work through your life to make His ways known? May our lives be examples and our words helpful to those who want to know how to live in accordance with the unchanging laws of God.

Edward Perronet (1726–1792)

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Hymn Sheet Music

2.Ye1.All

4.O3.Let

cho -ev -that

hail thesen'rywith

pow'rseedkin -yon -

ofofdred,der

Je -Is -ev -sa -

sus'rael's'rycred

name!

tribe,race,

throng

LetYeOnWe

an -ran -thisat

gelssomedter -His

pros -fromres -feet

tratethetrialmay

fall,fall,ball,fall,

LetYeOnWe

an -

thisat

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pros -fromres -feet

tratethetrialmay

fall;fall;ball;fall!

BringHailToWe'll

forthHimHimjoin

thewhoallthe

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ NameJames Ellor (1819-1899)

©

Edward Perronet (1726-1792)

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roy -savesmaj -ev -

alyoues -er -

bytylast -

di -Hisas -ing

a -

dem,grace,cribe,song,

And

crown

crown

Him,

crown Him,

crown Him,

crown

Him,

Him,

crown

crown

crown

Him,

Him,

crown Him,

crown Him, And

Him,

crown Him

Lord of

all.

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Word Search Answer Key

Hymn History BibliographyJohnson, Guye, Treasury of Great Hymns and Their Stories,

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.

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Recommended Resources• 2019 Biblical Character Illustrated

Calendar

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

• The Power for True Success

• Character Cards

• Character Cards Memory Game

• Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

• Achieving True Success

• The Unexpected Enemy of Justice and Mercy

• The Overlooked Requirements for Riches, Honor and Life

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

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

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

store.iblp.org